The Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Growers Association presented its Friend of Farmer award to Indiana Senator Jean Leising during the organizations annual Ag Policy Summit on Tuesday.
“Last year was a unique year because of the way the legislature had to operate. There were a lot of challenges and there were several bills that affected agriculture,” says Indiana Corn Growers Association President Mike Beard. “Senator Leising was always there for us, willing to listen, willing to take up the cause. For that reason, we thought that she more than deserves this recognition today.”
Senator Leising received the award for her work on House Bill 1483, which made adjustments to the Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund that will positively impact Hoosier farmers. Leising says this past year was the most difficult legislative session she’s experienced. She was grateful for the award.
“This year, of all years, we had some tough issues to deal with, but I was not anticipating getting an award or recognition from this group for that effort. I guess I looked upon the trials and tribulations of the session is being part of my job. But truthfully it was very, very nice. The actual award is nice. All the kind things that were said were very nice.”
Leising also credited Indiana House Ag Chair Representative Don Lehe for his work on HB1483 to get it across the finish line.
Leising is the Chair of the Indiana Senate Agriculture Committee. She serves all of Rush County and portions of Decatur, Fayette, Franklin, Henry, Ripley, and Shelby counties. She also previously served as president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association in the 80s.
ICGA and ISA created the Friend of Farmer award nearly six years ago to honor elected officials at any level of government whose service to Indiana farmers has gone above and beyond in advancing the mission of their organizations.
Hear my full interview with Leising below: