The Hoosier Farmer

While there’s never a bad time to tell your elected officials why they should support policies that impact your livelihood or operation, in a few short weeks Indiana will begin its next legislative session. The short session is scheduled to begin Jan. 5, 2026, and is expected to end on or before March 14.

Agriculture advocacy is about amplifying the voices of farmers by promoting policies that support their interests and those of their communities. Jesse Cordray, Indiana Farm Bureau’s public policy project manager, said the most important aspect to remember when talking with elected officials is, “Clear is kind, kind is clear.”

“We want to be concise and to the point, while adding the necessary emotion and background to the situation,” he said. “I think the most convicting way to influence policy is to be genuine and authentic. Our members have long been respected for being kind and direct, while not getting into raised voices and name-calling, things that have become commonplace.”

Meeting with legislators may seem overwhelming and daunting. However, elected officials work for the people and want to hear challenges facing their constituents.

“Don't let politics ruin a constructive conversation. For elected officials at the state and local level, this is usually not their full-time job. They're doing other things, they're involved in other industries, and so the best thing our members can do is to share their perspective on the issues at hand,” he said.

Cordray said members should feel confident to tell their own story.

“Legislators always appreciate the interpersonal communication that comes directly from a constituent. Those interactions are invaluable when it comes to an effective Statehouse strategy,” he said.

When it comes to advocating, there is no “one size fits all” box, and INFB works with its members to make the most of each opportunity.

“When you come, we want to tailor the opportunity and maximize the experience,” said Cordray. “Last year, we had a family with homeschooled kids who wanted to make coming to the Statehouse an immersive experience. They got to meet their elected officials and talk about some of the concerns on the farm. But then we've had groups come from certain counties concerned with a big issue for them, so then we have further, deeper, longer conversations that mean something different.”

Cordray said INFB regional managers are great resources for members and can help prepare them for conversations with legislators.

“We want members to feel comfortable to ask us, ‘Hey, I want to go talk to my legislator. Will you set up that conversation?’ Our regional managers are great at relationship building,” he said, adding that members should also let their county president know of any interest as they may know of others with similar concerns in their area.

For meetings at the Statehouse, INFB staff hosts virtual or day-of in-person briefings that allow members to feel comfortable with the issues of that day, week or session.

“We'll talk about our legislative priorities so they can feel confident speaking to those, but we'll also talk about and address other bills that are noteworthy,” said Cordray. “We always want to tailor our briefings to the members who are present so they feel that they're getting something from the opportunity and not just here going through the motions.”

Statehouse visits are not the only form of advocacy INFB encourages members to take part in. The public policy team also activates action campaigns with texting, phone calls, emails and letter writing for members to feel like their voice can be heard.

“You can advocate from where you're at. While a handshake goes the longest way, we also recognize that it's not always easy for our members to leave their operation and be in these rooms. But they should feel comfortable going to a local coffee shop, shop talk or a local event with legislators and speak to the issues we’re working on,” Cordray said.

Whether it is a local, state or national issue, INFB wants members to be informed.

“As a benefit of membership, you can subscribe to The Dispatch, an electronic newsletter with legislative and regulatory updates from Indiana Farm Bureau, and other public policy-centric communications,” said Cordray.

The Dispatch is emailed biweekly throughout the year and weekly during the legislative session. Those interested in signing up to receive The Dispatch can email ppt@infb.org.

Through your online member profile at infb.org, members can receive tailored communication based on their interest or what they're looking to gain from their Farm Bureau membership. Those interested in learning more about advocacy may contact Cordray at jcordray@infb.org or 317-692-7812.

“If we’re not advocating to advance agriculture and rural communities today, we're not guaranteed tomorrow,” said Cordray. “For us to have the maximum impact and influence, it takes the voice of all 65,000 voting members.” 

Contact Editor

Robert Herrington

(317) 692-7871

RHerrington@infb.org