INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has named its priorities for legislators during the upcoming Indiana General Assembly session, a list that includes funding for the state’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) and continued property tax and assessment reform.

The need at the diagnostic laboratory is primarily an infrastructure issue, Katie Nelson, INFB’s executive director of public policy, told Farm World.

“Modern facilities are needed to support the technology, workforce and testing capacity required to meet the animal health challenges of today and the future,” she explained. “The lab itself and the equipment within it are the priority. Not only is the lab used during emergencies, it also provides essential diagnostic services to livestock producers and veterinarians every day.

“Updated facilities and equipment are essential tools for attracting and retaining top talent.”

As new and emerging animal diseases continue to pose risks to livestock production, Indiana must maintain a modern laboratory capable of protecting animal agriculture, Nelson said. Funding the ADDL is an investment in the long-term growth, resilience and competitiveness of Indiana agriculture, she added.

“Indiana’s livestock sector contributes significantly to the state’s agricultural economy,” Nelson noted. “A strong diagnostic laboratory helps safeguard that investment by providing producers with timely, accurate disease detection and testing services.

“Early detection means faster containment, reduced economic losses and great confidence in Indiana’s animal health system.”

As for the state’s property tax and assessment reform, INFB said it will be asking the legislature to reduce the assessed value for agricultural-use buildings by moving them from the 3 percent to 2 percent tax cap, which would also provide those properties with a one-third reduction.

INFB will work to push legislation that would exempt the first $2 million in business personal property tax for all filers instead of the current exemption, which only provides relief to those under the $2 million purchase cost, the organization said in a release.

Priority will be given to policies that strengthen oversight of the property tax assessment process overall to ensure accurate, consistent and transparent assessment practices statewide, the release said.

INFB would like to see the state strengthen investments in the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Board of Animal Health to ensure critical programs and services supporting Indiana agriculture remain viable, the release said.

“Adequate funding is needed to retain and recruit staff, including meat inspectors and veterinarians, while supporting initiatives such as Indiana Grown that expand market opportunities for Indiana farmers,” INFB said.

The organization said it will support policies that invest in rural communities and help create opportunities for passing the farm onto the next generation. Those requests will include more funding for rural healthcare access, transportation infrastructure and childcare expansion, INFB said.

“After several years of economic hardship in the ag economy, most seasoned farmers have reserves that can help them weather those storms,” Randy Kron, INFB president, said in the release. “I worry about the younger generation of farmers who haven’t had time to establish themselves yet. That’s why we’re pushing to fund programs that assist new farmers and strengthen pathways for passing the farm to future generations.

“This year, we need the General Assembly to consider legislation that will protect and enhance the future for farms and rural communities to ultimately ensure safe, affordable food not just for Hoosiers but for people all over the world.”

Farm bureau officials will meet with legislators to discuss the priorities at the annual Organization Day Breakfast at the Statehouse Nov. 17. The 2027 legislative session begins in January.

Nelson said INFB is hopeful legislators will be receptive to its priorities this year.

“They have been hearing a lot from constituents about property taxes and the need to invest in agriculture and rural Indiana,” she said. “Our grassroots structure is one of farm bureau’s greatest strengths and that is what will help us be successful this legislative session.”