Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Livestock Summit, which was organized by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee.
All corners of Indiana agriculture were represented at the Livestock Summit, including the American Dairy Association Indiana, the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Pork, the Indiana State Poultry Association, Indiana Farm Bureau, the Agribusiness Council of Indiana and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.
National organizations also participated, including the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council. Indiana businesses such as POET, Rose Acre Farms, Corteva Agriscience and Lowe’s Pellets and Grain also contributed their expertise, demonstrating the broad partnerships that make Indiana agriculture so strong.
Soybean growers planning a conference about livestock may seem incongruous, but Indiana farmers understand that when one part of agriculture succeeds, it creates opportunities throughout the entire industry. Livestock and poultry are the No. 1 consumers of Indiana-grown soybeans and corn, which means connecting growers with producers of livestock strengthens the entire agricultural value chain. When soybean and corn farmers are successful, there is a reliable, cost-effective food source available for Indiana livestock and poultry; and when livestock producers are successful, there is additional demand for the corn and soybeans grown to feed cattle, hogs, chickens and more.
At the summit, Indiana Pork’s Chad Martin and Leadery Global executive Byron Ernest gave a presentation on a workforce development pipeline that includes Indiana’s Department of Education. Their presentation highlighted preparing students not only for college, but also for meaningful careers.
Indiana has placed a renewed emphasis on workforce readiness through career pathways, industry-recognized credentials and work-based learning opportunities. Those efforts are helping connect students with high-demand careers while ensuring employers have access to a skilled workforce.
Agriculture offers tremendous opportunities for young Hoosiers, whether in production, animal science, agribusiness, food processing, logistics, engineering or veterinary medicine. Building stronger connections between our schools and these industries helps students discover rewarding careers while strengthening one of Indiana’s most important economic sectors.
Indiana succeeds because we are willing to work together toward common goals. The Livestock Summit was another reminder that when agriculture collaborates across commodities and industries, everyone benefits. From our farmers and livestock producers to consumers and the next generation entering the workforce, there is something for every Hoosier to be proud of.
Once again, I am proud of the people and the leaders in Indiana. Giving back to the communities and industries that have helped shape my life is the reason why I serve in the legislature. Rural communities and agriculture are incredibly important to the district I represent, and I am grateful for every opportunity to support their continued success.
-30-
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
