Gov. Holcomb appoints Don Lamb as new executive director of the Department of Agriculture

Governor Eric J. Holcomb appointed 2nd -generation farmer Don Lamb, from Lebanon, Indiana, as the executive director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). Lamb is the co-owner and operator of Lamb Farms Inc., along with his brother and father. The farm produces popcorn, corn, soybeans and wheat. The family also owns AgRecycle, a composting and recycling business, and Lamb Farms Agronomy, which provides soil management and crop production products to surrounding farms. Lamb graduated from Purdue University in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics. He was named the Agricultural Professional of the Year in 2014 by the Boone County Chamber of Commerce.

Click below to read more about ISDA Director Lamb.

Over 55 farming families honored with the Hoosier Homestead Award

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Director Don Lamb presented 56 farming families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture this month.?

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, and consist of more than 20 acres. If less than 20 acres, the farm must produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. Indiana farms may qualify for three honors: Centennial Award for 100 years of ownership, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years of ownership and the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.

Since the program's inception in 1976, over 6,000 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award. Many past awardees can be identified by the sign proudly displayed in front of the family farm or field.

Click below to read more and find a full list of awardees.

19 Indiana wood manufacturers recognized

on ?North America?s Largest? list

Nineteen wood manufacturing firms from Indiana have been included?on the?2023 FDMC 300?list, which ranks the largest cabinet, furniture, millwork, store fixture, office/contract and component producers in North America. Jasper-based?MasterBrand Cabinets?ranks No. 3 overall and is the largest on the list from Indiana. MasterBrand generated an estimated $3.3 billion in 2022 sales volume and employs roughly 14,000 people. Its manufacturing operations span over 20 plants across the United States and Mexico, totaling more than six million square feet to produce stock, semi-custom and custom fully assembled kitchen and bath cabinets and more.? Companies on the list are ranked according to annual sales. Four other Indiana firms rank among the top 35 companies on the list: Kimball International Inc. lands at No. 23, OFS Brands Inc. holds spot No. 31 and Genesis Products is No. 34.

Click below to read more.

Indiana FFA Advocacy Day at the Statehouse

Nearly 100 Indiana FFA members from across the state?met in the Statehouse on?National Ag Day to speak with legislators on the importance of agriculture education and our states thriving agriculture industry. During the event, FFA members heard?from Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Representative Kendell Culp,?ISDA Director Lamb and others.?

Click below to read more.

2022 Census of Agriculture deadline extended

The deadline to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture has been extended! The Census?is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land - whether rural or urban - growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For America?s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future and their opportunity.

Click below to learn more about the?2022 Census of Agriculture and ensure you are counted.

March 1: Gov. Holcomb appoints Don Lamb as new director of the Department of Agriculture
Find the full release?here

March 13: 19 Indiana wood manufacturers recognized on ?North America?s Largest? list
Find the full release?here

March 24 : Over 55 farming families honored with the Hoosier Homestead Award
Find the full release?here

Promoting exports for Indiana's hardwood industry

In March, ISDA staff advocated for the export of U.S. hardwood products to two key markets alongside other members of the American Hardwood Export Council. ISDA International Trade Director, Drew Sherman, met with furniture manufacturers and exhibited at the DelhiWood 2023 trade show in India. ISDA Hardwoods Program Manager, Chris Gonso, met buyers and importers while exhibiting at the DubaiWood 2023 trade show in UAE. Export promotion activities like this help to generate trade leads in important markets for Indiana companies that supply hardwood products used worldwide. Hardwood exports are a key part of the Indiana Hardwood Strategy. Find more information here.

Indiana District Export Council?adds ISDA International Trade

Director to membership

ISDA?s International Trade Director, Drew Sherman, became the newest member of the Indiana District Export Council (IDEC) this month. IDEC is a not-for-profit entity working with the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote and support exporting as a way to strengthen Indiana companies, grow the state?s economy and create jobs. Drew and other IDEC members provide one-on-one export counseling, workshops, roundtables and webinars to provide trade information and export education in Indiana, including an upcoming in-person conference in early May. Congratulations, Drew!

Find more information here.

FEDERAL FUNDING:

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grants
Find more information?here

Regional Food System Partnerships
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Farmers Market Promotion Program
Find more information?here

Local Food Promotion Program
Find more information?here

Community Connect Program
Find more information?here

GENERAL FUNDING:

Food Export Midwest?
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District Support Specialist | Muncie, IN
Find more information here.?

Grain Compliance Auditor| Bloomington, IN
Find more information here.?

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