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Indiana Farm Bureau delegates reelected Randy Kron president of INFB. Kron ran against Jeremy Barron from Noble County in the election, which took place on Dec. 10 at the state convention in French Lick.

“I believe in this organization and what we can accomplish working together,” Kron said during his acceptance speech. “Nothing of significance can be accomplished alone, and I’m grateful I get to do that with our members.”

In his acceptance speech, Kron said that planning for the future is vital to the continued success of INFB.

“So much has been accomplished, but there’s more to do,” Kron added. “I promise you that we’re going to work hard and work together. We’re going to represent agriculture in Indiana and make sure we’re at the table.”

Kron went into more detail about his vision for the future during the President’s Q&A, presented Dec. 9 and moderated by veteran farm broadcaster Dave Russell.

Kron, who is entering his seventh year as INFB president, provided insights into how farmers adjusted during the pandemic but also praised Farm Bureau members for their ability to adapt.

“I have been pleased with how INFB and our county Farm Bureaus have been able to pivot and adapt these past 20 months or so.” Kron noted that many meetings and programs went virtual the last two years, breaking attendance records in the process.  “Our members participated in county meetings from their tractors, combines and planters,” he said, adding that a record number of members participated in Statehouse visits through virtual meetings.

Kron also noted some major achievements from the past year, including the success of Indiana Farm Bureau Health Plans, with more than 1,700 applications to-date, resulting in more than 4,800 covered lives.

“Our members are excited about the savings, which for an individual can range up to 50% versus the Affordable Care Act, and family savings can top 70% versus an unsubsidized ACA plan,” said Kron. “We also are proud of how INFB Health Plans have helped us drive membership for this year. This is the sixth year in a row we have seen growth in total membership.”

Kron also noted success in the General Assembly this past year, specifically regarding broadband issues. To help bring reliable broadband to the most unserved and underserved communities across the state, INFB partnered with several groups across Indiana to form the Indiana Broadband Strategic Partnership (IBSP) and promote the Indiana Speed Test, a crowd-sourced internet speed test available on the INFB website – www.infb.org/speedtest.

 Kron was cautious in his outlook for 2022. “Spring may bring some challenges with fertilizer shortages and price increases for inputs next year, but we need to continue to be optimistic and flexible because that’s what we do.”

When asked about national issues in 2022, Kron stated that stepped-up basis, climate issues and the next farm bill are all top of mind and will require targeted advocacy efforts into the new year.

The 2022 state convention will be held at the Indianapolis Convention Center, Dec. 15-17.