Stay Informed

In late June, Indiana Farm Bureau hosted a policy training session for the 2020 FFA state officer candidates. The training, in its second year, is designed to help prepare the FFA members for their candidate interviews.  

“The training was extremely helpful in preparing for my interview process, especially the ag issues round,” said Derick Williams, 2020-2021 Indiana FFA state reporter. “Almost every single topic we covered during the Farm Bureau training was brought up in our interview in some form or another. Thanks to Indiana Farm Bureau, I was much more informed about what is currently impacting the industry as a whole.”

INFB’s public policy team and Vice President Kendell Culp helped provide background and insight into several of the major issues impacting the agriculture industry. The issues discussed ranged from trade, dicamba and rural broadband to ethanol, mental health, sustainability and rural road safety.

“During the training, I was able to learn more about the mental health struggles farmers experience, which was a topic brought up during one of my interview rounds,” said Kylie Schakel, 2020-2021 Indiana FFA secretary. “Not only did it allow me to understand current issues more in depth, but it also helped me connect with the other state officer candidates, which is something I found crucial.” 

The following FFA members also participated in the training: Jayden Brown, Rossville; Evan Cohagan, Argos; Jenna Cords, West Central; Makinzie France, North Miami; Julia Hamblen, Shelbyville Central; Sam Hauptstueck, Carroll Fort Wayne; Loren Matlock, Eastern Hancock; Logan Overman, Greenfield Central; Breeanna Sides, South Ripley; Brooke Sides, South Ripley; Blayne Vandeveer, Tri-County; Ally Webster, Clinton Central; Sara Weaver, Franklin County; and Garrett Weil, Oregon-Davis.

“The students’ depth of knowledge and understanding of the various issues impacting the ag industry is remarkable,” said Katrina Hall, INFB’s senior director of policy strategy and advocacy. “We look forward to seeing the impact these future leaders will have on the state of Indiana and the agriculture industry.”