Field days are happening all over Indiana. Farmers have been coming out in large numbers to look at crop conditions and to evaluate product performance before they head back to their own fields to begin harvest. Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch visited several of these events this week to talk about the new Strategic Plan for Indiana agriculture.
At the Ceres Solutions Knowledge Event near Perrysville, Couch said, “We are a national leader in the production of crops, livestock, poultry, hardwood timber, and much more. That translates into an estimated $31 billion to the state’s economy and exports of $4.6 billion in agricultural products. In my role as Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, I am constantly in awe of the strength and growth of our strong base of agricultural assets.”
At the Reynolds Harvest Clinic in Atlanta, Crouch got a first-hand look at some of the latest technology. “In June of this year, our agricultural community released a strategic plan for the future. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture was a major contributor, but this is not the agency’s plan. It was developed by a committee of Indiana’s agricultural leaders and various representatives from agricultural boards, universities, non-government and government organizations,” Crouch stated. “The plan provides direction for Indiana agriculture over the next 10 years and will help drive success for farmers, the industry, and the state’s economy. A few of the many key priorities include: innovation, natural resources and the environment, economic development and leadership…all the things you personify.”
While not addressing the current state of the farm economy, Couch talked about how state government is ready to support the growth and profitability of the Indiana farm economy. “I am continually inspired by the innovative ways we, as Hoosiers, find solutions,” said Crouch who obviously was impressed by what she saw and by the people she met.
