National Maple Syrup Festival

The 5th National Maple Syrup Festival is coming to the beautiful hills of Brown County, Indiana on March 5-8! This is a great event for the whole family and a perfect day-trip in March. From interpretive hikes in Brown County State Park to historical reenactments in the Pioneer Village in Nashville, there is a little something for everyone all in the name of celebrating one of Indiana’s sweetest industries- tapping maple trees in March for maple syrup!

The location for this year's festival has been moved to Nashville, Indiana and the town is  really rolling out the red carpet! Below you get a little more information about each of the events so you can plan your trip.

Indiana holds the southern and westernmost position in the United States’ 'Maple Syrup Belt' meaning as winter gives way to spring the sap flows first in Indiana’s maple stands. The rolling hills of Brown County,which is Indiana’s most densely forested county, is an ideal location for the festival.

The 2015 National Maple Syrup Festival will bring together maple sugar producers and hobbyists from all over, maple syrup connoisseurs, and visitors on a local, statewide, and potentially national level to highlight and promote Indiana’s role in the national production of maple syrup. Festival guests will learn the basics of maple syrup and the sugaring process, will be able to see how syrup is produced and used today, as well as learn the sweet history behind maple sugar production. The festival will also enable maple sugar producers to promote their products, share their stories, and help build a statewide brand for maple sugar and maple syrup production.

The Pioneer Village with be bustling with live demonstrations, maple syrup being made in real time, guest speakers, artisan foods and art exhibits. Nashville restaurants and retailers will focus on maple-related foods and wares, local food and art artisans with candies, breads, chocolates, and other foods and art from maple sap and maple trees will line the streets. History will come alive with demonstrations of early pioneer sugaring methods.  Here is a listing of the restaurants, breweries and wineries that are offering a maple-themed menu during the festival. Check the link often to see the new additions.

Get more information on the National Maple Syrup Festival HERE

Brown County State Park

The Dutch Oven Diva will cook, bake and have samples of her maple themed dutch oven cooking around a huge stone fireplace in the lower shelter of Brown County State Park. She will be joined by artisans sharing hot cocoa and handmade marshmallows, storytellers, reenactors and more. Park  rangers will be there to lead interpretive hikes, teaching how to identify maple trees in winter and spring.

Descendants of the Delaware and Shawnee will reenact how their ancestors made maple syrup on this land centuries ago, and nearby French Colonial reenactors will demonstrate how early white settlers made it differently.

There is a ticketed themed dinner both Thursday and Friday in Nashville. Get more information on the dinner on Thursday HERE and Friday HERE . You can also buy your dinner tickets through each of those links.

Pancake Breakfasts

Ever had a pancake flipped onto your plate from 20 yards?  Chris Cakes travels the country making incredible pancakes coupled with a show like none other, and the Brown County High School is hosting that show both Saturday and Sunday mornings, March 7 and 8. This is a fundraiser for Brown County High School and is quite possibly the best deal in town! Get more information about this all-you-can-eat breakfast HERE.

Sweet Victory Challenge

Along with the National Maple Syrup Festival, there is the Sweet Victory Challenge sponsored by Burton's Maplewood Farm. There have been over 200 recipes that have been entered by both adults AND children under the age of 17. Both divisions of age could  enter both savory, dessert and sweet recipes that use and focus on pure maple syrup as an ingredient. The top 5 recipes in each category will be tasted by a panel of judges that work in the food and media industry from around the Midwest.

Get the full details  HERE.

This year the Sweet Victory Challenge will be held at the Story Inn. Story Inn is located roughly 15 minutes from Nashville. Learn more about Story Inn HERE. The dinner menu at Story in will feature maple themed dishes the week of March 2-5 as well.

A panel of judges selected five finalists in each division/category based on creativity, appetizing description, ease of preparation, and appropriate use of the required products. On March 7 and 8, the competition days, local volunteers and culinary school students will prepare each dish for final judging. Finalists need not be present to win.  The grand prize for each category in the adult division is $200; second prize is $100. In the youth division, first prize in each category is a $100; second prize is $50.

We Are Indiana Agriculture: The Tharps

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

Farming is a 365-days-a-year, 24-hours-a-day-job, but Nick and Beth Tharp of Coatsville wouldn’t have it any other way.  On a farm with nearly 3,000 sows, a litter of piglets is born nearly every hour.  Alongside Beth's family and with the help of six employees, the Tharps wean nearly 77,000 pigs each year and farm more than 900 acres of corn, soybeans, and hay.

Beth’s parents, Mark and Phyllis Legan are first-generation farmers.  They began raising pigs and crops in January of 1989.  “In 2010, we were blessed with the opportunity to join them in farming,” Nick explains.  “In order to stay competitive in the pork industry, the farm has grown steadily over the past 23 years.  This family farm now raises several thousand weaned pigs and market hogs a year as well as corn to feed the sows and soybeans to sell.”  Nick and Beth are also the proud parents of 1-year-old Kate who, “loves visiting the barns and might be a hog farmer in the making.”

When asked what they do to ensure their animals are comfortable, Nick said, “We have a moral obligation to provide the best care possible for our animals.  Our commitment to caring for our animals and ensuring their needs are met every day is always top priority.  Our animals are housed in barns that maintain a temperature that is most comfortable for them, based on their age.  Baby piglets enjoy micro-environments that are 90 to 95 degrees at birth, while the mother sows enjoy a cooler 67 to 73-degree environment.  With technologies we have adapted, we are able to meet both needs at the same time.  Fresh water and feed that is specifically formulated for each pig’s needs are also important for the animals’ well-being.”

The Tharps work diligently to conserve natural resources.  “The soil and water we use needs to be returned to the earth in as good or better shape as when we started using it.  We have been using a no-till system of raising corn and soybeans for many years on our farm.  In this system, the soil is disturbed as little as possible during the year to allow the natural tilth and structure to return to the soil.  Earthworms are a vital part of no-till, as they create tunnels for water percolation and roots to travel through. 

“Corn or soybeans are planted into last year’s remaining crop residue.  The residue (the stems, leaves and husks left from last year’s crop) acts as a water-retaining mulch to help the seeds germinate and as organic matter to rebuild the soil.  We also believe in the importance of keeping the fields covered in the cold months by planting cover crops in the fall.  Oil seed radish, annual rye grass, canola, wheat, barley, and crimson clover are a few of the cover crops we have tried in the past few years.  

Cover crops use extra nitrogen (fertilizer) left in the soil, so it is not washed away by the rain.  They also build the soil by adding organic matter as they die.”

Farming is a long-term commitment and they have chosen to utilize responsible and sustainable agricultural practices on their farm.  The Tharps are very passionate about their role of producing food for the world.  “We believe God has called us to be a part of a noble profession.  We realize that without His guidance and alliances formed with others, we would not be able to carry out our work.  

It has been through relationships with others that we are able to do what we do today.  We are grateful for the opportunities we have been given.”

We Are Indiana Agriculture: Hardin Farms

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

Hardin Farms is made up of Hardin Pork, LLC, a farrow-to-finish swine operation and the individual grain farms of David and John Hardin.  Both David and John raise identity preserved (IP) corn, soybeans and winter wheat.  IP grain is frequently referred to as specialty, high-value, and premium- or niche-market grains.  They are produced with a specific end use in mind—such as human food, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or industrial use.

Located near Danville, Hardin Farms has been operating for three generations.  “Our family has been farming in the Hendricks/Marion county area continuously since 1827,” David explains.  “My grandfather was the one who started our focus on swine over the other livestock species. “  David and his wife, Danielle, have four young children who enjoy coming to the farm and “helping out.”

David says that he enjoys the challenges and opportunities that we face in agriculture today.  “No two years are exactly the same when it comes to growing conditions and markets.  It keeps you from getting complacent.  I also enjoy the idea that the products of my hard work are going to feeding hungry people right here in Indiana and around the world.”

Technology on the farm has advanced drastically over the years.  “Consumers or voters often don’t like to hear how farmers are more efficient, but they should.  By using farm equipment with mapping and auto-tracking capabilities, we are able to plant and harvest more acres with less manpower.  The data we derive from that equipment allows us to use less fertilizer and chemicals while producing more food.  With the hogs, we are able to use advances in artificial insemination and improved nutrition to produce more meat from fewer sows.”

“Just because farms may be larger than in the past and use technologies that may seem futuristic, the farmers’ goals are the same as they were in the past: to raise safe, nutritious, and affordable food.  Even though stories about food recalls grab media attention, food safety has never been better.  Farmers have dramatically lowered their carbon foot print over the last couple decades.  ‘GMO’ is not a bad word.  I encourage consumers to educate themselves about the facts of GMOs, not just take for gospel what the media says.”

Fuel Your New Year’s Resolution with Protein

By Danielle Sovinski of Winners Drink Milk

Whether your New Year’s resolution is maintaining a regular exercise schedule or starting a new workout routine, protein can benefit your active lifestyle:

• Build more learn muscle. A higher protein diet along with resistance exercise can help build healthy muscles and support weight management.

• Reduce muscle loss during aging. Protein can help preserve muscle as you age.

• Enhance muscle recovery after resistance exercise or weight training.

• If you’re a regular exerciser, consuming high-quality dairy protein may help nourish your muscles after a tough workout.
• If you’re a serious athlete, consuming carbohydrates and high-quality dairy protein           together, after intense exercise, may enhance the replacement of muscle energy stores. The result is a faster recovery in preparation for your next workout.

• Consume protein immediately before exercise or within one hour after exercise for best results. As little as 10 grams of protein has been shown to stimulate muscle growth following exercise.

Consuming approximately 20-30 grams of high-quality protein at each meal can help you build and maintain muscle. Each example below will provide 20 grams of protein or more:

• Eating two, 6-ounce containers of Greek-style yogurt

• Adding 2 ounces of your favorite cheese and a chopped egg to a salad

• Combining approximately 2 ounces of cheese and ½ cup beans to a veggie burrito

• Choosing 3 to 4 ounces of lean beef, pork or poultry

Did you know? Low-fat chocolate milk is a great way to fuel up after a hard workout. A good source of high-quality protein, chocolate milk is packed with nine essential nutrients and can help replenish what the body has lost through sweat. It also has the right carb-to-protein ratio that many athletes look for post-workout. In addition to protein, dairy foods (milk, cheese and yogurt) are important sources of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, D and B12 and riboflavin in the U.S. diet.

We Are Indiana Agriculture:

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

Established in the 1890’s, Kuehnert Dairy Farm is a sixth-generation family farm.  “Today the fourth and fifth generations work here daily, and the sixth generation plays here every day,” Sarah Kuehnert says.  “We are very privileged to have four generations all working together daily to produce you with one of nature’s most perfect foods—milk!  We take great pride in the work we do to provide you with the purest, most high-quality, and nutritious milk that we can.  This is all possible by maintaining a healthy, happy cow.”

Sarah, a registered dietitian, is a fifth-generation dairy farmer and mother to Allie, 7 and Bryar, 5.  She was born and raised in Decatur on a dairy farm that her parents, Gregg and Alison Kukelhan continue to operate today along with Sarah’s brothers, Royce and Bryce.  Sarah’s husband, Nathan, is a fifth-generation dairy farmer as well.  “When Nathan and I got married in 2005, we built a house on his family’s dairy farm.”

Kuehnert Dairy Farm is located just a stone’s throw away from the city limits of Fort Wayne.  Currently, they milk 320 registered Holsteins and farm 1100 acres of corn, alfalfa, soybeans and rye; all of which is used to feed the cows.  In September of 2014, Kuehnert’s transitioned into robotic milking with the installation of four Lely Astronaut milking robots. 

In the fall of 2013, Kuehnert Dairy Farm opened its operations as an agritourism venture to the general public by hosting its 1^st Annual Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival.  “The festival gives people an opportunity to experience the daily operations of a working dairy farm as well as provides a variety of fall entertainment for all ages to enjoy, “Sarah explains.  “It is our passion to share our farm, family, and cows and to tell others our family farm story.  We want consumers to see what life is like on a dairy farm, how we care for our cows and the land.  It is our desire to educate the general public, so that they know the importance of milk in a healthy diet.  It is a joy to see children playing and interacting with their parents and grandparents while enjoying the festival.  We are trying to do our part to cultivate healthy lifestyles by promoting positive family time and outdoor physical activity in a unique educational environment.”

There are four generations working on Kuehnert Dairy Farm every day.  Sarah shares that her hope is that her children will have the same profound love for agriculture and the dairy cow as she and Nathan.  “We were both raised on dairy farms where our families worked hard every day to produce nutritious food to help feed the world.  We have great respect for the land and cattle that God has so graciously given to us."

As a Registered Dietitian, Sarah stresses that consuming three servings of dairy every day is important for building strong bones and healthy bodies and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.  “It is so important to me that consumers know where their food comes from, that they know it is safe to eat, and how food nourishes their bodies.  And, having grown up on a dairy farm myself, I have a special love for the dairy cow and milk.  So, here is my motto: As a dairy farmer, registered dietitian, and a mother, I know how important it is to get at least three servings of dairy every day.  It all starts with milk!  We drink it.  We use it as an ingredient and we make a lot of other products from it.  I believe it is important for people of all ages to know the importance of milk in their daily lives.  One 8-ounce glass of milk provides these minimum daily allowances: 30% Calcium, 25% Vitamin D, 24% Riboflavin, 16% Protein, 13% Vitamin B12, 11% Potassium, 10% Vitamin A, and 10% Niacin.  That’s just one 8-ounce glass of milk!  Milk is not just a cool, nutritious, thirst-quenching drink, it is truly one of nature’s purest gifts!”

Essay Contest Asks “What Are The Benefits of Indiana Agriculture?”

Hoosier students have the chance to give their thoughts on how agriculture helps the state in an essay contest sponsored by Indiana’s Family of Farmers.

“What are the benefits of Indiana agriculture?” is the essay theme. Students are encouraged to look at how farming plays a positive role in the environment and economy of the state.

The contest is open to any Indiana student in grades 4-12. Entrants are divided into groups by grade, 4th-6th, 7th-9th and 10th-12th. The word limit for 4th-6th graders is 250; 7th-9th graders are limited to 450 words and 10th-12th graders may write up to 600 words. Entries are evaluated against the Indiana Department of Education’s ISTEP writing rubric.

All entries must be made electronically through a link on the IFoF website, www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com. The deadline is Feb. 6.

One student per grade group will be recognized as the winner and receive $250. IFoF will recognize winners at the Statehouse during the organization’s Ag Day Celebration, March 18, 2015.

For more information and a complete list of rules, visit the IFoF website, www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

We Are Indiana Agriculture: The Fosters

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

Meggie Foster and her husband, Dallas, live in Greenfield along with their two daughters, Reagan, 4, and Ruby, 1.  Dallas and Meggie are proud to be raising their daughters on their family farm.  Meggie works full-time off-farm for Indiana Farm Bureau where she works with young farmers and women’s program leaders.  She explains that, in their free time, they love to spend time with their family, travel and attend cow shows.  Meggie grew up on a registered Jersey farm in central Ohio and still owns a small herd of registered Jersey cows.

The Fosters farm in Hancock County and Rush County as well as Meggie’s family farm in Marion County, Ohio.  “Dallas is the fifth generation to farm in Indiana, and I am the sixth generation farmer in my family.  Dallas’ family raised purebred hogs and sheep for many years before transitioning to commercial hogs in the mid-1990s.  Beginning in the 1920s, the Foster family traveled the country showing purebred sheep and swine, hosting hog sales at the home farm in the 1980s, inviting special guests such as Vice President Dan Quayle and Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz.  Dallas’ father liquidated the hog herd in 2005, and Dallas and I began our farming operation the following year.  We have grown our farm from a 50-sow, single-site farm to a 600-sow multi-site operation today.”

Meggie looks back on her childhood and feels blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up on a farm.  “While my classmates played video games, I was outside playing with the pony, the dogs or my pet goat.  I have always loved animals and exploring outside.  I absolutely loved feeding the baby calves and working alongside my dad, milking the cows.  I feel blessed that I grew up on the farm learning the meaning of responsibility--caring for the land and the animals.  I hope to instill the same sense of responsibility in my girls.”

When asked what she feels is one of the biggest challenges farmers face today, Meggie has a hard time narrowing it down to just one.  “Farmers face challenges every day, wondering if we will get too much rain or not enough to grow our crops.  The considerable over-regulation of livestock farms by government agencies and volatility in the grain and hog markets are additional challenges.  In addition, the growing distrust by consumers has many farmers concerned about the future, but I’m confident that farmers will make mindful and sustainable adjustments in production to continue to provide enough healthy food to feed the world.”

With many consumers being about three generations removed from the farm, Meggie wishes that they could all have the opportunity to meet the farmers behind their food.  She wants consumers to know that food is not raised in a factory; food is grown by family farmers across the country.  “Animals are raised with caring hands and hearts.  I want the consumers to know the generations of family farmers who have inspired improvements in how we farm and that those improvements created the efficiencies that allow farmers to provide the best care possible to their livestock and to spend just a little more time with their families.  I want them to know how many farmers woke up earlier than usual to milk the cows before their kids woke up on Christmas morning to unwrap Christmas presents.  I want them to know that farmers are just like you and want a healthy and safe food supply more than anyone.”

When four-year-old Reagan was asked what is her favorite part of living on a farm, her reply was, “Riding in the tractor with my daddy, especially when he lets me drive!”  Meggie echoes that sentiment by saying, “I feel very blessed to raise our girls on the family farm.  I want our girls to grow up with a good work ethic as demonstrated by their dad; and learn responsibility through caring for their own animals in the 4-H program.  I want our girls to discover the joy in farming and also understand how to learn and grow from challenges along the way.”

You can read more about Meggie and their farm by visiting Meggie’s blog: www.hoosierfarmbabe.com