Awards for Achievement and Vision in Agriculture
The Lt Governor’s Agrivision Award is presented each year to someone whose vision for agriculture has made an impact on the state. Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann said, in an effort to show the diversity of Hoosier agriculture, this year’s award was presented to a farmer with a vision for locally grown food products. “No one has a better example of seeing the potential of locally grown food products in Indiana then Adam Moody,” Ellspermann stated. “Adam is a leader in the agriculture industry and is an acknowledged expert in issues of local and regional food systems and entrepreneurship. Through his leadership, Adam is helping Indiana agriculture remain a global leader in technology and innovation.”
Moody told HAT his vision is to bring a sustainable business model to locally grown food operations, “One of the keys you have to have is old agrarian wisdom and modern business savvy. You then have to put those two things together in an investable business.” Moody is the founder of Moody Meats, Inc. and Moody Retail Shops. He owns and operates a 250 acre farm in Montgomery County. In 2013, Moody, along with co-founders Nick Carter and Chris Baggot, formed Husk, LLC to process and preserve locally-grown vegetables. Together they designed, developed, and built a vegetable processing facility in Greenfield which distributes Indiana sweet corn to retail stores across a five-state region. This year, Moody has expanded the plant into green beans, peas, and squash.
Also awarded at the State Fair were the Purdue Women in Agriculture awards. The leadership award was presented to Elisha Modisett Kemp of Marion County for leadership in her position as government affairs manager at Dow AgroSciences. The achievement award was presented to Kerry Dull of Boone County. Along with her husband Tom, they operate Dull Tree farm which has also become a major agri-tourism destination. Dull says this has given her a chance to share the story of agriculture with folks from the city, “We take every opportunity to explain and share our farm with the consumers.” Dull Family Farms is a 2,000 acre grain farm along with a 30 acre ‘choose and harvest’ Christmas tree operation, bed and breakfast, and recreational facility. The Dull Farm now has a petting zoo and bed-and-breakfast that teaches guests about how food gets from the farm to the table.
Modisett Kemp, a native of Windfall, began her career in agriculture and has been an advocate for the industry ever since. In 2005 she became the first legislative liaison for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Her work included advocating for bioenergy, livestock production, diversified agriculture, international trade and pursuing innovative opportunities in environmental stewardship and conservation.
“The Purdue Extension Women in Ag team is committed to providing educational opportunities, resources, and a network of support for all women in the agriculture industry,” said Danica Kirkpatrick, engagement program manager for Purdue Agriculture and Women in Agriculture awards co-chair. “These awards allow us to recognize the women who lead by example and continue to help Indiana agriculture grow.”