Shop talks - shaping ag policies

By Andi Anderson

The Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee (M&P) and the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) are hosting Shop Talks throughout Indiana this August.

These events, held on rural farms, bring together farmers, agribusiness professionals, and elected officials to discuss key agricultural policies.

Shop Talks aim to connect state and federal lawmakers with farmers to address important policy issues such as the farm bill, trade, infrastructure, and biofuels.

These meetings provide a platform for farmers and local industry partners to learn about and influence state and federal policies that impact their operations and communities.

ICGA and M&P directors and staff actively engage with policymakers at all government levels, frequently visiting Washington, D.C., and the Indiana Statehouse to advocate for farmer priorities.

The summer Shop Talk series offers legislators an opportunity to meet the farmers within their districts and communities.

Confirmed speakers for this year’s events include Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Director Don Lamb, U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Dist. 8), and U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Dist. 2), with more leaders expected to join in open districts.

In addition to policy discussions, the meetings will feature Pesticide Application Recertification Program (PARP) certifications conducted by Purdue University Extension educators. These sessions will provide farmers with the necessary credits, and the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council will sponsor the PARP fees.

Recertification programs, lasting at least two hours, cover fertilizer and pesticide-related topics and include an approved regulatory topic. Farmers can attend and receive credit for recertification programs in any county, not just their home county.

The first Shop Talk is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, at Susan and Mike Brocksmith’s farm in Knox County, with ISDA Director Lamb as a special guest. Five more Shop Talks are planned, including:

Aug. 8 – Delaware County

Aug. 12 – Decatur County with Congresswoman Erin Houchin

Aug. 15 – Huntington County

Aug. 26 – Marshall County with Congressman Rudy Yakym

Aug. 27 – Rush County

Additional meetings are pending in White and Morgan Counties. For registration and updates on these events, visit incornandsoy.org/events.

These Shop Talks are a valuable opportunity for farmers to engage with policymakers, discuss critical issues, and enhance their understanding of agricultural policies.