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The celebration of Indiana Farm Bureau’s centennial kicked off in Fort Wayne, Indiana, during the 2018 state convention and hasn’t slowed since. Recently, INFB took the celebration to Indiana’s capital.

INFB commemorated its 100^th anniversary at the Statehouse on March 25, 2019, with a cake and coffee reception to honor the date of its founding. Many legislators attended the event as well as INFB staff and members of INFB’s board of directors, Women’s Leadership Committee and members of the special 100^th anniversary planning committee.

“One of the initial goals in Indiana Farm Bureau’s early years was to bring farmers and rural citizens to the Statehouse and ensure their views were heard,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “At the Statehouse event, we were able to celebrate a century of advocating for agricultural and rural needs. It was a great opportunity to reflect on our past accomplishments and to get excited about what lies ahead for Indiana Farm Bureau.”

During the celebration, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch read a proclamation issued by the Governor’s Office proclaiming March 25, 2019, as “Indiana Farm Bureau Day.” Among other milestones, the proclamation noted INFB’s presence in all 92 of Indiana’s counties, grassroots advocacy efforts, and the formation of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance in 1934.

In her remarks, Crouch wished INFB members a happy anniversary and reminded everyone in attendance of agriculture’s impact on the state. She noted that the agricultural industry contributes more than $31 billion to Indiana’s economy annually.

“As members of Indiana’s agriculture community, you have embodied our rich Hoosier spirit, and you are carrying on this rich tradition,” Crouch said. “The role that you play is as important today as it was 100 years ago.”

Following the reception, members of INFB’s board of directors attended the reading of a joint resolution honoring INFB on both the House and Senate floors. Past INFB presidents Harry Pearson and Don Villwock also joined the board in each chamber for the reading of the joint resolution. 

“Every day, I’m honored to represent our members and serve as president of this organization – this event was icing on the cake,” said Kron. “As I travel the state, I regularly see our volunteer members’ efforts to form a collective voice for the agricultural industry. I believe Indiana Farm Bureau is well-positioned to support farmers, agribusiness professionals and rural communities for another 100 years.”