Issues affecting farmers are popping up at the Statehouse more frequently, often with little or no warning. That’s why it’s so important, according to Indiana Farm Bureau’s lobbying team, that legislators are given some background in agriculture before the session starts. And that’s why INFB has been encouraging members and county Farm Bureaus to host farm visits for legislators so they can learn about – and witness – agriculture’s hot topics directly from farmers themselves. There’s nothing like riding in a combine during harvest or witnessing a livestock farm’s biosecurity protocols to give a legislator a personal perspective on agriculture.

Justin Gelfius (right), Bartholomew County, explains his hog operation to Sen. Greg Walker (center) and Rep. Milo Smith.	Sen. John Crane and Rep. Jeff Thompson visit Hardin Farms in Hendricks County. From left are John Hardin, Barbie Himsel, Eric Wornhoff, Crane, Thompson and David Hardin.

Reps. Greg Beumer, Tom Saunders and Dick Hamm with Randolph County farmer Aaron Chalfant.	Members in Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph counties visit with Sen. Ryan Mishler about roads, fuel taxes and modern livestock agriculture.