Derika Lynam-Spaetti serves on the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) Board of Directors, bringing her dedication to agricultural advocacy and her commitment to educating consumers about the importance of farming. Based in Spencer County, Derika and her husband Jonathan operate a farm where they grow food-grade white corn and soybeans. Although heavily involved in agriculture, Derika also works as a high school math teacher and holds a master’s in teacher leadership. Her passion for education and agriculture has made her an influential voice on agricultural issues, including consumer education and policy.
In 2018, Derika and Jonathan were awarded the Indiana Farm Bureau’s (INFB) Excellence in Agriculture Award, recognizing their contributions to agriculture outside of a full-time farming operation. This honor reflects their leadership and involvement in agricultural organizations, including INFB, where they have served on various committees and the Spencer County Farm Bureau board. Derika and Jonathan are also active in public policy initiatives, visiting the Statehouse and Washington, D.C., to better understand and influence legislative processes affecting agriculture.
Derika’s advocacy work includes planning Spencer County Farm Bureau’s “Springtime on the Farm” event, which educates the area youth about the farming industry. She believes that building consumer understanding of agriculture’s role in society is critical, especially as many face a disconnect from farm life. Through her work with ISA, INFB, and her local community, Derika continues to champion agricultural education and the future of farming in Indiana.