By Andi Anderson
Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) delegates gathered at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville, Indiana, on August 16 to shape the organization’s policy agenda for 2026.
The meeting brought together 226 farmers and agribusiness professionals from across the state to discuss key issues and vote on policy positions.
INFB president Randy Kron emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Our annual delegate session is really the foundation of this organization.
Farm Bureau is widely recognized at the local, state and national level as a trusted source for information on policy impacting agricultural issues.” He noted that the grassroots nature of the process ensures members’ voices guide the organization’s policy positions.
Policy discussions centered on energy, taxes, property rights, and local food production. Renewable energy development drew significant attention, with delegates emphasizing the importance of balancing new projects with farmland preservation.
There was strong support for prioritizing nuclear energy research, including small modular reactors at existing or retired energy sites. Katie Nelson, INFB’s executive director of public policy, added, “Energy is always a widely discussed issue among our membership. We also heard many comments this year about the importance of preserving prime farmland.”
On taxes, delegates voted to oppose any new tax and supported eliminating property taxes over time. The approved language called for replacing property taxes with revenue from other sources such as income or sales taxes, with exemptions for agriculture, medical services, and business-to-business transactions.
Delegates also approved policies supporting home-based food vendors, making it easier to sell locally grown products. Another resolution backed penalties for unauthorized drone use over agricultural land and facilities, addressing growing concerns over privacy and security.
In addition, delegates elected five county Farm Bureau leaders to represent Indiana at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in Anaheim, California: Lana Wallpe of Benton County, Greg Orschell of Franklin County, Paul Jacobs of Huntington County, Matthew Lucas of Jackson County, and Mike Patka of LaGrange County.
The session also recognized retiring INFB COO and Treasurer Mark Sigler, who received the Indiana Distinguished Hoosier award from Gov. Mike Braun. This honor celebrates individuals who make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Over the coming weeks, the INFB board of directors will identify priorities for the 2026 legislative session. While state priorities will be set in Indiana, federal priorities will be determined at the AFBF level with input from all state Farm Bureaus.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Indiana, General