By Andi Anderson
Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) members gathered at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Indiana, on Aug. 22 to establish the organization's policy priorities for 2027. The annual delegate session brought together 236 farmers and agribusiness professionals from across the state to discuss and vote on policies that will shape the organization’s advocacy efforts in the coming year.
The event plays an important role in Indiana Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy development process. Policy recommendations begin at the county level, where members submit ideas and proposed changes. These recommendations are then reviewed by a resolutions committee before being presented to delegates for discussion and final approval.
Randy Kron, INFB President, emphasized the importance of member involvement in developing the organization’s policy positions.
“Our annual delegate session is really the foundation of this organization; it’s the meat and potatoes,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “Legislators at the local, state and national level know how involved our grassroots are at creating these policies every year, so Farm Bureau is their trusted source for information on policy impacting agriculture.”
A major topic during the session was data center development. Delegates approved significant new policy language addressing concerns related to resource use, local communities, and tax incentives. The updated policies support responsible development practices while emphasizing protection of local water supplies and private property rights.
Katie Nelson, INFB Executive Director of Public Policy, noted the importance of addressing these concerns.
“We knew going into delegate session that our members were concerned about data center development,” said Katie Nelson, INFB executive director of public policy. “They voted to include language that would prioritize responsible stewardship of local resources and respect for private property rights while also ensuring safeguards for local water supply. These new policy directives will be incredibly helpful as we head into a new legislative session in January where I’m sure legislators will be discussing this issue quite a bit.”
Delegates also discussed property taxes, local income taxes, energy issues, and food classification policies. Members supported refining provisions included in Senate Enrolled Act 1 from the 2026 General Assembly and approved language stating that nutrient-based foods should not automatically be classified as “ultra-processed.”
In addition, delegates elected representatives for the 2027 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The elected delegates were Jerry Brooks of Clark County, Aaron Chalfant of Randolph County, Jeff Demerly of White County, Darin Hadley of Allen County, and Hans Schmitz of Posey County.
Over the coming months, Indiana Farm Bureau’s public policy team and board of directors will use these member-approved positions to guide legislative priorities at both the state and national levels. The policies will help ensure that Indiana farmers continue to have a strong voice in discussions affecting agriculture, natural resources, taxation, and rural communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle