Indiana again ranks as one of the nation’s top agricultural states, said State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon).
The state’s agricultural product is valued at more than $18 million, according to recently released agricultural census data from the United States Department of Agriculture‘s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
“Agriculture is critical to Indiana’s economy and heritage,” Buchanan said. “From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, farming is a vital part of our state’s history and future.”
Agriculture production in Indiana has grown 62% over the last five years, according to a release from the Indiana Department of Agriculture (IDOA).
Indiana is the country’s top producer of popcorn, gourds and duck; the No. 2 producer of pumpkins and No. 3 producer of spearmint and turkeys.
Hoosier farmers are also a top-five producer of soybeans, corn and hogs.
“As a former executive director of the Indiana FFA Foundation, I have seen firsthand the importance of agriculture in our state,” Buchanan said. “During my time in the General Assembly, I have supported pro-agriculture legislation like House Enrolled Act 1557 (2023) and this year’s Senate Bill 105, and will continue to do so during my time in the Senate.”
HEA 1557 directed IDOA to conduct an inventory of farmland lost between 2010 and 2022 while Senate Bill 105 would require the department to oversee the preparation and publication of an updated version of the Indiana Drainage Handbook.