Contact:
Colleen Settle
317-692-7822
317-242-8907
csettle@infb.org

(Indianapolis) – July 30, 2024 – Indiana Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farming organization, will once again have a presence at the Indiana State Fair, supporting agriculture through sponsored events and programming focused on youth engagement and educating consumers about locally grown foods.

“We are always excited to host events that support youth engagement and education in Indiana through our partnership with the state fair,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “Our goal is to teach Hoosiers about agriculture and share our story with fairgoers, so they leave knowing more about the hard work farmers do to provide food, fuel and fiber for us all.”

INFB programming will take place in the INFB Fall Creek Pavilion, a new building that opened just last year, including the annual Taste From Indiana Farms event, hosted by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee. At this popular, free event, which will take place Thursday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., volunteers will pass out food and drink samples that contain ingredients Indiana farmers produce.

An assortment of commodities will be available for visitors to try, including corn, eggs, lamb, tomatoes, mint, dairy, maple syrup, and the official state snack -- popcorn.

“The INFB Women’s Leadership Committee has promoted the importance of agriculture to consumers at Taste From Indiana Farms for over 30 years,” said Janis Highley, INFB 2^nd vice president and chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee. “A lot of Hoosiers may not realize exactly where their food comes from. We are excited to share the wide variety of foods grown right here in Indiana.”

The Women’s Leadership Committee is committed to educating the public through programs and events that promote agriculture throughout the year.

INFB also will continue its support of the 4-H youth livestock competitions at this year’s state fair. The organization will be the presenting sponsor of the Exhibitor Experience for livestock exhibitors and all showmanship contests, awarding a variety of prizes for all livestock species, as well as Supreme Showmanship.

As the presenting sponsor, INFB will host activities for livestock exhibitors on Friday, Aug. 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the breezeway between the INFB Fall Creek Pavilion and the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to get their photo taken and make friendship bracelets that they can trade with others.

INFB will also sponsor the 4-H Supreme Drive, which recognizes Indiana’s supreme 4-H dairy cattle, Boer goats, breeding ewes and breeding gilts, and takes place Sunday, Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

INFB’s dedication to youth in agriculture extends beyond the fair. There are several opportunities for youth to be involved in INFB, with scholarships for graduating seniors and college students; Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at Purdue, Huntington and Vincennes universities; FFA advocacy days and trainings; grants for FFA chapters and 4-H clubs; and leadership development events, competitions, awards and conferences.

The Indiana State Fair takes place Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 18, closed each Monday, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in Indianapolis.

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About Indiana Farm Bureau: For more than 100 years, Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has protected and enhanced the future of agriculture and our communities. As the state’s largest general farm organization, INFB works diligently to cultivate a thriving agricultural ecosystem to strengthen the viability of Indiana agriculture. Learn more at INFB.org.