INDIANAPOLIS – When Mark Sigler joined Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) in 1987, he had no interest in taking on an officer role with the organization. Thirty eight years later, Sigler is retiring after serving in several capacities, including most recently as chief operating officer (COO) and treasurer.

His last day as COO is Sept. 1. Sigler will stay on as treasurer until the end of the year. Megan Ritter, who will step into the COO role after Sigler retires, is serving as chief administrative officer in the meantime.

Sigler started with farm bureau as a marketing assistant in the commodity department, and was appointed by the board as corporate secretary in 1994. Sigler said the COO and treasurer titles were added in January 2002.

“I was attracted to INFB because of the work they did in marketing and carcass evaluation programs in the 1980s,” he explained. “I was on the meats and livestock judging teams at Purdue (University) and wanted to do something in that area and the opening in their commodity department offered me that opportunity.”

Sigler said being an INFB officer wasn’t on his agenda when he joined the organization.

“As many people know, our career paths don’t always follow the path we have in mind,” he noted. “There were several changes in agriculture that took place in the early 1990s that led to the elimination of our carcass evaluation programs. Then the timing just worked out for me to end up in different positions within the organization. I was given the opportunity to lead our field staff when that position opened up and then we had several retirements that led to my appointment as corporate secretary.”

Sigler said he met many people he now considers friends while working at INFB and being involved with the county farm bureaus.

“Working at farm bureau also opened the door for me to be involved with other groups that I have enjoyed,” he said. “These include serving on the Indiana State Fair Board and announcing the swine shows at the fair for many years, serving as chair of the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Institute Board, and chair of the Purdue Ag Alumni Board. The other accomplishment I consider significant during my tenure would include increasing the financial stability and strength of the organization.”

Sigler said farm bureau has changed significantly during his career. In his early years, most of the people who attended their events and meetings had farms that looked very similar.

“Today’s farms and what is included under the definition of agriculture is far more diverse,” he pointed out. “One of the great things about farm bureau is that it is a general farm organization that represents all types of farms and commodities. However, because of that diversity, it is much more challenging to bring everyone together on some of today’s issues.”

When he started at farm bureau, Sigler said the organization was just getting its first computers, and there was no email, website, internet or cell phones. Financial reports were handwritten on paper ledgers. Technological advances have changed how many things have been done, he added.

“The goals of the organization have not changed,” Sigler said. “INFB was started as a way for farmers to join together to accomplish things collectively that they could not do alone. Today’s vision statement says – INFB will be a proactive organization providing opportunities for members to influence positive outcomes in agriculture and their communities. The need to work together for a better agriculture is still what guides us today.”

Sigler grew up on a small family farm in Madison County where they raised corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and purebred Shorthorn cattle. Sigler, his brothers and sister still own the farm that raises corn and soybeans. Sigler and his wife DeeDee live on the home farm in the house he grew up in.

“Being on the farm and keeping the financial records has helped me in my work at farm bureau,” he said. “It has also given our grandkids a great place for their 4-H pigs and sheep over the years.”

Sigler said he was excited for the organization to have new leadership with the experience and enthusiasm Ritter brings to the role. “I am being careful not to give too much advice, but I think working through the challenges that each day brings with patience and kindness always pays dividends.”

Ritter has been with INFB nearly 15 years, serving in public policy, strategy and executive leadership. She is active on the AgriNovus Indiana board, Purdue’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory advisory committee, and the Hancock County Community Foundation board, INFB said.