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

(Indianapolis) – Feb. 12, 2024 – The annual Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Conference took place this past weekend in Plainfield, Indiana. The conference provides an opportunity for education and networking for INFB members under the age of 40.

Conference programming focused on sessions to motivate and prepare young agriculture professionals for success as their careers develop. The keynote addresses were given by Rob Sharkey, or the “SharkFarmer,” farmer, podcast and TV host, and Clinton Griffiths, anchor and editorial director for AgDay Television. Breakout session topics ranged from transitioning the family farm and partnering with your veterinarian to risk management on agritourism operations and first aid on the farm.

Alongside keynote and breakout sessions, several INFB members and county YF&AP programs were honored for their accomplishments in 2023.

Most notably, Henry County Farm Bureau’s YF&AP program was recognized with the Outstanding County Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Award given to the top program in the state. Henry County Farm Bureau will receive $1,000 to create a new YF&AP program/event or improve an existing program.

Many of Henry County’s YF&AP programs for 2023 focused on philanthropy and community.  Their YF&AP committee coordinated a bowling night and cookout for YF&AP members in their county to network, as well as a pedal pull during their county fair and local Sulphur Springs Community Days. The committee also organized “Meals in the Fields,” which delivers meals directly to farmers in their area during the busy time of harvest.

“I’m really proud of Henry County,” said Jessica Wenning, Henry County YF&AP chair. “Last year, we were a runner-up for this award, so it feels great to win this year. This was very much a team effort, and we couldn’t have done it without all the YF&AP members on our committee. We are excited to have the additional funds to put towards our future programs.”

Farm Bureaus in Hamilton and Orange counties were runners-up for the award and will receive $500 each.

Farm Bureaus in Perry and St. Joseph counties were recognized as the Most Improved Young Farmers & Ag Professionals programs this year. This is based on a comparison of activities over the past two years and how the activities and programs of those counties’ YF&AP programs have improved.

County YF&AP programs also were recognized for their contributions to Feeding America, a nonprofit with a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. St. Joseph County Farm Bureau donated the most non-perishable food items. Additionally, Orange County Farm Bureau donated the most money and time to Feeding America.

In addition, a new state YF&AP chair, vice chair and secretary took office at the conference. Brock Kiesler of Floyd County will serve as chair for 2024, Jason Carey of Hancock County will serve as vice chair and Jessica Baggerman of Huntington County will serve as secretary. The committee also welcomed the following district YF&AP leaders to serve two-year terms.

• District 1: Isaac and Jenna Blue, LaPorte County
• District 5: Collin and Katie Pennington, Putnam County
• District 7: Austin and Payton Sinders, Clay County
• District 9: Colten and Molley Hasenour, Dubois County

For more information on the program, visit www.infb.org/YFAP.

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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.