Baird: Livestock Summit showcased a partnership of Indiana agriculture 

By State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Dist. 44) 

Once again, I am proud of the people and the leaders in Indiana. Whenever anyone asks me why I serve in the state legislature, I tell them it is to give back to the communities and industries that have helped shape my life. Rural communities and agriculture are incredibly important to the district I represent, and I am grateful for every opportunity to support their continued success. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Livestock Summit, which was organized by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee. You might ask, “Why would corn and soybean growers plan a conference about livestock?” The answer is simple. When soybean and corn farmers are successful, there is a safe, reliable, cost-effective food source available for Indiana livestock and poultry. When livestock producers are successful, there is additional demand for the corn and soybeans grown to feed cattle, hogs, chickens, and more. 

Livestock and poultry are the No. 1 consumers of Indiana-grown soybeans and corn. Indiana farmers also understand that collaboration strengthens the agricultural value chain, connecting soybean and corn growers with producers of beef, pork, dairy, and poultry. When one part of agriculture succeeds, it creates opportunities throughout the entire industry. 

All corners of Indiana agriculture were represented at the Livestock Summit, including the American Dairy Association Indiana, the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Pork, the Indiana State Poultry Association, Indiana Farm Bureau, the Agribusiness Council of Indiana, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. National organizations also participated, including the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council. 

Indiana businesses such as POET, Rose Acre Farms, Corteva Agriscience, and Lowe’s Pellets and Grain also contributed their expertise, demonstrating the broad partnerships that make Indiana agriculture so strong. 

Of particular interest to me was a presentation by Indiana Pork’s Chad Martin and Leadery Global executive Byron Ernest regarding a workforce development pipeline that includes Indiana’s Department of Education. 

Their presentation highlighted something Indiana has embraced in recent years: Preparing students not only for college, but also for meaningful careers. Under Secretary Katie Jenner’s leadership, Indiana has placed a renewed emphasis on workforce readiness through career pathways, industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning opportunities. 

Those efforts are helping connect students with high-demand careers while ensuring employers have access to a skilled workforce. 

Agriculture offers tremendous opportunities for young Hoosiers, whether in production agriculture, animal science, agribusiness, food processing, logistics, engineering or veterinary medicine. Building stronger connections between our schools and these industries helps students discover rewarding careers while strengthening one of Indiana’s most important economic sectors. 

Indiana succeeds because organizations, businesses, educators and policymakers are willing to work together toward common goals. The Livestock Summit was another reminder that when agriculture collaborates across commodities and industries, everyone benefits — from our farmers and livestock producers to consumers and the next generation entering the workforce. 

That’s something every Hoosier can be proud of.