By Andi Anderson
At the end of the 2025 Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) celebrated several major legislative victories for Hoosier farmers. Their top goals included modernizing the farmland property tax formula and implementing better water protections.
“Anytime you have a major ask of the legislature during a budget session, it’s a heavy lift,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. He credited the grassroots efforts of over 650 members who engaged lawmakers across the state.
The most notable achievement was Senate Enrolled Act 1, which introduced a new assessed value deduction for farmland and increased the capitalization rate from 8% to 9%.
This adjustment will sunset in 2027. Andy Tauer, INFB’s public policy director, noted that while this change offers short-term relief, more sustainable tax reforms are needed to address rising property tax bills.
Another big win was the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 28, creating a new reporting and investigation system for water loss issues, managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This ensures better protection for agriculture users like irrigators and livestock owners.
INFB also supported Senate Enrolled Act 461, strengthening oversight of the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency, helping ensure grain buyers comply with state laws.
Additional successes include:
- House Enrolled Act 1012 – Requires notification of property damage to landowners.
- House Enrolled Act 1149 – Creates a central online resource for agricultural laws, funding, and permitting.
- House Enrolled Act 1461 – Provides new funding options for local infrastructure projects, boosting rural communities.
INFB leaders emphasized the need to push for even more tax relief in the future. “We vow to keep advocating for our farmers and build a stronger future,” Kron concluded.
Photo Credit: indiana-farm-bureau
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle