By Andi Anderson
Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) will once again participate in the Indiana State Fair, promoting agriculture through sponsored events and programs.
These initiatives focus on engaging youth 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’s programming will take place in the INFB Fall Creek Pavilion, a new building that opened last year. One highlight is the annual Taste From Indiana Farms event, hosted by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee.
This popular, free event runs from Thursday, August 8 to Sunday, August 11, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will distribute food and drink samples made from ingredients produced by Indiana farmers.
Visitors can sample a variety of commodities, 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 2nd 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 dedicated to educating the public through programs and events that promote agriculture year-round.
INFB will also support the 4-H youth livestock competitions at this year’s state fair. The organization is the presenting sponsor of the Exhibitor Experience for livestock exhibitors and all showmanship contests. Prizes will be awarded for all livestock species, as well as for Supreme Showmanship.
As the presenting sponsor, INFB will host activities for livestock exhibitors on Friday, August 2, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the breezeway between the INFB Fall Creek Pavilion and the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Exhibitors can have their photo taken and make friendship bracelets to trade with others.
INFB will also sponsor the 4-H Supreme Drive, recognizing Indiana’s supreme 4-H dairy cattle, Boer goats, breeding ewes, and breeding gilts. This event will take place on Sunday, August 11, at 4 p.m. in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
INFB’s commitment to youth in agriculture extends beyond the fair. The organization offers several opportunities for youth involvement, including 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 will be held from Friday, August 2, to Sunday, August 18, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in Indianapolis, closed each Monday.
Photo Credit: indiana-farm-bureau
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle