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Starting in 2020, Indiana Farm Bureau began focusing on youth activities at the state fair, and that focus continued in 2021.

INFB continued its sponsorship of the Exhibitor Experience as well as the Supreme Drive and showmanship contests.

“We know these exhibitors are the next generation of agriculture leaders, and Farm Bureau wants to continue to grow year after year in our sponsorship by providing more prizes to broaden our reach to more exhibitors,” said Becca Bonnell, INFB youth engagement coordinator.

According to the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, there were 2,021 animal project exhibitors. Prizes distributed by INFB included 38 luggage bags, 38 boot bags and more than 575 tumblers and vinyl signs. For the Supreme Showmanship contest, INFB awarded eight directors’ chairs and two belt buckles, and for the Supreme Drive, the organization awarded four showboxes, one to each champion species winner. 

The 2021 fair marked the return of Taste From Indiana Farms, which is sponsored by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee. This year’s event had a new location – the Ag/Hort Building – and increased in length from three days to five, including two weekend days.

Volunteers handed out popcorn, mints, string cheese and other treats to 10,435 visitors. This figure is a major increase from previous years, which have averaged around 5,000 visitors.

Also during the fair was the announcement of the new Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, a 197,000-square-foot, multiuse facility that will replace the Swine Barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center. Construction is scheduled to start this year and will be completed in time for the 2023 fair.