HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Indiana’s lieutenant governor, a state senator and officials with Huntington University touted the state’s agricultural industry during a recent lunch program.

 

In addition to the speakers, the June 7 event at the university included recognition for area Indiana Farm Bureau officials and a Wabash County family that received a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award earlier this year.

“Agriculture is woven into the fabric of Indiana, and farming is at the core of our economy,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said. “We want to take Indiana agriculture to the next level and make Indiana a magnet for jobs.”

Crouch was previously Indiana state auditor and state representative before becoming lieutenant governor in January. Noting the excess rain that has caused delays in planting or the need for replanting in some areas of the state, Crouch said she and Gov. Eric Holcomb “appreciate everything our farm families do. We know you are having a challenging planting season.”

Indiana is a national leader in crops, livestock and hardwoods, she stated. The state is also a leader in conservation, Crouch added, specifically mentioning soil conservation and water quality. “While here in Indiana there are many challenges, we also have many opportunities,” she explained. “What’s truly great about Indiana is her people. As Hoosiers, we’re independent, we work hard and we understand what’s really important.” Indiana ranks 38th in the nation in size but is in the top 10 in agricultural production, said Indiana Sen. Andy Zay (R-17th dist.).

“That to me screams efficiency and effectiveness,” he noted. “That’s something to be very proud of. Indiana needs to be bold. We need to be strong. We need to continue to strive for the next levels.” Zay was chosen by the state Republican Party in December 2016 to replace Jim Banks who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I believe agriculture is one of those next frontiers,” Zay said. “Agriculture is a very important part of Indiana’s economy. I’m also happy to see both young faces (at the event) and more seasoned faces. I’m certainly very proud of the agriculture community in Huntington and the 17thdistrict which I represent.”

Sherilyn Emberton, president of  Huntington University, said many people tend to stop after corn, soybeans and wheat when thinking of Indiana agriculture. The state ranks third in the production of poultry, fifth in swine and cantaloupe, sixth in tomatoes and watermelon and twelfth in blueberries, she said.

“We are a big business,” Emberton noted. “We need to be loud and be proud. We probably need to be (louder) than we are. We’re undeniably a leader in production. I’m attracted to the intelligence of agriculture. It makes my heart go pitterpatter.” Huntington University opened its Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies in the fall of 2015 with the goal of offering a faith-based agricultural curriculum.

The diversity of agricultural operations in the area has benefitted the university and its students, said Raymond “Raymie” Porter, director of the institute. “We’ve cultivated a broad understanding of agriculture through field trips,” he noted.

“Students have visited several farms, equipment dealers and a hydroponics operation. This gives students a broad overview of what agriculture is and can be.” Porter said the institute’s motto – Faith, Family, Farming – is “really a part of who we are at Huntington University. We integrate faith into what we learn, how we learn. There’s a lot to learn in agriculture.”

Four farm bureau presidents were recognized by Crouch and Zay for outstanding contributions to agriculture: Steve Palmer, Grant County; Paul Jacobs, Huntington County; Mark York, Wabash County; and Dane Drew, Whitley County. The Wabash County farm of Orville and Phyllis Brodt was acknowledged for the centennial award signifying the farm has been in the same family 100 years.