Media Release: Indiana’s Family of Farmers Celebrate National Ag Week

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 14, 2016) – Indiana’s farmers and ag leaders are doing their part this week to help Hoosiers understand the important role agriculture as we celebrate national Ag Week 2016 with the theme of “Stewards of a Healthy Planet.” Ag Week is March 13-19 and Indiana’s Family of Farmers is commemorating the week through sharing stories and facts about the many ways Indiana’s agricultural community stewards the environment.

Follow along with Indiana’s Family of Farmers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FamilyofFarmers and on Twitter using @FamilyofFarmers.

“Agriculture has been a vital part of Indiana’s history since the state’s establishment 200 years ago,” said Joe Steinkamp, president of Indiana Soybean Alliance and farmer from Evansville, Ind. “The agricultural community continues to play an important role not only in Indiana’s economy and culture, but also the stewardship of Indiana’s natural resources and environment.”

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Quotes from Indiana agricultural organizations:

·         “Farmers care deeply about the land, the animals, the water and the air for which they are responsible. Every farmer wants to leave his or her little piece of this Earth in better shape than he or she found it. It’s our legacy, and we know how priceless it is.” Randy Kron of Evansville, Ind., president of Indiana Farm Bureau

·         “Indiana farmers are dedicated to feeding this growing world population. This dedication is equaled only by their commitment to protecting the land that makes it possible.  As stewards of a healthy planet, they care for the soil that provides us food, fuel and clothes.” Jane Hardisty, Indiana NRCS State Conservationist

·         “Though each farmer’s conservation plan is unique, managing for soil health is one of the most effective ways to improve the environment while increasing crop productivity and profitability.  Implementing this approach not only results in healthy soil that reduces erosion, requires less nutrient inputs, manages the effects of extreme weather, and reduces nutrient and sediment loading to streams and rivers but it also optimizes the farmer’s inputs, sustains outputs and increases resiliency.  Likewise, farmers who work towards healthy soil on their farm will ultimately have a positive impact on climate change when incorporating cover crops and no-till into their conservation plan.” Jane Hardisty, Indiana NRCS State Conservationist

·         “Indiana’s pig farmers are using the best practices to ensure safe, affordable pork for consumers to enjoy.  Pig farms use less land and energy than ever before.  Many modern pig farms also specialize in a particular time frame of a pig’s life cycle to provide the best care possible.” Jason Slaton of Atlanta, Ind., president of Indiana Pork

·         “Agriculture has been a vital part of Indiana’s history since the state’s establishment 200 years ago. The agricultural community continues to play an important role in Indiana’s economy and culture, but also the stewardship of Indiana’s natural resources and environment.” Joe Steinkamp, president of Indiana Soybean Alliance and farmer from Evansville, Ind.

·         “With such diversity, Sennett Cattle Company has flourished in an environment of scrutiny and is able to be sustainable due to environmental and stewardship practices. Implementing rotational grazing, manure management, wildlife habitat restoration and minimum/no-till planting practices, has allowed them to be economically sustainable.” Clark Sennett of Waynetown, Ind. was the recipient of the National Environmental Stewardship Award given by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: The diverse cattle/farming operation also consists of a fenced wooded acreage and ponds to provide valuable habitat for wildlife.

·         “Among many programs at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the most predominant effort related to ‘Stewards of a Healthy Planet’ involves our Division of Soil Conservation. They work very closely with the Indiana Conservation Partnership, who are both raising the bar to improve overall water quality and soil health in Indiana. Countless families, as well as our economy, rely on Indiana’s natural resources, so we must remain good stewards of the land to ensure that those resources exist for future generations.” Ted McKinney, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

About Indiana’s Family of Farmers: Indiana's Family of Farmers was formed in 2009. Its purpose is to bring awareness that Indiana's farmers are among the top producers of grains, produce and meats you eat every day because we believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your families and the environment. Learn more at www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

IFOF Celebrates Ag Day at Statehouse

Organizations affiliated with Indiana’s Family of Farmers celebrated National Ag Day at the Statehouse. The group hosted a luncheon for legislators and staff while celebrating the role of farmers in the state.

“Let’s lift up all farmers,” said Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney. “As we continue to progress in Indiana agriculture, let’s lift up the entire food chain. Let’s start before the farm gate and let’s celebrate past the consumer plate.”

The event featured a brief program. Members of the Indiana FFA state officer team read a proclamation signed by Governor Mike Pence declaring March as Ag Month in Indiana. The group recognized Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee chairwoman Jean Leising and House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee chairman Don Lehe as special guests.

Winners of the group’s essay contest were also recognized. The essay asked, “What are the benefits of Indiana agriculture?” Each winner received a $250 cash prize. In the 4th-6th grade category, Kendall Cash of Derby, Ind., took first place. Cash is a 4th grader at Perry Central Community School. She is the daughter of Calvin and Kelly Cash. Levi Spurgeon, a freshman at Indian Creek High School, won the 7th-9th grade category. Spurgeon is the son of Amy and Mathew Spurgeon of Trafalgar, Ind. The winner of the 10th-12th place category was Emily Dougherty of Greenwood. Dougherty is a junior at Whiteland Community High School. Her parents are Amy and Matt Dougherty.


National Ag Day is celebrated every year on or around the first day of spring.

Celebrating Agriculture with Indiana Bloggers

Today is National Ag Day, a day for farmers and everyone who eats to celebrate all that agriculture gives us.  Governor Pence declared the entire month of March as Indiana’s Agriculture Appreciation Month, and we celebrated on March 5^th by inviting our friends to join us at the State House.

Here’s what some of our blogger friends had to say about their day with cupcakes, the governor, great food truck food, and lots of agriculture at the State House.

Jen at 4tunate talks about getting eating by an orchid and farmers as local heroes.

Ann-Marie at Chaos is Bliss shares her thoughts on how food gets from tractor to truck to table.

Katy at Indy with Kids chats about her parents’ ties to agriculture and how she is teaching her kids about where their food comes from.

Crystal at Mom for Less sampled delicious food and met with people ranging from sixth generation farmers to Governor Pence during her day at the State House.

Cherie of Queen of Free grew up in a farming community and reflects on a fun day at the State House here.

Jacqueline shares her appreciation for Indiana farmers and highlight of that day at Writ Rams.

We’re so glad we could spend the day with these lovely ladies at the State House- connecting Indiana bloggers and their readers to agriculture!  

Also in attendance that day were our friends from The Real Farmwives of America and Friends were also there to celebrate with us! 

Join these ladies on their facebook page as a great way to connect to agriculture everyday!

How are you celebrating agriculture this month?

Thanks to Heather at Basilmomma for helping us celebrate although she could not be there.

NEWS RELEASE: Indy Food Trucks and Indiana's Family of Farmers Served up a Tasty Celebration for National Ag Day and Nutrition Month!

INDIANAPOLIS (March 9, 2012) -  Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFOF) and six of Indy’s tastiest Food Trucks did not let rain dampen their serving up a celebration at From Tractor To Truck yesterday at the Indiana Government Center for National Ag Day and Nutrition Month!

 

They were joined by Ag Essay Contest winners with moms, dads and teachers; Indiana Farmers; Legislators; Indiana Agriculture Director Joe Kelsay; Indiana’s Family of Farmers Representatives; Indiana Humanities Representatives; FFA Officers and Food Truck followers. 

We would thank our participating Food Trucks and their Celebrity Food Truck Partners: 

• Chikage Windler from the Skytrak Weather Team of WTHR (@ChikageWTHR) Scratch Truck @scratchtruck
• Tracy Forner from WISH-TV’s Indy Style (@IndyStyle) Scout’s Treats (@scoutstreats)
• Dave O’Brien Morning Host of Hank FM (@HankFM) Tacos without Borders (@tacoswoborders)
• Deb Honeycutt from WFMS Morning show (@WFMS) The New York Slice (@TheNYslice)
• Bill Remeika, Fox 59 Traffic Reporter (@bremeikaFox59) West Coast Tacos (@westcoasttacos)
• Danielle The Face of MyINDY-TV 23 (@FaceofMyINDY) Some of this! Some of That! (@sotsot1) 

In addition, thanks to MacAllister Equipment Sales and Keevin Lemenager, who generously loaned his a Caterpillar Challenger, 675D tractor for the event.

And we would also like to recognize and thank the Indiana State Motor Pool for their help with the safe housing of the tractor, Officer Brad Mundy and the Indiana State Police for escorting it safely from Motor Pool to South Senate and Tracy Jones and her crew with the State House Events and Tours for all their help and creativity.

Thanks also to Piazza Produce and Prairie Farms for their donation of milk, apples and carrots in front of each Food Truck to help Get Your Plate in Shape! 

Congratulations to our Ag Essay Winners!  

IFOF (@FamilyofFarmers), along with Indiana Humanities, (@INHumanities) recognized six Hoosier students for their winning essays in the 2^nd Annual Ag Essay Contest titled “Our Food, Our Farmers." This year’s contest explored Indiana’s role as a global agricultural leader. 

Click here for a look at photos from the day.

Indiana Farm Family Celebrates Ag Day

By Sarah Mahan

Ag Day holds a special place in the hearts of the Campbell family from Franklin, Indiana.  Jennifer (Jent) and her husband Chris, along with their kids: Casey, 16; Emi Lou, 12; and Cole, 9, farm approximately 2000 acres of corn and soybeans as well as 40 acres of wheat. They also own and operate a farrow to finish hog operation with 110 sows.  They have a small cow/calf operation.  Chris is the sixth generation to live and work on the farm.    

Jent and Chris strive to instill hard working values and a respect for the land and agriculture in their kids.  They allow the kids to work beside them every day with hopes that someday it will pay off but Jent says, “What they do with that knowledge is up to them.”

This is the first year that all three of the Campbell kids will be in 4-H.  They are all involved in the Johnson County Jr. Beef Association.  Casey is very active in FFA and serves on the Johnson County Soil and Water Youth Board.  Casey and Emi Lou have played fast pitch softball.  Cole loves to farm.  Jent recalls a time when the girls tried to convince him to play baseball.  He said, “Sure.  I’ll try it.”  Then Jent told him that he had to go to every practice and every game regardless of what his dad was doing.  His response: “No way!  Forget it!”

The Campbells are very active in the Ag Day celebration in their community.  For the past four years Jent and Cole have helped highlight agriculture at Needham Elementary.  The celebration at the state house has proven to be an exciting time as Casey won the essay contest for her age group last year and Emi Lou was one of the proud recipients this year.

When Jent was asked about her feelings toward Ag Day she said, “I personally think every day should be Ag Day.  We all eat every day!  I love every opportunity I get to tell and/or celebrate what we do every day and I feel privileged to be able to participate.”

If you would like to learn more about the Campbell family and their farm visit Jent’s blog at From My Front Porch. 

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Join the Campbells tomorrow at our Ag Day Celebration: From Tractor to Truck (#Tractor2Truck) at the Government Center in downtown Indy.

News Release: Indy Food Trucks and Indiana's Family of Farmers Celebrate National Ag Day and Nutrition Month

INDIANAPOLIS (March 2, 2012) -  Join Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFOF) and six of Indy’s tastiest Food Trucks for From Tractor To Truck (#tractor2truck), a celebration of National Ag Day and Nutrition Month. Come hungry Thursday, March 8 when the food trucks will be open for business from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Indiana Government Center - South Senate Avenue!

The following food trucks will be available: Scratch Truck (@scratchtruck), Scout’s Treats (@scoutstreats), Tacos without Borders (@tacoswoborders), New York Slice (@TheNYslice) West Coast Tacos (@westcoasttacos), and Some of this! Some of that! (@SOTSOT1) for their participation and look forward to the opportunity to support their local businesses March 8.

“This event has further enabled us to reach our community and share with them that quality agriculture provides not only quality food but a wide variety of food choices,” said Joe Kelsay, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “I am proud to say that the food we all can enjoy every day on every one of these food trucks or at the grocery store or farmers market or half way around the world is in part because of Indiana’s 61,000 family farms.”

From 12 – 12:30 p.m. local celebrity “Food Truck Partners” will join the festivities and encourage the crowd to chew on some interesting ag facts at their assigned truck. Come on out and join:

Chikage Windler from the Skytrak Weather Team of WTHR (@ChikageWTHR), won’t need to forecast the beef facts you’ll want to know at Scratch Truck.

Tracy Forner from of WISH-TV’s Indy Style (@IndyStyle) will have some “udderly” interesting info on dairy at Scout’s Treats.

Danielle The Face of MyINDY-TV 23 (@FaceofMyINDY) shares her joy for soy at “Some of this! Some of that!

Dave O’Brien Morning Host of Hank FM (@HankFM) will have plenty of poultry pearls of wisdom at Tacos without Borders.

Deb Honeycutt from WFMS Morning show (@WFMS) will bring home the bacon on pork at New York Slice.

Bill Remeika, Fox 59 Traffic Reporter (@bremeikaFox59) your authority on traffic, Bill will help steer you to the corn facts at West Coast Tacos.

Crave more ag info? An FFA Officer will be on hand to fill your order!

But wait there’s more! 

Get Your Plate in Shape at each Food Truck for National Nutrition Month with some udderly delicious FREE dairy products courtesy of Prairie Farms as well as carrots and apples from Piazza Produce. Americans are consumed with what we need to limit or eliminate from our plate to make it healthy, but to “Get Our Plate in Shape,” consumers typically just need to add foods that are nutritionally sound, like fruits and vegetables or low-fat dairy, to get that nutrition boost.  Nutritional “AG”visors will be available at each truck if you have any further nutrition questions.

And the IPad goes to….

Prior to lunch, from 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., a brief presentation to celebrate Indiana’s agriculture industry will take place. IFOF (@FamilyofFarmers), along with Indiana Humanities (@INHumanities) will also recognize six Hoosier students for their winning essays in the 2nd Annual Ag Essay Contest titled “Our Food, Our Farmers.” This year’s contest explored Indiana’s role as a global agricultural leader.

More than 280 students submitted essays from across Indiana. The winning essays were selected from three grade levels: 4-6; 7-9 and 10-12. First place winners will receive an Apple iPad and second place winners receive a Kodak Playsport camcorder.

The winning essays are posted on Indiana’s Family of Farmers and Indiana Humanities websites.

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