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.

News Release: Indiana Farmers Donate Food to Habitat for Humanity Homeowners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (November 5, 2013) — On November 1, Indiana’s Family of Farmers presented beef, poultry and dairy products to fill the refrigerator and freezer of Habitat for Humanity homeowner, Joseph Olumullah of Indianapolis.

Olumullah’s new home, dubbed “The House that Agriculture Built,” was built in just 14 days at the 2013 Indiana State Fair with the help of 27 ag-related sponsors and hundreds of volunteers.  A deep freezer was also donated by Indiana’s Family of Farmers and will serve as storage for the frozen foods. 

Beef, dairy and poultry products were included in the donation and provided by farmers from around the state.  Poultry farmers also donated enough turkeys to provide two other Habitat recipient families with Thanksgiving birds this year.

“We are grateful that Indiana’s Family of Farmers has supported our Ag Build partner family for the third year in a row,” said Ted Mosey, Corporate & Faith Relations Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis.  “This food will help get the family on their feet right away, and we couldn’t be happier for them.” 

During the 2013 Indiana State Fair, visitors could register to win a freezer thanks to Indiana’s Family of Farmers. Jack Rubak of Indianapolis was the winner of this year’s giveaway.

Along with partnering with Habitat for Humanity at this year’s fair, Indiana’s Family of Farmers donated 5,200 pounds of food to Indiana food banks through Feeding Indiana’s Hungry (FIsH) to match the projected weight of the World’s Largest Popcorn Ball displayed at this year’s fair as part of the Year of Popcorn. The cash equivalent of $8,372 will be used to purchase food – enough for 4,333 meals – to feed Hoosier families.

Indiana’s Family of Farmers works to promote the work of farmers across the state and is made up of 18 organizations that represent the agriculture industry.

Visit www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com for more information.

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Indiana's Family of Farmers are among the nation's top producers of the grains, produce and meats you eat every day because we believe that quality farming means quality food that's good for you, your families and the environment. That's our promise. Food for your family, from our family. For more information on Indiana’s Family of Farmers, visit http://www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com/

Feeding Indiana's Hungry (FIsH) is the statewide association of Feeding America affiliated food banks (formerly America’s Second Harvest).  Our eleven member food banks serve more than 1,700 agencies in all 92 counties, providing emergency food assistance to Hoosiers in need.

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc. food banks statewide include:
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Gary
Food Bank of Northern Indiana, South Bend
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., Lafayette
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Ft. Wayne
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Inc., Muncie
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Indianapolis
Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, Terre Haute
Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Bloomington
Tri-State Food Bank, Inc., Evansville
Dare to Care Food Bank, Louisville, KY
Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati, OH
 
For more information on Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc., visit www.feedingindianashungry.org. 

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis works with low-income families in need to provide the life-changing opportunity to purchase and own quality, affordable homes. As a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry, Habitat for Humanity is committed to eliminating poverty housing and making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. To accomplish the goals Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families and individuals in need.

 

Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis has helped more than 700 families globally relocate from substandard and poverty housing into simple, decent, and affordable homes. More than 400 of these homeowners are here in our community of Greater Indianapolis and 300 in Central America. The foundations laid by Habitat go far beyond the physical structure of a home. Habitat for Humanity is creating stable foundations in all areas of life – impacting future generations. To learn more or get involved, visit www.indyhabitat.org or follow us on Twitter @IndyHabitat. 

News Release: Indiana students to be recognized during 3rd Annual Our Food, Our Farmers essay contest ceremony

INDIANAPOLIS (February 28, 2013) - As part of the 2013 celebration marking Indiana's Agriculture Appreciation Month in March, six Hoosier students were selected for their winning essays in the 3rd Annual Ag Essay Contest titled "Our Food, Our Farmers: Nourishing Generations of Hoosiers." For the 2013 competition, students in grades 4-12 wrote essays on the following prompt:

•  Describe how Indiana farmers nourish 1) our families, 2) our animals, and 3) our earth (soil). Please provide an example from each of the three areas.

On March 5, all winners will be recognized by Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, secretary of agriculture and rural development during an Ag Appreciation Month luncheon reception and special presentation. The ceremony will take place in the Statehouse North Atrium at 11:45 a.m. 

"Congratulations to all who participated in the essay contest and highlighted the many ways Hoosier farmers excel in providing for others while protecting our natural resources," said Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. "I look forward to recognizing our winners March 5 and the kick off of our Hoosier Agriculture Appreciation Month." 

More than 500 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 receive an Apple iPad and second place winners receive Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones.

Essay contest winners are as follows:

Grades 4-6:

• First Place: Josie Edwards, 6^th grader home schooled, Plymouth, IN
• Second Place: Katelyn Schreckenghaust, 5^th grader at Galveston Elementary, Galveston, IN

Grades 7-9:

• First Place: Yijiang Zhao, 7^th grader at Central Middle School, Columbus, IN
• Second Place: Travis Koester, 9^th grader at North Posey High School, Poseyville, IN

 Grades 10-12: 

• First Place: Jessica-Lena Bohlin, 11^th grader at LaPorte High School, LaPorte, IN
• Second Place: Aubrey Fleck, 12^th grader at North White Middle Senior High School
• Monon, IN

Sponsored by Indiana's Family of Farmers and Indiana Humanities, the essay contest encouraged students to recognize and share all the ways Indiana agriculture plays a positive role in their own lives -as well as in the lives of those around them. In addition, teachers were able to apply a breakdown of the State Core Academic Standards met by the essay contest.

"This essay contest continues to be a 'win-win-win' for all. Teachers meet their curriculum needs, students participate in a fun and interesting project, and our Indiana farming community is recognized for its local and global impact," said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. "We are proud to again partner with Indiana's Family of Farmers to celebrate our rich agricultural history through the collection of student stories." 

The winning essays will be posted soon on www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com andwww.indianahumanities.org but can be made available upon request.

This contest is part of Indiana Humanities' two-year Spirit of Competition initiative. Spirit of Competition will celebrate the role competition plays in our lives by examining core elements of competition such as civility, rivalry, innovation, passion and failure.

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About Indiana's Family of Farmers

Indiana's Family of Farmers grows the grains, produce and meat you eat every day. We believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your family and the environment.  Food for your family, from our family.  More at www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

About Indiana Humanities

Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read and talk. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

  

News Release: March to be Agriculture Appreciation Month

INDIANAPOLIS (February 4, 2013) Governor Mike Pence has declared March Agriculture Appreciation Month in Indiana. The Hoosier celebration is an extension of National Ag Day, March 19. 

Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFoF), a coalition of more than a dozen ag-related organizations, is sponsoring a kick off to the month-long celebration on Monday, March 5 in recognition of the significant economic and cultural contributions agriculture makes to the Hoosier state. The event is at the Statehouse and includes:

Indiana’s Family of Farmers Statehouse Reception

Tuesday, March 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

An Ag Appreciation Month luncheon reception and special presentation is in the Statehouse North Atrium for legislators and staff. Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, is announcing the winners of the Ag Essay Contest and Cameron Mann, Indiana FFA state president, is reading the official governor’s proclamation.

Food Trucks Celebrate Agriculture Appreciation Month

Tuesday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Ten food trucks are serving outside the Statehouse on Robert D. Orr Plaza from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.to celebrate Indiana’s Agriculture Appreciation Month. The public is encouraged to come out and support these local businesses and learn more about Indiana agriculture. All were featured regularly at the Statehouse Market, a State Personnel Department wellness initiative. To show their support of that program, dieticians from the Indiana Dietetic Association are also on hand to answer questions.  Indiana FFA state officers are available to answer questions on agriculture. 

2013 Ag Essay Contest: “Our Food, Our Farmers”

The winners of the 2013 Ag Essay Contest, sponsored by IFoF and the Indiana Humanities, are announced during a presentation at the Statehouse reception.  For the 2013 competition, we have asked the same question of all three grade levels:

Describe how Indiana farmers nourish 1) our families, 2) our animals, and 3) our earth (soil). Please provide an example from each of the three areas.

There  are first and second place winners from each grade level. First place winners receive an Apple iPad and second place winners receive Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones. 

This contest is part of Indiana Humanities’ two-year Spirit of Competition initiative. Spirit of Competition celebrates the role competition plays in our lives by examining core elements of competition such as civility, rivalry, innovation, passion and failure.

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About Indiana’s Family of Farmers

Indiana’s Family of Farmers grows the grains, produce and meat you eat every day. We believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your family and the environment. Food for your family, from our family. More atwww.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

About Indiana Humanities

Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read and talk. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

Indiana Farmers Donate Local Food to New Habitat for Humanity Homeowners

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (December 3, 2012) — On November 30, Indiana’s Family of Farmers presented almost 60 pounds of food to Habitat for Humanity homeowners Keon Ballard and Corey Justice of Indianapolis.  The donation included local beef, pork, poultry and dairy products.

The men’s new home, dubbed “The House that Agriculture Built,” was constructed in just 14 days at the 2012 State Fair with the help of 25 ag-related sponsors and hundreds of volunteers.  A deep freezer was also donated by Indiana’s Family of Farmers and will serve as storage for the frozen foods. 

“Our family is proud to help out and provide beef straight from the farm to our urban neighbors,” said Ryan Batt, a Salem, Ind. farmer who donated $200 worth of beef to Keon and Corey.

Along with the beef donated by the Batt family, dairy, poultry and pork products from a number of Hoosier farmers were also included in the freezer donation. 

“We are so thrilled that Indiana’s Family of Farmers helped out the recipient family once again this year,” said Ted Mosey, Corporate and Faith Relations Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis.  “This food will help get the family on its feet right away and we couldn’t be happier for them.” 

During the State Fair, other fairgoers could register to win their own freezer as a part of the annual Indiana’s Family of Farmers Recipe Trail. Connie Bruno from Indianapolis was the winner in this year’s freezer giveaway.

Indiana Students Encouraged to Participate in 3rd Annual "Our Food, Our Farmers" Essay Contest

Prizes for written essays include Apple iPad and Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 13, 2012)-Students in grades 4-12 are again encouraged to consider the impact of Indiana foods and farmers for the 3rd Annual Ag Essay Contest titled "Our Food, Our Farmers: Nourishing Generations of Hoosiers."  The essay competition includes three grade levels: 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12, and aligns with a number of state standards. A breakdown of the state core academic standards met by the essay contest is available on the Indiana's Family of Farmers website. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2013. "This essay contest is a great way for teachers to meet curriculum demands while providing an interesting and engaging outlet for students to learn about one of the state's most important industries," said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. "By participating in this contest, we hope students will think, read and talk more about Indiana's rich agricultural history and its future." Sponsored by Indiana's Family of Farmers and Indiana Humanities, the essay contest encourages students to recognize and share all the ways Indiana agriculture plays a positive role in their own lives -as well as in the lives of those around them.  For the 2013 competition, we are asking the same question of all three grade levels:  Describe how Indiana farmers 1) nourish our families, 2) our animals, and 3) our earth (soil). Please provide an example from each of the three areas. There will be a first and second place winner from each grade level. First place winners will receive an Apple iPad and second place winners will receive a Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones.  All winners will be invited to attend a special recognition ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse on March 5, 2013 in celebration of National Ag Day.  "Indiana's family farmers are committed to providing an abundant supply of healthy food and fiber to nourish Hoosiers, while also caring for our natural resources," said Indiana Agriculture Director Joe Kelsay. "We look forward to hearing from our next generation and learning how these foods impact their lives and the lives of their families."  Entry guidelines can be found at: www.indianahumanities.org or www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com. This contest is part of Indiana Humanities' two-year Spirit of Competition initiative. Spirit of Competition will celebrate the role competition plays in our lives by examining core elements of competition such as civility, rivalry, innovation, passion and failure.  ### About Indiana's Family of Farmers Indiana's Family of Farmers grows the grains, produce and meat you eat every day. We believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your family and the environment.  Food for your family, from our family.  Learn more at www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com. About Indiana Humanities Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read and talk.  Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org. Contact information: Jeannie Keating                                                                        Manager of Media Relations                                           Indiana State Department of Agriculture                           317.696.9695                                                            jkeating@isda.in.gov                                               Kristen Fuhs Wells   Director of Communications  Indiana Humanities  317.638.1500 x125 kwells@indianahumanities.org

State Fair Recipe Trail Results in Donation to Indiana’s Hungry

Thanks to the more than 3,000 visitors who completed the Recipe Trail at this year’s Indiana State Fair, Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFoF) will donate 3,132 pounds of food to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry (FIsH).  The cash equivalent of $5,199.12 will be used to purchase food – enough for 2,610 meals – to feed Hoosier families. 


“Indiana’s Family of Farmers is a valuable partner in FIsH’s mission of feeding those in need,” said Emily Weikert Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry.  “At a time when one is six Hoosiers is at risk of hunger, and the number of Indiana children is as high as one in four, the assistance of Indiana’s agricultural community is crucial in getting food from the farm to the tables of those most in need of assistance.”


This donation was made possible through the IFoF Recipe Trail at the Indiana State Fair in August where fairgoers picked up recipes in eight locations around the fairgrounds.  For every person who went through the trail, one pound of food was committed to FIsH and its 11 member food banks around Indiana. 
This year, 3,132 people completed the trail. The Feeding America network values donated poundage at $1.66 per pound, equating to a total donation of $5,199.12.  The agriculture coalition plans to continue the recipe trail during the 2013 State Fair.


“The recipe trail is a win-win for those who participate,” said Kevin Wilson, a farmer from Walton, Ind. and president of Indiana Soybean Alliance, an IFoF partner.  “Fairgoers really enjoyed the recipe hunt and were excited to know their efforts would result in food for their neighbors.”
“What Indiana’s Family of Farmers does best is grow safe, nutritious food, so what better way to help than to do what we can to feed families in need,” Wilson added.

Feeding Indiana's Hungry (FIsH) is the statewide association of Feeding America affiliated food banks (formerly America’s Second Harvest).  Our eleven member food banks serve more than 1,700 agencies in all 92 counties, providing emergency food assistance to Hoosiers in need.
  
Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc. food banks statewide include:
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Gary
Food Bank of Northern Indiana, South Bend
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., Lafayette
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Ft. Wayne
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Inc., Muncie
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Indianapolis
Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, Terre Haute
Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Bloomington
Tri-State Food Bank, Inc., Evansville
Dare to Care Food Bank, Louisville, KY
Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati, OH
 
For more information on Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc., visit www.feedingindianashungry.org

Indiana farmers will help celebrate at annual wine festival

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 24, 2012) — Indiana grape growers will not be the only farmers represented at this year’s Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival, on June 2.  Indiana’s Family of Farmers, including beef, corn, pork, poultry, dairy, and soybean farmers, will also be present at Military Park this year.  They’ll share information about today’s agriculture with the wide array of consumers who visit the annual wine festival.

“We as dairy farmers are proud to be represented at Vintage Indiana this year,” said Sarah Wagler, a dairy farmer from Morgantown, Ind. “We think this is a great opportunity to inform Hoosiers about the positive impact agriculture has on our state.  Not to mention that everyone loves cheese with their wine!”

Along with giving away free cheese and wine glass tags, Indiana’s Family of Farmers will have a booth space featuring the fun and educational Wheel of Agriculture.  Vintage attendees can spin the interactive wheel, answer a question about farming and win prizes that include grill brushes, cheese boards and other fun items.  Vintage attendees can also have their photos taken with farming mascots like Porkchop the Pig, Bennie the Bean, Buttercup the Dairy Cow and Hannah the Hen.

Speaking of mascots, don’t miss out on the social media contest with the mascots. Here’s how it works. While you are at Vintage Indiana, upload a picture of you with a mascot to Twitter with the hashtag #IFOFmascot.  One lucky winner will win a special prize. 

The 13th annual Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival will feature nearly 30 Indiana wineries, over a dozen food vendors, and more than 20 art vendors. For more information on Vintage Indiana, visit http://www.vintageindiana.com/.

For more information about Indiana’s Family of Farmers, visit www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

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Contact Michelle Plummer at plummer@winnersdrinkmilk.com or 317-842-3060.

About Indiana’s Family of Farmers
Indiana’s Family of Farmers works to raise awareness that Indiana’s farmers are among the top producers of the grains, produce and meats you eat every day.  We believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your families and the environment. That’s our promise: Food for your family, from our family. Visit www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com for more information.