INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana FFA and Indiana Farm Bureau brought young leaders, educators and agricultural advocates to the Indiana Statehouse on Jan. 21 for the 2026 Advocacy Day. The annual event connected FFA members and farm bureau volunteers with lawmakers to discuss issues shaping Indiana agriculture and rural communities.

More than 100 FFA students from across the state participated in legislative visits, policy discussions and leadership activities designed to strengthen their understanding of civic engagement. The event featured keynote remarks from Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Lamb underscored the impact of the event.

“Advocacy Day is so important because it gives FFA members a real look at how things get done at the Statehouse. When you’re walking into legislative visits, sitting in on committee hearings and talking directly with the people who make decisions, it suddenly clicks – your voice really does matter. This day helps young leaders feel confident speaking up, builds stronger connections across our ag community and makes sure the folks writing our laws understand what’s happening on the ground in Indiana agriculture.”

Participants met with legislative members and toured the Statehouse. The day concluded with a three-person panel featuring Jeanette Merritt, Indiana Pork director of communications; Hannah Gee, Indiana Beef education and industry relations director; and Katie Nelson, Indiana Farm Bureau executive director of public policy. The panel focused on the importance of agricultural education, volunteer efforts to teach young children about agriculture and the value of engaging with local government leaders.