On August 7 IFB District 8 hosted an agricultural tour for state legislators and candidates. The day started at Kelsay Dairy, where Amy Kelsay explains to State Sen. Jim Buck how data collection allows for better herd management. The group also visited the Campbell Hog Farm and Indiana Downs to learn more about the swine and equine industries in Indiana.

AFBF President Bob Stallman (pictured during a visit with District 3 young farmers) was the special guest and keynote speaker at IFB District 3’s fall meeting.

IFB District 3’s Aug. 30 fall meeting celebrated the 12-year tenure of Kendell Culp (pictured with some of the district’s county presidents), who has very capably served as district director and whose term expires at the end of the year.

Tina Goon, District 2 woman leader, and Kerry Goshert (left), District 2 director, made a special presentation on Sept. 19 – a $3,000 donation to the Pekin United Methodist Church’s benevolent fund, which provides relief to victims of the March 3 tornadoes. Every county in the district contributed to the fund, as did some individuals. Accepting the money is Merwyn Fisher, Washington County councilman and member of the Washington County Farm Bureau.

Ag in the Classroom volunteers from around the state came to the home office Sept. 6 to get an update on new ideas to take into their schools. Hands-on demonstrations and idea sharing were a large part of the program, including the presentation above by Steven Smith, earth and atmospheric sciences outreach coordinator, Purdue, who offered an easy-to-create demonstration on weather phenomena.

On Aug. 26 the third annual Dig-IN food festival showcased thirty Indiana chefs and growers in downtown Indianapolis. More than 4,500 visitors were treated to two-ounce tastes of unique dishes made with farm-fresh Indiana produce and proteins. Paul Russell of Delaware County, who provided lamb for one of the chefs, took time out of his busy Dig-IN schedule to host a fun and interactive “game show” with questions about Indiana agriculture.