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Contact:
Colleen Baker
317-692-7822
317-242-8907
cbaker@infb.org

(Indianapolis) – Dec. 13, 2021 – Justin Johnson, Whitley County, is the winner of the 2021 Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Discussion Meet. The competition, which was held Dec. 10 in French Lick as part of the INFB state convention, is one of the three major awards presented to Farm Bureau members age 35 and younger. During the competition, contestants participated in a group discussion that simulates a committee meeting.

Johnson and the other finalists discussed common dilemmas and potential problems facing farmers in America, such as:

• What can farmers, ag professionals and INFB do to proactively promote good mental health in both themselves and their communities?
• On a local level and across the globe, how can INFB help farmers and ag professionals continue to increase their efficiency in the use of valuable resources and transition to “green energy” practices on their farm?
• What can young farmers and ag professionals do to create a more preventative, rather than reactive, approach to farm safety in our communities?
  

This year’s INFB Discussion Meet consisted of four rounds of competition. The first and second rounds were held virtually in August where 10 members advanced to the semi-finals at state convention. From there, the four final contestants competed, discussing how INFB policy can support easing government regulations to ensure long-term economic viability for local animal processing facilities, while ensuring the health of workers and that a healthy product is still delivered to consumers. This year’s winner was announced at the close of convention on Dec.10.

Johnson now advances to the national Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet, which will be held during the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention, Jan. 7-12 in Atlanta, Georgia (pending COVID-19 restrictions). Johnson is a senior at Purdue University where he is majoring in both agricultural systems management and farm management, with a minor in crop science. He hopes to work in the precision agriculture industry upon graduation.

As the winner of the INFB Discussion Meet, Johnson receives a $4,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and expenses paid to the national convention in Atlanta. The three runners-up were Kyla Schroeder of Perry County, Joseph Tempel of Spencer County and Jessica Baggerman of Huntington County. The runners-up each receive a $1,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.

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About Indiana Farm Bureau: For more than 100 years, Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has promoted agriculture in Indiana through public education, member engagement, and by advocating for agricultural and rural needs. As the state’s largest general farm organization, INFB works diligently to ensure a farmer’s right to farm—protecting the livelihood, land, equipment, animals and crops of Hoosier farmers—because agriculture is vital to Indiana’s economy. Learn more at INFB.org