Special Report

Indiana’s Farm Family of the Year

For Kevin and Linda Baird of Scottsburg, Indiana being named Indiana’s Farm Family of the Year is almost “unbelievable”.  The Bairds, along with their two sons Michael and Jared own and operate Cornucopia Farm located between Salem and Scottsburg. 

Linda Baird calls the recognition “the gold medal of the state Olympics.”  “It’s just really exciting,” she says.  “Especially since it was two young people who nominated us and they saw our passion for agriculture.  I think that in itself is an honor.”

Cornucopia Farm is open to the public September and October – providing an opportunity for visitors to shop as well as talk to a farmer and make a personal connection to agriculture.  “I love farming, I love agriculture, and I love growing things,” she says.  “I love sharing that with kids that come to the farm or the kids that come to Ag Day.”

The Bairds are also very active in their community. 

One of those activities is Relay for Life.  “Last fall (2011), after we closed for the season I started looking for new things for the coming year,” she says.  “I saw these really cool pink pumpkins and thought ‘I think I’ll order some of those to go with our Relay events’.”  Not knowing that Baird herself would be affected the following spring.

In March of 2012, Linda was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Since then – she has undergone surgery and treatment.  In addition to all she does for Indiana agriculture – she says she also has an opportunity to let others know cancer can happen to anyone.  The family continues to raise funds for cancer research and awareness. 

AUDIO: Linda Baird, Cornucopia Farm (4:11mp3)

The Bairds were honored by Beck’s Hybrids and Indiana AgriNews during the Indiana Farm Bureau annual meeting for their passion and promotion of Indiana agriculture and community involvement.