“There are two things that really define a Hoosier: basketball and agriculture.”

— Indiana Lt. Gov and Secretary of Agriculture, Sue Ellspermann

Many Indiana farmers, ag industry leaders, FFA members, and state lawmakers celebrated Indiana Agriculture at the State House yesterday. March is Agriculture Appreciation Month here in this flyover state. I know that I will be doing my part in showing how much I appreciate Indiana farmers and their families and I hope that you will too.

Yesterday I read “How Did That Get Into My Lunchbox: The Story of Food” by Chris Buttersworth to my first grade class. Before I read the book I explained to the students that March is Ag Appreciation Month in Indiana. Many of the students had never heard the word “agriculture.” We had a conversation about what ag is and what it means to Indiana. I was so excited to teach them about ag, but I was also heartbroken that the first time they ever heard the word was when they were six years old.

At the Ag Appreciation celebration yesterday at the State House, Indiana Lt. Gov and Secretary of Ag, Sue Ellspermann summed up why Indiana is such a great state, “There are two things that really define a Hoosier: basketball and agriculture.” I could not agree more! She also said, “It is important that we tell the story of Indiana agriculture to those outside our industry.” I hope that many farmers and ag industry leaders share their story as often as they can. We must bridge the gap between farmers and consumers.

To sum it up, Indiana = agriculture.