The Breakdown with INFB

A conversation about conservation with Jerry Raynor, director of financial assistance programs at the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and former Indiana State Conservationist.

Interview with Ted McKinney, chief executive officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). McKinney grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Tipton, Indiana, and is the former under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the former director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. In this episode, he discusses his passion for agriculture, importance of trade and good policy, and advice for those wanting to make an impact in agriculture. 
 

Interviews with Lee Humberg, Indiana state director of wildlife services for the U.S. Department of Agriculture , and John Hardin, cattle producer and INFB member from Scott County. We revisit the increase of black vultures in Indiana in recent years and how livestock producers have been impacted.

Recorded in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation National Convention. Interviews with two start-up companies headquartered in Indiana: Anu, whose mission is “Empowering people to grow their own fresh, locally grown produce right at home”, and ReproHealth Technologies, which describes itself as bringing the “IVF lab to the farm.”

Both companies were among the top 10 teams in the 2024 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, and ReproHealth Technologies reached the final four round of the competition. 

Conversation with Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse. President Smallhouse provides insight on the water quantity issues they’ve dealt with in Arizona and offers advice for Indiana farmers to be proactive in water conversations happening in the state.

In an industry that is so ripe with technology advancement and opportunity, some farmers still find it challenging to change the way they operate. As a preview to the upcoming Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention on Dec. 14 – 16, 2023, in Fort Wayne, we interview speakers Aidan Connolly and Willie Vogt about their predictions and recommendations for adapting to new technology in agriculture.

Interviews with two Indiana Christmas tree farmers. The owner of Dull's Tree Farm in Boone County and the owners of Z&C Farms in Miami County talk about their experience growing Christmas trees, creating a fun agritourism destination and tips for caring for your tree this holiday season.

Dull's Tree Farm: https://dullstreefarm.com
Z&C Farms: https://www.facebook.com/ZandCFarms

Interview with Marguerite Bolt, Purdue University hemp specialist. We dig into the state of hemp production in Indiana since it became legal and all the unique uses for the newer crop. Where is the trend of hemp production going in the next few years and what are the obstacles for growth?

Interview with Mitch Frazier, president and CEO of AgriNovus. Mitch talks about the ag bioscience economy, the future of production agriculture in Indiana and how innovation and research are growing in the ag industry. 

Interviews with Anna Whelchel, Indiana State Fair chief marketing and sales officer, and with Isabella Chism, INFB 2nd vice president. Anna highlights the rich history of the Indiana State Fair and all the main attractions Hoosiers can experience when they attend this year. Isabella shares more about the INFB Women's Leadership Committee and their 30th annual event at the fair, Taste From Indiana Farms.