Conversations have been a focus of the Indiana Livestock, Forage & Grain Forum for many years. 
At this year’s forum on March 13, Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) is bringing one more conversation starter to Indiana grain farmers and livestock producers in the form of a sneak peek of Farmland, a documentary film produced by Academy Award-winning director James Moll with support from U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). ISA, the state soybean checkoff organization, is a member of USFRA.
The feature length documentary follows the next generation of American farmers and ranchers, examining the lives of farmers and ranchers in their 20s, in various regions across the U.S.
“I make documentaries because it’s a thrill to explore new topics and meet people that I might not otherwise cross paths with,” says Moll. “While making Farmland, I found myself immersed in a community of some of the most hard working, passionate people I’ve ever met. This film isn’t just about what it’s like to be a farmer, it’s about a way of life. It’s also about a subject that affects our lives daily.”
The film will give viewers an up close and personal look at some of the young farmers and ranchers who grow and raise the food we consume daily, and into the latest farming procedures practices and technologies that are changing and improving the landscape of modern agriculture.
“We hope that Farmland will be a catalyst to more conversations about modern American agriculture across the country,” says Jane Ade Stevens, CEO of Indiana Soybean Alliance and USFRA board member. “It is exciting to be able to give Indiana farmers an opportunity to preview the documentary before the national premiere in late March. After seeing the film, we hope they encourage others to get out and see it when it’s in theaters.”
The advance trailer and information about the film is now available at www.farmlandfilm.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/farmlandfilm and on Twitter @FarmlandFilm.
This year’s forum is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, and is moving to the Marriott Indianapolis, located at 350 W. Maryland Street in downtown Indianapolis.
Pre-registration is required and the $25 fee includes breakfast and lunch. Visit www.indianasoybean.com/forum for more information and to register.
Information-Packed Morning
In addition to the film viewing at lunch, Indiana Soybean Alliance is also sponsoring the morning general session, which will once again feature dynamic national speakers about issues that affect how farmers operate on a day-to-day basis.
A highlight of the morning session will be the Beck’s Hybrids Beyond the Fence awards when four individuals will be honored for their outstanding service and contributions to the agriculture.
Afternoon Sessions
While the morning session of the forum is sponsored by the soybean checkoff, the rest of the day is a cooperative effort of organizations from diverse sectors of the state’s agricultural industry to provide Indiana grain farmers and livestock producers with the latest news, trends and issues affecting Indiana’s livestock, grain and forage industries.
In addition to ISA, participating organizations include Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Indiana Dairy Producers, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Forage Council, Indiana Pork, Indiana State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Milk Promotion Services of Indiana, Inc., and Purdue Extension.
Visit www.indianasoybean.com/forum for a complete agenda and to register.