Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Visits Indiana, Praises Hoosier Farm Leadership

Celebrating Indiana’s Farm Strength

State Rep. Beau Baird recently welcomed U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to the Hoosier state for her first official visit since being confirmed to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier this year. The visit underscored Indiana’s critical role in American agriculture and shined a spotlight on the state’s commitment to supporting young leaders in farming.

Rollins’ visit included a stop at Everett Farms and Seed, LLC in Lebanon, where she met with agricultural producers and local farm leaders. The tour gave Indiana farmers the opportunity to discuss their operations, priorities, and the state’s continued innovation across the agricultural sector.

Following the farm visit, Rollins traveled to Indianapolis, where she served as keynote speaker at the National FFA Convention and Expo — one of the largest youth leadership gatherings in the country. Her remarks celebrated the future of American agriculture and the students preparing to lead it.

Supporting the Next Generation of Hoosier Farmers

Rep. Baird, who chairs the Indiana House Environmental Affairs Committee and previously served as vice chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, emphasized the importance of Rollins’ visit. He also highlighted recent progress for youth agricultural programming in Indiana.

Baird authored a new state law earlier this year that ensures FFA and 4-H students receive excused school absences when participating in educational events such as conventions, competitions, and leadership activities. The change helps young Hoosiers stay engaged in agricultural learning while balancing school responsibilities.

“Agriculture is synonymous with Indiana and our farmers are the cornerstone of the state’s economy, providing crop production, raising livestock and feeding Hoosiers across the state,” Baird said. “As former vice chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, I was honored to welcome Secretary Rollins to Indiana and show her how our state continues to lead the nation in agricultural and rural initiatives.”

A Top Agricultural Powerhouse

Indiana continues to rank among the nation’s top agricultural states, serving as a major producer of crops and livestock that feed not only the country, but the world. The Hoosier state leads the nation in popcorn, gourds, and duck production. It is also the No. 2 producer of pumpkins and No. 3 producer of spearmint and turkeys. Additionally, Indiana farmers rank in the top five nationally in soybean, corn, and hog production — reinforcing the state’s agricultural influence and economic strength.

Global Partnerships and Lasting Impact

Indiana’s agriculture sector continues to expand its global footprint. Taiwan recently signed letters of intent with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance to purchase nearly $6.4 billion in U.S. corn and soybeans over the next four years — a major win for Hoosier growers and the state’s farming economy.

In addition, the National FFA Organization announced that its annual convention and expo will remain in Indianapolis through 2040. The event generates an estimated $40 million each year for the city, delivering significant economic impact while placing Indiana at the center of agricultural leadership development for the next two decades.

From policy support and youth engagement to international trade and national recognition, Indiana’s agricultural industry continues to thrive — and leaders like Secretary Rollins and Rep. Baird are ensuring that Hoosier farmers, students, and rural communities stay front and center in shaping the future of American agriculture.