ISA, ICMC take part in agriculture takeover during Purdue Ag Week 

The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) were part of an agriculture takeover in April as part of Purdue University’s annual Ag Week on it’s West Lafayette, Ind., campus. 

The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, April 8, at the Ag Expo. ICMC and ISA joined industry partners on the Memorial Mall to showcase the diversity of Indiana agriculture to the broader student body. The organization’s “Wheel of Ag Trivia” was a major draw, challenging students with facts about local corn and soybean production. 

From the versatility of soybeans to the economic impact of corn, students walked away with fun prizes, custom stickers, and a deeper appreciation for the work Indiana farmers do every day. 

The momentum continued through Friday, April 10, for a student-favorite event: “Fry-Day.” To support the Farm to Fork initiative, ISA donated premium soybean cooking oil for the day’s main course. Students lined up to enjoy free pork tenderloin sandwiches and french fries, all prepared in high-oleic soybean oil. 

While they ate, students learned why this high oleic soybean oil is a staple for professional kitchens: It is heart-healthy, grown by local farmers, and it features a neutral flavor profile that doesn’t distort the food’s natural flavor. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with many students noting they hadn’t realized how a local crop contributes to their favorite campus meals,” said ICMC Consumer Outreach Manager Ben Linder. 

ICMC Board member Tim Gauck, a farmer from Greensburg, Ind., participated in several events during Purdue Ag Week. He participated in the Cultivating Conversations panel discussions, including a talk that was titled Shaping the Future of Food: Trade and Policy in Action. 

“When asked to serve on a Purdue Ag Week Council panel focused on agricultural policy, I was honored to accept,” he said. “My experience serving on the NCGA Rick Management Team over the past several years has given me valuable insight into how corn growers help shape farm bill priorities and agricultural policy discussions.” 

Gauck, who is a Purdue graduate, also helped package food for the hungry during the Hammer Down Hunger project. “My involvement with the Hammer Down for Hunger group has shown me the passion and enthusiasm college students have for the future of agriculture,” he added. “It has truly been a pleasure to be part of these efforts and support the next generation of agricultural leaders.”