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Indiana corn, soybean farmers highlight legislative priorities

Hoosier corn and soybean farmers highlighted legislative priorities during a breakfast with lawmakers this morning at the Indiana Statehouse.

The Indiana Corn Growers Association and Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee hosted the event that brought lawmakers and farmers together.

Dave Rodibaugh, chair of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, says one of the bills they are closely following is the nonprofit agricultural organization coverage bill.

“There is a proposal put out which is through Indiana Farm Bureau that represents a possibility for more economic health care, especially for our younger farmer as they begin their careers,” he says.

Audio: Dave Rodibaugh, Indiana Soybean Alliance

The bill establishes conditions that an organization must meet to qualify as a nonprofit ag organization. This change would make it possible to offer a health benefits program in Indiana. The bill is going to the healthcare committee this afternoon.

Josh Miller, president of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, says ethanol is also a top priority.

“We’re very appreciative of this administration for the E15 year-round mandate that we have,” he says. “But we worked so hard to create the ethanol market and we need to make sure that we keep that ethanol market.”

Audio: Josh Miller, Indiana Corn Marketing Council

He says ethanol is a clean and effective fuel and is a major driver for Indiana’s farm economy.

Other priorities include highlighting the impact that the Indiana ag industry has on the economy, supporting the livestock sector, and rural broadband.

The Bacon Bar and Brunch at the Statehouse has become a popular event. Soybeans and corn are primary food sources for Indiana livestock and the bacon symbolizes the economic relationship between Indiana’s livestock producers and the state’s corn and soybean farmers. Last year’s event connected more than 200 farmers, stakeholders, representatives, and senators.