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Indiana Farm Bureau was well represented by its members during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 105^th convention.

More than 4,500 people registered to attend the convention, held Jan. 19-24 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event featured speakers, workshops, tours and networking opportunities, as well as chances to recognize individuals and states for their achievements. Among those recognized from Indiana were:

• Mindy Orschell, INFB’s District 8 education and outreach coordinator. Orschell was elected to a two-year term on the AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee. Orschell, who lives in Brookville, will represent the Midwest Region, which is composed of 12 states, including Indiana.

• Kylie Wheeler of Henry County, who won fourth place in the AFBF Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet.

• Wheeler qualified for the contest by first winning the INFB Discussion Meet and then surviving several rounds of competition against young farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals from across the country. The event simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic.

• Mark and Jessica Wenning, Henry County, who advanced to the top 10 in the AFBF YF&R Achievement Award. The award recognizes INFB members who earn the majority of their income from a farming operation and measures applicants on their leadership involvement and farm management techniques.

• Chelsea O’Brien of Spencer County. O’Brien advanced to the top 10 in the AFBF YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, which honors Farm Bureau members who do not derive the majority of their income from a farming operation, but who actively contribute and grow their involvement in Farm Bureau, the agriculture industry and other community organizations.

• ReproHealth Technologies of Indianapolis (led by Jim Donahue and Michael Whitt), which reached the final four round in the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. A second Indiana company, anu (led by Scott Massey), made it to the semi-finals in the contest. Each of the semi-finalist teams was awarded $10,000, and the final four teams were awarded an additional $5,000 each. The contest, now in its 10^th year, provides opportunities for Farm Bureau members to showcase business innovations being developed for agriculture.

AFBF’s 2025 convention will be held Jan. 24-29 in San Antonio, Texas.