Spotlight on Indiana Agriculture

Gov. Mitch Daniels has declared March Agriculture Appreciation Month in Indiana.
Indiana Family of Farmers, a coalition of agricultural organizations representing everything from soybean to beef producers, has partnered with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to put on events aimed at informing lawmakers and the general public about the needs of farmers.

Statehouse Reception
WHEN 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7
WHERE Indiana Statehouse North Atrium
IFOF and ISDA representatives will speak to legislators about farmers’ needs, and the winners of an essay contest will be announced. The essay contest received 225 written and 52 video entries.
IN THEIR WORDS “It will give us an opportunity to let us talk to legislators about agricultural commodities,” said Jeannie Keating, manager of media relations for ISDA.

Agriculture Month Displays
WHEN March 14 to 16
WHERE Indiana Statehouse South Atrium
Organizations affiliated with IFOF will have informative displays set up for people visiting the Statehouse. There will also be a display for the winners of the 2010 photo contest.
IN HER WORDS “It’s an opportunity for people to see this initiative and allows people to see how food connects to our lives and our culture,” Keating said.

Media Cow Milking Contest
WHEN 11:30 a.m. March 21
WHERE Government Center South Lawn
Representatives of Indianapolis media will compete in a cow milking contest to create awareness for agricultural issues.
“This is just a chance to have some fun and end the month on a high note but also to look ahead at the next big agricultural event, which is the Indiana State Fair,” Keating said.