Baugh, Ebert honored with ISDA’s AgriVision Award for many contributions to agriculture

By Dave Blower Jr.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) presented John Baugh, Director of Agricultural Services and Regulations at Purdue University, and Ed Ebert, Senior Director of Market Development for the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC), with the state’s highest agricultural honor, the AgriVision Award during the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 8.

Now in its 18th year, the award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry and their communities.

“It was an honor to present John and Ed with the AgriVision Award,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Their vision has guided the foundation of this great industry, and not just statewide, but nationally. We would not be where we are today without their leadership and commitment to supporting agriculture.

Ebert goes many, many miles to serve Indiana’s soybean and corn farmers of Indiana. Always seeking new markets to move tons of Hoosier-grown soybeans and corn to customers both nearby and around the globe, Ebert’s duties are aimed at helping to improve farmers’ bottom line. To accomplish this, he has talked to corn and soybean buyers on six continents. Ebert has traveled the circumference of the Earth more times than he can count.”

Ebert represents Indiana farmers on a statewide and global stage. In 2023, along with ISA and ICMC, he engaged with 31 countries representing 57 percent of the world’s population and 36 percent of gross domestic product to work on projects to export Indiana corn and soybeans. He is a valuable source of knowledge on international commodity markets and is an asset to all Indiana corn and soybean farmers.

“I would like to thank the Lt. Governor’s office and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture for selecting me and my good friend, John Baugh, for this award,” Ebert said. “I would also like to thank the Indiana corn and soy farmers that I’ve worked with for much of my career who nominated me. I would like to thank those who I work with at the corn and soybean checkoff program – they truly have the best interests of Indiana farmers in mind in all of the work they do. This award is certainly nothing that I ever thought about achieving, but as I stand here right now, this is a truly awesome and humbling experience.”

Crouch said Baugh has been a tireless advocate for Indiana agriculture for decades. A steady presence at the Indiana Statehouse for 35 years, his impact can be seen in legislation that directly affects agriculture and rural communities. He also serves as an ex-officio member on both the ISA and ICGA boards.

Baugh advocates for Purdue University, Purdue Agriculture and agricultural education throughout the state. Through his efforts, Vincennes and Purdue created joint facilities located adjacent to the Purdue Southwest Agricultural Center in Knox County. Additionally, he played a key role in assisting the college’s efforts to secure legislative support for the new veterinary hospital.

Baugh contributed to forming the Indiana Corn Checkoff Law, the Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund, rural broadband efforts, chemical applicator licensing issues agronomic sustainability opportunities.

“The strength of Indiana’s agricultural industry comes from the dedication, ingenuity and perseverance of Hoosiers and visionaries like John and Ed,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Both awardees have dedicated their careers to moving the industry forward, and it was a privilege to honor them.”