By Andi Anderson
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine participated in the second annual Farm to Capitol celebration held in downtown Indianapolis. The event brought together agricultural groups, lawmakers, state employees, farmers, and community members to recognize the importance of Indiana agriculture.
The Farm to Capitol event was organized by Indiana’s Family of Farmers and took place at Bicentennial Plaza near the Indiana Statehouse. The organization includes several agricultural partners such as the Indiana Farm Bureau, Purdue University, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Pork Producers, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. The group focuses on consumer education, environmental stewardship, and promoting agriculture throughout the state.
Visitors attending the event explored interactive exhibits, livestock displays, educational activities, local food vendors, and farmers’ market booths. The celebration highlighted the important role agriculture plays in supporting Indiana’s economy, food supply, and rural communities.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine representatives used the event to highlight how veterinarians support animal health, food safety, and public health across Indiana. Staff members also shared information about veterinary services, disease prevention, and the connection between healthy animals and strong agricultural systems.
Representing Purdue Veterinary Medicine at the event were Kelly Dold, marketing and communications manager for the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory; Julia Wickard, executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and constituent liaison; and April Shepherd, senior director of development for Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture.
The Purdue team interacted with Indianapolis residents, government workers, policymakers, and agricultural supporters throughout the event. Their outreach efforts focused on helping people better understand the role veterinarians play in protecting livestock, companion animals, and public health.
The Farm to Capitol celebration continues to grow as an opportunity for Indiana agriculture organizations to connect with consumers and lawmakers while promoting education, sustainability, and the future of farming across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Indiana, General