Indiana’s electrical grid, biofuels and a USDA update on Ag Policy Summit agenda

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 22, 2026) — Expanding economic development, new data centers and advanced manufacturing opportunities are increasing the demand on the state’s electrical grid. At the same time, biofuels continue to strengthen Indiana’s economy and create new opportunities for growers. How do these trends affect Hoosier farmers? Government and industry experts will explore that question and share their thoughts during the Indiana Ag Policy Summit from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29 at The Commons in Columbus, Ind.

The Indiana Ag Policy Summit is an annual policy-focused program presented by the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee (M&P) and the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA). This year’s event will be at The Commons, located at 300 Washington, St., in Columbus, Ind. Registration for the Summit will open at 8 a.m. with the program beginning at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is included. For a free registration, go to bit.ly/26IndianaAgPolicySummit.

Both M&P Chair David Hardin, a farmer from Avon, Ind., and ICGA President Alan Dunn, a farmer from Michigantown, Ind., will offer a farmer perspective on energy and biofuels and how those topics align with their organizational priorities.

“The Ag Policy Summit is a great place to network with other farmers, ag stakeholders and policymakers and to share what policies or issues that are important to all of us,” Hardin said. “This year’s Summit will focus on the expansion of biofuels, regulating the electric utilities and other key points. It is not one industry working alone in these sectors. Whether you join as a farmer, like myself, an industry partner or policymaker – please join us and bring your unique perspective to the conversations taking place in the room next week.”

The program will begin with opening remarks from U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-Dist. 6), who represents the Columbus area. Other key speakers include Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics; Brandi Davis-Handy, President of AES Indiana, which works for reliable affordable and sustainable energy sources; and Tracy Snider, Executive Director of Industry and State Relations with the American Soybean Association.

Courtney Kingery, CEO of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and ICGA, will moderate a “fireside chat” with Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski and Indiana Utility Regulatory Commissioner Bob Deig. Jaworowski was appointed by Gov. Mike Braun as Indiana’s top energy and natural resources regulator after many years of working in the energy private sector and at the U.S. Department of Energy. Deig was also appointed by Braun earlier this year, and he has previous experience as a state senator in the Indiana General Assembly.

Sarah Ash Simpson, Senior Director of Industry Affairs for ICGA and M&P, will lead an energy policy panel with Indiana State Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville, Ind.) and Indiana State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer, Ind.). Both work on agriculture, energy and environmental committees in the state government.

Tim Phelps, Senior Vice President of the Indiana Ethanol Producers Association, will lead a panel discussion about biofuel opportunities. The panel will include Matthew Ward, Senior Manager of Government Affairs at POET ethanol, and Cathy Melton, Executive Director of Indiana Food and Fuel Association.

Also, Megan DeVelvis, Market Development Director for ISA, ICMC and ICGA, will moderate a talk about new engine technology with Josh Garetson, John Deere Director of Renewable Fuels and Corporate Strategy; Dr. Greg Shaver, a professor of engineering at Purdue University; and Lawrence McCormack, Director of Government Affairs at engine-maker Cummins, Inc.

The Ag Policy Summit cannot happen without its sponsors. This year’s sponsors include Farm Credit Mid-America, Bayer Crop Science, Corteva Agriscience, FMC, POET, Indiana Food and Fuel Association, Valero, Indiana Ethanol Producers Association, First Farmers Bank and Trust, B20 Club of Indiana, Indiana Pork, Conexus Indiana, Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management, Beck’s Hybrids, Fischers Inc., and Lallemand Biofuels and Distilled Spirits.

ICGA and M&P rely on sponsorship and membership dollars to advocate on behalf of Hoosier farmers. For details about membership or corporate partnerships, contact Khyla Goodman, Industry Affairs Outreach Manager for M&P and ICGA, at kgoodman@indianasoybean.com.

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About Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee: The ISA Membership and Policy Committee works to enhance the viability of Indiana soybean farmers through the advocacy and promotion of state and federal policies. ISA Membership and Policy Committee is led by members of the Indiana Soybean Alliance farmer board who are charged with directing advocacy efforts on behalf of approximately 600 dues-paying members.

About Indiana Corn Growers Association: The Indiana Corn Growers Association works with state and federal governments to develop and promote sound policies that benefit Indiana corn farmers. The ICGA consists of nine farmer-directors who provide leadership to the organization on behalf of more than 700 members statewide.

This communication was NOT funded with Indiana corn checkoff dollars.