Soil sampling program available for Hoosier farmers

ISDA and partners throughout the state have worked with the Gulf Hypoxia Program (GHP) to develop a no-cost program with a focus on increasing the knowledge and use of soil sampling as a nutrient management practice to benefit farm operations. The program, titled Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program, is open now for applicants.

This program includes row crop fields, pastures, hay and specialty crops located within Indiana’s portion of the Mississippi River Basin. Eligible landowners will be prioritized by acreage enrolled (i.e., 100 acres or less), fields that have never been soil sampled and fields that haven’t been sampled regularly (i.e., within the last 4 years). Further prioritization may be implemented based on ISDA’s workload capacity.

FFA Week celebrated at Indiana Statehouse

In honor of National FFA Week, the seven Indiana FFA State Officers met in the Statehouse to receive a proclamation and resolution declaring Feb. 15-22 FFA Week. Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation to name this week FFA Week in recognition of all the work the Indiana FFA Organization, agriculture educators and FFA advisors do to cultivate the next generation of agriculturists for the state.

The Indiana FFA Association also received a Senate Concurrent Resolution highlighting the impact of the FFA Organization, which is preparing more than 14,000 members in 90 of Indiana’s 92 counties for the over 250 unique careers in the food, fiber and natural resource sectors. The resolution was led by Sen. Jean Leising, Senate District 42 and Rep. Michael Aylesworth, House District 11.

Over 1.3 million awarded to Indiana soil conservation districts and organizations

ISDA and the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board (SSCB) announced that 16 soil and water conservation districts and one organization were awarded over $1.3 million in Clean Water Indiana competitive grant funding. The program provides financial assistance to landowners and conservation groups that are working to reduce runoff from non-point sources of water pollution, whether it’s on agricultural land, urban areas or eroding streambanks.

Once received, districts can use the funds to partner with other counties or address specific needs within their jurisdiction. Some examples include participating in a cost-share program, hiring staff, providing technical assistance, implementing cover crop incentive programs or increasing watershed capacity.

Eight Indiana Agricultural Teachers Named Finalists for Golden Owl Award®

Educators devote limitless time, and often their own resources, to helping students pursue their passions. To recognize the contributions of Indiana’s leading agricultural teachers, Farm Credit Mid-America and Nationwide are honoring eight exceptional teachers as finalists for the Golden Owl Award.

Nominations were collected for the state’s top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members across Indiana. Each finalist was presented with an individualized plaque in front of fellow teachers and students and received a $500 check to support future educational efforts.

Indiana Grown Symposium

The Indiana Grown Symposium is an opportunity for agribusiness operators, food system advocates, agricultural agencies and many others who want to develop and expand their brands as well as support Indiana businesses. The Symposium provides numerous educational sessions on Marketing & Advertising, Growth through Food Safety, perfecting your Sales Pitch, Defining your Brands Story and much more. A continental breakfast, lunch, and a networking social hour are included in the Symposium registration.

Registration is open to all, Indiana Grown membership is not required to attend.

Preventing avian influenza as a hobby poultry owner

Avian influenza can effect all poultry—even small, hobby flocks.

Biosecurity is the key to keeping your poultry healthy. USDA’s Defend the Flock education program offers free tools and resources to help everyone who works with or handles poultry follow proper biosecurity practices. These practices will help keep your birds healthy and reduce the risk of avian influenza and other infectious diseases. Biosecurity is everyone’s job.

Find more information on avian influenza in the state of Indiana on the State Board of Animal Health's website.

Upcoming Food Export-Midwest Events

Food Export-Midwest has several upcoming event deadlines. Don’t miss out on these low-cost opportunities to build connections and generate international sales leads for value-added food and beverage products.

Focused Trade Mission to Mexico: Travel to Mexico City and Monterrey in July to meet with qualified Mexican buyers, understand the local food industry landscape, assess the competition, and learn about the potential promotion of your products. The early registration deadline is Monday, March 3, after which the price will increase to $625.

Midwest Buyers Missions: There are two upcoming buyers missions located in the Midwest. The Sweets and Snacks Buyers Mission at the Sweets and Snacks Expo and the Foodservice Buyers Mission at the National Restaurant Association Show. The early registration deadline for both buyers missions is March 7, after which the registration prices will increase to $250.

Buyers Missions are facilitated one-on-one meetings with qualified international buyers. Click here to learn more about how these international buyers meetings work. You do not have to be an exhibitor at either of these trade shows to participate in the buyers missions.

If you’re interested in learning more about these Food Export events, please contact ISDA’s international trade team: Drew Sherman and Megan Bixler.

Feb. 17, 2025 | FFA Week celebrated at Indiana Statehouse
Find more information here

Feb. 20, 2025 | Over 1.3 million awarded to Indiana soil conservation districts and organizations
Find more information here

Feb. 24, 2025 | Soil sampling program available for Hoosier farmers
Find more information here

Feb. 25, 2025 | Eight Indiana Agricultural Teachers Named Finalists for Golden Owl Award®
Find more information here

Mar. 18, 2025 | National Ag Day
Find more information here

Mar. 18, 2025 | Farm to Capitol
Find more information here

Mar. 18, 2025 | Indiana Grown Symposium
Find more information here

Mar. 18, 2025 | FFA Advocacy Day at the Statehouse