The Hoosier Farmer

On May 19, 2026, Indiana Farm Bureau lost an agricultural leader and friend with the passing of Janis Elaine Highley. The organization's 2nd vice president was 57.

Born June 16, 1968, in Huntington, Indiana, Highley was the daughter of Marvin and Rosemary Zeller. She graduated from Huntington North High School and later earned a degree in business management at Huntington University. She married Larry Highley in April 1988, and the couple celebrated 38 years of marriage this spring.

A Career Rooted in Agriculture

Highley, of Warren, Indiana, waited until her children graduated before beginning her professional career. Once she did, she quickly became a steady presence in policy discussions and leadership circles across the state.

Her professional roles included positions with Salamonie Mills, Weaver Popcorn, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, and Strategic Grain Hedge, where she worked as a grain analyst assistant, helping farmers manage risk through cash sales and hedging on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Leading with Authenticity

Most prominent among her agricultural contributions was her role within Indiana Farm Bureau.

"Janis led with authenticity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to agriculture, our members, and Farm Bureau," said INFB President Randy Kron. "A fifth-generation farmer, she exemplified the values that define our organization and brought a steady sense of purpose to every responsibility she accepted. Janis believed leadership meant bringing people together – ensuring every voice was heard, valued, and united in a shared purpose. Her ability to weave together diverse perspectives and build unity left a lasting impact on our officer team and across the organization."

Kron said INFB will honor Highley's memory by continuing the work she cared so deeply about – supporting members, advocating for agriculture, and leading with the same spirit of unity she modeled.

Building Connections Through Service

Highley's involvement in INFB started on the Huntington County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and led to her service as the District 4 education and outreach coordinator. She particularly loved her work with INFB's Women's Leadership Committee (WLC).

One signature event she always looked forward to was Taste From Indiana Farms at the state fair, sponsored and organized by the WLC.

"We were tuckered out by the end of it, but it was always good too," said Joy Tracey, District 2 education and outreach coordinator. "We'd compare stories at the end of the day and see who had the craziest question asked of them and what was the highlight conversation. She was very passionate about agriculture, that's for sure."

Memories of Friendship

In their years together with INFB, Tracey said she and Highley shared many conversations and memories. Two stories in particular stood out—both bringing Tracey to laughter as she recalled the friendship they built through their Farm Bureau work.

"We were riding together in a car once, shortly after we had just met. I started yick-yacking and then, all of a sudden, went down this rabbit hole," Tracey said. "She goes, 'Wait, umm...' She was so proper and sweet as pie and didn't want to admit that she wasn't following. I said, 'Oh, sorry – squirrel.' She goes, 'What?' So I had to explain that's like when you get distracted by a squirrel and jump from topic to topic. Janis always said she could never keep track of all my squirrel stories. Oh, Janis, I had so many more squirrel stories for you."

Tracey also remembered their first trip to Washington, D.C., for WLC before Highley became second vice president. Their hotel rooms were next to each other, and Highley messaged Tracey to come look at the robin egg blue dress she planned to wear the next day.

"I said, 'Oh my gosh, that's so pretty,'" Tracey recalled. "She had it on, and I told her she looked like Jackie Kennedy Onassis. She laughed at me, but the next morning she came out and had flipped her hair out like Jackie O. did, instead of underneath like she normally did, and I thought it was so sweet."

Tracey photographed Highley that day in front of the Department of Agriculture building, with the Washington Monument visible in the background. But it was the story behind the photo that best captured Highley's fun, loving personality.

"She will be very missed," Tracey said.

The WLC recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Advocate, Cultivate, Empower Summit (see page 5). For the trip, Tracey had lapel pins made with a little heart and the words "Committed to Excellence" – a phrase that perfectly described Highley.

For the WLC's recent trip to D.C., Tracey pinned the "Committed to Excellence" lapel to that photograph of Highley and gave copies to each committee member, ensuring she was with them in spirit.

A Vision for the Future

Highley was elected as INFB's 2nd vice president in December 2023, bringing her dual perspective — both on the farm and in agribusiness – to the role. In her acceptance speech, she shared her passion for advocating and looked forward to serving INFB in her new position.

"As 2nd vice president, I envision a Farm Bureau that embraces its legacy," Highley said at the time. "I want to ensure that every member finds their place, and with my commitment, experience and vision, we can build a better future."

Highley brought a thoughtful approach rooted in listening and collaboration. Her experience across agricultural business, extension education, and risk management helped her connect with members, partners, and policymakers across Indiana.

"Janis had an immediate impact following her election as 2nd vice president," said INFB Vice President Kendell Culp. "She had a vision for the Women's Leadership Committee and worked with them to implement new programs like anhydrous safety trainings. She had the ability to work directly with our members and share their story to consumers. While our hearts are heavy with grief, Janis' legacy will live on through the work she initiated."

Life on the Farm

On their fifth-generation farm, Highley helped raise corn and soybeans while also holding off-farm jobs in the agricultural sector, including seasonal work at fertilizer and grain facilities. She found great joy in caring for her horses and chickens on their centennial homestead.

Beyond her professional achievements, Highley's greatest joy was her family. She was devoted to her family, and her greatest pride was her sons, and her deepest love was her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her sisters, Vicki Zeller and Claudia (Chod) Boxell; husband, Larry Highley; sons, Aaron (Annalise) Highley and Brian (Jessica) Highley; and grandsons, Eli and Aiden Highley.

Contact Editor

Robert Herrington

(317) 692-7871

RHerrington@infb.org