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For 32 days, Hoosiers from all across the state came together to participate in the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay, celebrating Indiana's 200th Birthday and historic legacy. More than 2,200 torchbearers were nominated by their communities, and countless others, inspired by the relay, cheered on as the torch passed by their homes, businesses and fields. As the relay traversed the state, traveling over 3,200 miles, a common theme that was observed in all 92 counties was agriculture.
Agriculture is the backbone of the Hoosier economy and has a major impact in every corner of the state, highlighted during the relay. In fact, on Oct. 4, the torch was ignited at MyBrook Farm in Middlebury, Ind. where industry and community leaders gathered to celebrate and later tour the dairy farm, owned by Mike and Judy Oesch. Click here to watch a video or here to view photos from the event.
Aside from kicking off the day’s torch relay, the event also served as the 12th and final stop of the Northern Indiana Dairy Trail, which was a series of open houses where dairy farmers were able to showcase their commitment to animal care, environmental stewardship and to their communities.
The torch made its final stop at the Indiana Statehouse during the Hoosier Homecoming Ceremony on Oct. 15th, where it was welcomed by Hoosiers of all ages. The torch now serves as an everlasting light for Indiana and illuminates in the Bicentennial Plaza.
To watch a documentary of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay, which will debut on Dec. 16, visit indianatorchrelay.com/documentary.
What does it take to transform Indianapolis? Over 60,000 students passionate about agriculture! Two weeks ago, a sea of blue and gold corduroy jackets descended upon Indianapolis for the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo. This was the convention's first year back in Indiana, and for students, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an experience they will never forget.
Whether it was attending a general session, complete with elaborate sets, lighting and music, or competing for scholarships, National FFA Convention had something for everyone and had no shortage of things to do.
The four-day convention was also a great opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of many FFA members, and Indiana was well represented among the award recipients this year:
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American FFA Degree: Over 107 Indiana FFA members received the American FFA Degree, which was awarded to those who have demonstrated the highest level of
commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised
agricultural experiences
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Agricultural Proficiency Awards: This year, 41 Hoosier students received the Agricultural Proficiency Award, which honors FFA members who, through their SAEs, have developed
specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.
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National FFA Star Chapter Awards: Twenty Indiana FFA chapters received the National Chapter Award, which recognizes chapters that successfully complete an annual Program of Activities, including a series of activities designed to encourage its members to grow
as individuals, to work as part of a team and to serve others.
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American Star Awards: Riley A. Lewis, of the Prairie Heights FFA Chapter, was an American Star Award in Agricultural Placement Finalist, representing the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients.
- In addition to these awards, there were also many Agriscience Fair and State Chapter Award finalists.
Congratulations to all of the Indiana FFA members who participated this year and for making the 89th National Convention & Expo a tremendous success. Visit www.ffa.org to learn more about each award, as well as the convention.
In a joint effort by the Governor and ISDA, the Indiana Land Resources Council has been repopulated and is actively working to determine its long-term work priorites. But, what is the council and why was it created? What is its purpose?
Established by statute in 2008, the council is charged with collecting information and providing educational and technical assistance, as well as advice, to local governments regarding land use strategies and issues. It is made up of representatives from county and municipal governments, home building and land development, business, environmental interests, soil and water conservation districts, and forestry; in additional to, a land use expert and a farmer.
Although the council doesn't have any regulatory authority, it serves as a resource and make recommendations to help local and state decision-makers create and implement land use policies.
The previous council spent a great deal of time developing the model agricultural zoning ordinances, which have been adopted by some counties to assist in their comprehensive planning and zoning, as well as technical assistance guidance. The council is currently in the process of conducting listening sessions with a variety of
groups, such as Purdue University, the American Planning Association, Indiana Farm Bureau and the Nature Conservancy, to gather information and start looking for its next project.
More information on the model zoning ordinances and other documents prepared by
the council, visit www.in.gov/isda/2357.htm.
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