From left, Sharon Schafer, Jefferson County; Marlene Fudge, Rush County; Ralph Manlief, Jennings County; and Claudia Thornburg, Randolph County participate in the county president and county woman leader meeting prior to convention.

Clinton County Farm Bureau was recognized in several ways during the convention. Aaron Pedigo, left, was the lead on the tractor simulator that won the county an AFBF County Award of Excellence and an IFB Impact Award in the Young Farmers category; Julie Thelen, center, won the Discussion Meet; and Liz Stitzel, right, was a finalist in the Discussion Meet.

Trent Peyton, Peyton Technical Services, discusses electrical safety with members in the trade show.

The make-and-take gourd decorating sessions in the trade show were a hit.

Howard Conner, Pulaski County, shows off a feed bucket during the PR coordinator session. Pulaski County Farm Bureau gave buckets to all 4-Hers in the county with animal projects.

Kevin and Linda Baird of Scott County received Beck’s and Indiana AgriNews’ Indiana Farm Family of the Year Award. The Bairds, with sons Michael and Jared, run Cornucopia Farm.

Gina Hackman, a math teacher at Jennings County High School, was honored as Indiana Rural Teacher of the Year.

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was honored with a President’s Award from IFB President Don Villwock.

Senator Richard Lugar was honored with a President’s Award from IFB President Don Villwock.

Young farmers were recognized for their contributions to agriculture. From left, Jessica and Orville Haney won the Achievement in Agriculture Award; Julie Thelen won the Discussion Meet; and Drs. Marybeth and John Feutz received the Excellence in Agriculture Award. These winners will compete at the AFBF annual meeting in Nashville.

Senator-elect Joe Donnelly addressed convention attendees during the meal on Saturday.

Farm Bureau members were recognized for their efforts to gain new members for the organization. Membership Champions were Joan Schickel, Harrison County and Lori Childress, Lake County.

From left, Don Villwock, IFB president; Roger Bommer, Franklin County; Martha Bergman, Franklin County; and Gary Michel, Warrick County, were recognized as top membership champions.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance agent Melissa Mead, Washington County was recognized as a top voting memberships.