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Indiana Pork was a proud sponsor of the 2024 World Food Championships, which took place this month in Indianapolis. Through its sponsorship, Indiana Pork aimed to promote proper cooking temperatures of pork, educate youth competitors about pork, and engage with some of the best-known Indiana chefs in the restaurant and catering industry.

The World Food Championships is an annual culinary event that attracts thousands of competitors and food lovers from around the globe. This sponsorship offered Indiana Pork a unique opportunity to showcase pork as a versatile, delicious, and nutritious protein that enhances any meal, whether prepared in home kitchens or by expert chefs on a competitive stage.

As the sponsor of the Junior Chef competition, each team was provided a pork tenderloin from Indiana Pork and had 90 minutes to prepare a dish using pork tenderloin that captured the essence of "healthy fresh." Contestants were allowed to use other ingredients that they chose but had to supply those ingredients themselves.

Contestants spanned the ages of 9-17 and traveled from all across the country to compete. Indiana teams were well represented during the awards ceremony. Carmel High School senior Julia Hohne and sous chef junior Maddie Arroyo finished first, receiving $1,500 for their pork gorditas. Brownsburg junior Claire Siglar and sous chef Mooresville junior Elizabeth Starr took third place and received $400.

Matt Paschen, Cass County pig farmer and chair of the Indiana Pork promotions committee, shared the organization’s excitement about participating in the event. “We’re thrilled to support an event like the World Food Championships, which aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the profile of pork in the culinary world. By connecting directly with chefs, influencers, junior chefs, and consumers, we were able to highlight how pork provides flavor, nutrition, and creativity in cooking.”

The World Food Championships is recognized for its high-energy atmosphere and for the first time, was held in Indiana at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Indiana Pork’s sponsorship included multiple cooking demonstrations by local chefs, featuring pork loin recipes that were easy to make for an at-home chef.

By sponsoring the World Food Championships, Indiana Pork continues its efforts to promote the exceptional taste and value of pork to a broader audience while supporting chefs who create amazing dishes for their restaurant attendees.

For more information about Indiana Pork, please visit www.indianapork.org.

Carmel High School senior Julia Hohne and sous chef junior Maddie Arroyo finished first in the World Food Junior Championships, receiving $1,500 for their pork gorditas. Indiana Pork served as sponsor and provided pork loins to each competing team.

Beef and dairy cattle producers are invited to attend Purdue Extension’s Calving Academy. This hands-on event will cover topics including cow restraint, calf manipulation, and triaging the neonatal calf. Dr. Bethany Funnell (DVM, DACT), clinical associate professor of bovine theriogenology at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine is the program instructor. Cost to attend is $50 per person. Attendance with a set of OB chains and handles is $200. Attendance with a stainless-steel bucket, cup and beta dine scrub is $150.

There are four locations to participate in a Calving Academy. The closest location to Washington County is:
Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Feldun Purdue Ag. Center (1117 State Road 458, Bedford, IN 47421) from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Other locations include:
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Don Strauss Animal Center at Huntingburg University in Huntington, IN from 1:00-4:00 pm.
Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Decatur County Extension Office (545 S. County Road 200 W., Greensburg, IN 47240) from 1:00-4:00 pm.
Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Purina Pavilion in Creighton Hall at Purdue University (270 S. Russell St., West Lafayette, IN 47907) from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Registration is required before Thursday, December 5, 2024 via https://web.cvent.com/event/cb611d3b-9f26-4ab1-8641-861acf9df1aa/summary.

For more information contact Nick Minton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 765-494-8179.

Business

Indiana Grown Holiday Box highlights local businesses for the second year

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 28, 2024) – Today, Indiana Grown has announced the contents of the 2024 Indiana Grown Holiday Box, the perfect gift for your friends and family this holiday season. This year's gift box will showcase a variety of products from Indiana Grown members located across the state including coffees, sweet treats and body care items. Indiana Grown is a statewide initiative housed within the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to highlight local products and artisan goods.

“The Indiana Grown Holiday Box is a great way to support local businesses and share a taste of the Hoosier State with your loved ones during the season of giving,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Inside this box, there is certainty something for everyone.”

Each box includes:

Coffee Samplers - JavAroma Roasters - Mitchell, IN
Blueberry Lemon Granola - Perkins' Good Earth Farm - DeMotte, IN
Snack Sticks - Pig's Tale Charcuterie - Indianapolis, IN
Hoosier Style Popcorn - Poptique - Columbia City, IN
Honey Lotion Bar - Sweet Melissa Honey & Hive - Fishers, IN
Pretzels - Tell City Pretzels - Jasper, IN
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans - Simply Jill's - Lebanon, IN
Spice Mixes - SPICEKICK- Carmel, IN
Travel Sized Holiday Scented Lotions - The Lotion Company - Muncie, IN

“We are honored to be highlighting these small businesses through the second annual Indiana Grown Holiday Box” said Caroline Patrick, director of Indiana Grown. “The opportunity to continue highlighting local products throughout Indiana especially during the holiday season is an honor.”

The 2024 Indiana Grown Holiday Box is limited to 390 boxes. Click here to place your order.

Learn more about Indiana Grown at indianagrown.org.

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN–09) has joined a letter to House Leadership supporting the full reauthorization of the Farm Bill by the end of the 118th Congress.

Farmers are currently operating under policies put in place in 2018. Six years later, these outdated policies restrict the growth of our nation’s agricultural community. Production expenses have increased by roughly 30% since 2018, while 2024 inflation-adjusted net cash farm income projections are the worst in 15 years. Many farmers cannot afford to wait another year for updated provisions to address the challenges they face, especially those growing major row crops.

In late May, the House Committee on Agriculture introduced the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, developed with input from farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders at listening sessions and town hall events across the country. The bill also included input from the entire Republican Conference and included over 2,600 priorities submitted to the committee by members of Congress.

In their letter supporting the reauthorization of a 5-year Farm Bill, the Members reaffirm their commitment to advancing a bill that meets the needs of production agriculture and rural America. Congresswoman Houchin is dedicated to finding a solution for American farmers.

“Reauthorizing the Farm Bill is critical to supporting our farmers and keeping our agricultural economy strong,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “I will continue to fight for policies that uplift our rural communities and that ensure our farmers and producers have the support they need to succeed.”

Over 100 Indiana FFA members from across the state will be competing at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo next week in a variety of Career and Leadership Development Events, the Agriscience Fair and Agricultural Proficiency Awards.

“I am always impressed with the talent, leadership and work ethic of Indiana FFA members,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Best of luck to each Indiana FFA member competing on the national stage at the 97^th National FFA Convention & Expo right here in Indianapolis."

Students will be competing in career development events such as Environment and Natural Resources, Forestry, Agronomy, Livestock Evaluation and Parliamentary Procedure. Others will be competing in leadership development events such as Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Agricultural Issues Forum and Creed Speaking.

The National FFA Agriscience Fair is an additional key competition that is part of the annual National FFA Convention & Expo. Individuals or teams conduct scientific research projects pertaining to the agriculture industry in their state in one of six categories: animal systems, environmental services/natural resource systems, food products and processing systems, plant systems, power, structural and technical systems or social science.

“Hats off to all of the Indiana FFA members who have qualified to compete at the National FFA Convention & Expo. The level of dedication and commitment to make it to such a high level is no doubt also thanks to the FFA advisors, parents and community supporting these young leaders and ag professionals,” said Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. “Each student has certainly already made their home state proud, and we look forward to celebrating them next week.”

Indiana FFA members will also compete nationally with their Agricultural Proficiencies, which honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.

The following students will be competing at the 97th National FFA Convention:

Argos FFA
Cailey Markley, Specialty Crop Production Proficiency

Benton Central FFA
Joe Widmer, Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency

Cascade FFA
Whitney Smith, Vegetable Production Proficiency

Caston FFA
Braden Rush, Parliamentary Procedure
Mason Prenatt, Parliamentary Procedure
Madisyn Douglass, Parliamentary Procedure
Ashley Fred, Parliamentary Procedure
Alexander Ault, Parliamentary Procedure
Myli Rude, Parliamentary Procedure
Josiah Helt, Parliamentary Procedure

Central Noble FFA
Grant Lake, Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship Proficiency

Churubusco FFA
Kenna Alexander, Environment & Natural Resources
Merisa Bogard, Environment & Natural Resources
Samuel Troendly, Environment & Natural Resources
Wyatt Overdeer, Environment & Natural Resources

Columbia City FFA
Carly Linnemeier, Agricultural Sales
Caden Poling, Agricultural Sales
Kyle Porter, Agricultural Sales
Karaline Schuman, Agricultural Sales
Lillianne Patterson, Veterinary Science
Kaytlynn Bryant, Veterinary Science
Logan Good, Veterinary Science
Jessalyn Hoskins, Veterinary Science
Kyle Porter, Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Placement Proficiency

Connersville FFA
Cora Nobbe, Agriscience Food Systems Division 1

Culver FFA
Isaac Schaller, Agriculture Services Proficiency

DeKalb FFA
Cord Akey, Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Matthew Beckman, Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Will Engelberth, Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Zach Harris, Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Olivia Rigby, Agriscience Research Plants Systems Proficiency
Logen Brand, Agriscience Animal Systems Division 6
C. Issac Schweitzer, Agriscience Animal Systems Division 6
Isaac Hefty, Agriscience Plant Systems Division 1

Eastern Central FFA
Wyatt Smith, Nursery/Landscape
Evan Kramer, Nursery/Landscape
Jasmin Keith, Nursery/Landscape
Riley Shumate, Nursery/Landscape

Eastern Hancock FFA
Emily Grant, Agriculture Communications Proficiency

Hamilton Southeastern FFA
Henry Dupree, Agricultural Communications
Ellie Taylor, Agricultural Communications
Lizzie Dekker, Agricultural Communications
Liam Kenyon, Agricultural Communications

Heritage FFA
Erica Sorg, Farm & Agribusiness Management
Maggie Minnich, Farm & Agribusiness Management
Arizona Bramers, Farm & Agribusiness Management
Addison Werts, Farm & Agribusiness Management
Alex Zelt, Meats Evaluation & Technology
Alden Bowers, Meats Evaluation & Technology
Elizabeth Buuck, Meats Evaluation & Technology
Brock Taylor, Meats Evaluation & Technology

Indian Creek FFA
Lyla Kephart, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Hannah Shanafelt, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Riah Alexander, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Blake Legan, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Reagan Ferris, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Lola Peddycord, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Brooke Setser, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Rebekah Legan, Horse Evaluation
Faryn Parr, Horse Evaluation
Luke Zimmerman, Horse Evaluation
Grace Runnebohm, Horse Evaluation

Lebanon FFA
Lauren Argotte, Agriscience Social Systems Division 5

Manchester FFA
Clark Showalter, Forestry
Thane Metzger, Forestry
Grace Hall, Forestry
Layne Showalter, Forestry

North Decatur FFA
Blaine Wagner, Agriscience Research Integrated Systems Proficiency
Jessa Wagner, Agriscience Animal Systems Division 3

North Miami FFA
Jesus Santana, Poultry Evaluation
Ryan Meredith, Poultry Evaluation
Ben Hoover, Poultry Evaluation
Alison Smith, Poultry Evaluation

Rensselaer FFA
Brock Hurley, Employment Skills

Rossville FFA
Leif Eiler, Agronomy
Colton Crum, Agronomy
Natalee Richey, Agronomy
Madison Skiles, Agronomy
Garrett Miller, Turf Grass Management Proficiency

Rushville FFA
Emma Tressler, Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Cate Neuman, Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Jocelyn Cain, Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Maggie Wicker, Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Jenna Lawler, Extemporaneous Public Speaking & Agriscience Food Systems Division 5
Chance Keeton, Agriscience Environmental Systems Division 3
Makaylah Phillips, Agriscience Social Systems Division 4
Ashley Hubbard, Agriscience Social Systems Division 4

Shenandoah FFA
Landon Barr, Agricultural Issues Forum
Madelyn Shelton, Agricultural Issues Forum
Case Morehouse, Agricultural Issues Forum
Audree Farmer, Agricultural Issues Forum
Kimberlee Farmer, Agricultural Issues Forum
Jacob Wattenbarger, Diversified Crop Production Placement Proficiency

South Putnam FFA
Joslyn Bumgardner, Agriscience Plant Systems Division 6
Nevaeh Ellis, Agriscience Plant Systems Division 6

Southmont FFA
Cole Rhaods, Floriculture
Natalie Rhoads, Floriculture
Amarah Shannon, Floriculture
Kelsey Thompson, Floriculture

Terre Haute South FFA
Cale Williams, Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency

Tri Central FFA
Kaitlyn Maruszweski, Prepared Public Speaking

Tri-County FFA
Evelyn Gretencord, Food Science & Technology
Gardenia Del Real, Food Science & Technology
Lyla Alberts, Food Science & Technology
Kinley Dahlenburg, Food Science & Technology

Westfield FFA
Ava Lee, Marketing Plan
Ella Carlson, Marketing Plan
Benjamin Wiggins, Marketing Plan

Whiteland FFA
Jack Kelsay, Creed Speaking
Josie Kelsay, Dairy Handlers Activity
Leorah Morris, Milk Quality & Products
Lillian Nick, Milk Quality & Products
Brody Polesol, Milk Quality & Products
Garrett Rice, Milk Quality & Products
Cian Cribbs, Agriculture Education Proficiency

Whitko FFA
Kohen Schipper, Livestock Evaluation
Anna Sickafoose, Livestock Evaluation
Lillie Sickafoose, Livestock Evaluation
Carle Sroufe, Livestock Evaluation