Hoosier farmers lead U.S. in effective, newest on-farm conservation practices 

By U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer, District 8, Republican Party 

Thanks to generations of Hoosier farmers, Indiana remains one of the top five largest producers of corn and soybeans in the United States of America. Indiana’s Eighth Congressional District, which I represent in D.C., has distinguished itself as the second most productive grower of row crops in our state. 

Marked by incredible efficiency and innovation, Hoosier farms have earned a position of importance in both the domestic and international farm market. 

Since arriving in Congress, I have regularly met with producers and agribusiness leaders across Indiana. Together, we have worked to stimulate demand for Hoosier goods, and I am proud of the results we have achieved. 

My sights for 2026 are set on further market growth and stability. By securing the U.S. biofuel industry, we will protect not only the longevity of the family farm, but the economic success of rural America. 

That is why I am working with my colleagues in Congress to create a regulatory structure that provides clarity for biofuels producers and builds demand for U.S. farmers. While domestic markets are a starting point, expansion into international commerce is equally important. 

For far too long, our nation’s trading partners have leveraged weak enforcement mechanisms and one-sided deals to disadvantage the American people. I am pleased to see the requests of Hoosier farmers addressed in recent trade agreements, but I have not finished advocating for more. 

With renegotiations of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on the horizon, it is critical that U.S. farmers remain at the forefront of these conversations. 

I continue to work with the administration to issue vital bridge payments to our agricultural community and nurture a self-sustaining environment for them, since farmers in my district tell me they would rather earn fair market prices than rely on checks from Uncle Sam. In the face of rising input costs, I look forward to implementation of the new Farm Bill that will reflect today’s economic realities and provide family farms with the long-term stability they so richly deserve. 

As a member of both the House Agriculture and Armed Services Committee, I strongly support deep cooperation between the Department of Defense and the Department of Agriculture to secure every link in our agrifood system. 

The American supply chains for fertilizer, fuel, and crop protection products are all vulnerable to reliance on foreign nations, but I am working to ensure Indiana remains a hub of agricultural innovation by advocating for strategic investments, protective measures, and regulatory clarity. 

Our Hoosier farmers lead the nation in effective and inventive on-farm conservation practices. That is why I joined my colleagues in introducing the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program Act, which will secure federal funding for the improvement of Indiana’s waterways and farmland. 

I am also actively drafting additional legislation that invests in farmers, foresters and landowners who continue to steward Indiana’s rich resources. 

Despite often difficult and unpredictable conditions, District 8 Hoosier producers continue to serve the great needs of our country’s population. I am focused on ensuring that the legislation passed in Washington will expand opportunities, reduce obstacles and protect the needs of American farmers on the world stage. 

I am proud to be the advocate for my farming community in Congress and will continue to work every day to earn their support and respect.