Indiana State Department of Agriculture

09/22/2026

Over the weekend, ISDA Director Don Lamb presented the Distinguished Hoosier Award on behalf of Governor Mike Braun to Gary Truitt.

For the last 20 years, Gary has dedicated his life to telling farmers' stories and developing Hoosier Ag Today into a trusted agriculture news network.

Read more about his lasting impact and contributions at the link below.

Twenty years ago, the idea of a brand-new, independent, statewide farm radio network in Indiana existed only on a blank sheet of paper. Today, that blank sheet has grown into a powerhouse voice reaching over 70 radio

09/22/2026

Take time to care for your mental health this fall.

With long days in the cab, it is easy to feel alone in your struggles. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone and there are ways to help manage stress in the busy season.

Our tips to you:
- Stay hydrated
- Eat nutritious meals and snacks
- Build in 5-Minute Breaks
- Reach out to your peers
- Connect with Mental Health Professionals

There are many resources available to you as well. The Purdue Farm Stress team has a variety of resources that cover a wide range of topics. Learn more at: https://extension.purdue.edu/farm_stress/

Don’t stay silent in your stress this fall.

09/21/2026

Practice Patience behind Farm Equipment.

Did you know that traveling behind a slow-moving vehicle for 2 miles on a rural road is equivalent to sitting at two stoplights in the city. A little bit of patience goes a long way.

Tips for drivers:
- Slow down early: Gently reduce your speed as you approach farm equipment.
- Keep a safe following distance: Large equipment may stop, turn, or shift position unexpectedly.
- Do not pass unless you are certain it is safe: Only pass when the farmer signals and the road is clear.

Stay alert while driving and make sure everyone makes it home safe.

09/20/2026

Register today! ISDA and partners throughout the state have developed a no-cost, soil sampling program for producers in the Mississippi River Basin to increase knowledge and use of soil sampling as a nutrient management practice.

This program includes pasture, hay and specialty crop fields.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3zhoGyH

09/19/2026

This week, Indiana Grown and the ISDA Economic Development team hosted the Meijer Food Show. This event was an opportunity to spotlight Indiana's local food talent and their stories.

At the event 37 Indiana Grown businesses showcased their products directly to Meijer grocery buyers and state legislators, opening new doors to sell their products and creating connections that support local agriculture.

09/18/2026

Welcome back to Ag Fact Friday!

With a $35.1 billion contribution to Indiana’s economy, agriculture reaches from the farm to the grocery store, and far beyond. Indiana agriculture supports jobs, businesses, and communities across the state.

09/17/2026

Livestock often use the same area repeatedly, which creates mud, erosion, and degraded conditions. Heavy Use Area Protection adds a stable, durable surface to high‑traffic locations and directly reduces erosion, improves drainage, limits nutrient runoff, and creates a cleaner, safer living environment for livestock. The images below show a before and after example of these conservation practices in action.

Our IMAGE Cost‑Share Program, funded by Clean Water Indiana, helps eligible landowners implement conservation practices that protect soil and water resources. This funding strengthens on‑farm conservation and supports long‑term improvements across Indiana.

To learn more, contact your ISDA Resource Specialist or your local Soil and Water Conservation District.

Learn More:
IMAGE Cost-Share Program: https://www.in.gov/isda/divisions/soil-conservation/image-cost-share-program

Clean Water Indiana: https://www.in.gov/isda/divisions/soil-conservation/clean-water-indiana/

ISDA Resource Specialist: https://www.in.gov/isda/divisions/soil-conservation/technical-assistance

09/16/2026

Join us for an in-person Retail Readiness Workshop!

Indiana Grown, Purdue Extension, and Kentucky Extension invite producers and food entrepreneurs to a full-day, in-person Retail Readiness Training on November 17, 2026, at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds. This interactive workshop will help you understand what retailers look for and how to successfully prepare your products for store shelves.

Participants will gain practical guidance on:

- Packaging and labeling
- Pricing and merchandising strategies
- Navigating wholesale, grocery, and specialty buyer relationships
- Strengthening brand presence and boosting sales
- Opportunity for your products to be evaluated and feedback provided by retail buyers

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EST)

Location: Hendricks County Fairgrounds

Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and a networking event. Registration link: https://in.accessgov.com/isda/Forms/Page/indiana-grown/retail-ready-training-registrations/

Questions? Contact Indiana Grown at [email protected]

09/15/2026

The ISDA’s Economic Development team has been administering the USDA grant, Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure for the last 2.5 years. This grant program focuses on building capacity in Indiana’s food system supply chain.

As part of the grant, the department recently sponsored training for 22 Indiana attendees that own food businesses and/or lead regional food system non-profits. Attendees had the opportunity to visit the Kalamazoo Valley Food Hub in Kalamazoo, Michigan where they received training in food processing and received an insider look at the operations of a robust regional food hub participating in a farm-to-school program.

Attendees learned about different equipment used in fruit and vegetable processing that could benefit their middle-of-the-supply-chain food businesses, so that they can consider efficient operations and simple investments to improve their processes. ISDA is honored to support more Indiana food to Hoosiers.

Learn more: https://www.in.gov/isda/grants-and-funding-opportunities/resilient-food-systems-rfsi/

09/14/2026

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is once again offering a no-cost, soil sampling program for producers in the Mississippi River Basin.

This program focuses on soil sampling and testing because it is a key component, and first step, of developing a plan for nutrient management. This program includes pasture, hay and specialty crop fields located within Indiana’s portion of the Mississippi River Basin.

Find out if you are in the qualifying region and learn more: https://bit.ly/3zhoGyH