The opening session kicked off with a keynote speech from Temple Grandin, author and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. As a world-renowned animal advocate, Grandin has been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs that are used by McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, and other corporations. She spoke to the group about cattle and sustainability practices.
The second keynote speaker was Braxten Nielsen, a motivational speaker, who shared how he has overcome setbacks and challenges related to a rodeo accident that almost left him permanently paralyzed. Nielsen shared the importance of hard work, being resilient and how to keep positive.
Other conference programming focused on sessions to motivate and prepare young agriculture professionals for success as their careers develop. Breakout sessions focused on hot topics in the ag industry, including water rights, cattle risk management, biosecurity, AI and farming, mental health and more.
Additionally, INFB offered industry tours and a community service activity as part of the conference agenda. Industry tours included trips to Tulip Tree Creamery (Indianapolis), Smoking Goose Meatery (Indianapolis), Beck’s Hybrids (Atlanta, Indiana), Fisher’s AgriPark (Fishers, Indiana) and West Fork Whiskey (Westfield, Indiana). Attendees could also choose to volunteer their time and make blankets to donate to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Alongside keynote and breakout sessions, county YF&AP programs were honored for their accomplishments in 2024.
Farm Bureaus in Kosciusko and Dubois counties were the winners of Awakening Awards, which recognized county YF&AP programs that were new or had not applied for the contest in the last three years.
County YF&AP programs also were recognized for their contributions to Feeding America, a nonprofit with a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that provide meals to tens of millions of people in need every year. Kosciusko County Farm Bureau was recognized for donating over $3,000 to Feeding America in 2024.
In addition, a new state YF&AP chair, vice chair and secretary took office at the conference. Molley Hasenour of Dubois County will serve as chair for 2025, Katie Pennington of Hendricks County will serve as vice chair and Payton Sinders of Clay County will serve as secretary. The committee also welcomed the following district YF&AP leaders to serve two-year terms.
- District 4: Vince and Amie Osborn, Miami County
- District 6: Kylie Wheeler, Henry County
- District 10: Cameron Yundt, Scott County
For more information on the program, visit www.infb.org/YFAP.
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