Ag industry leaders share their thoughts about America and freedom in agriculture

INDIANAPOLIS — The month of July is usually a fairly patriotic time when people reflect on America and what it means to them.

Several agriculture leaders throughout the state and the country took the time to answer what America and, specifically, the Fourth of July means to them, along with the importance of having freedom in the agriculture industry.

“If I had to express the meaning of the American experiment in one word, it would be freedom. That is what makes America so special to me and countless others. In the United States we have the ability to pursue our passions and dreams for family, business and lifestyle without interference from the government. The power of free people may be most evident when you look at America’s farmers. Since our founding, the American people have enjoyed a rich bounty of natural resources that have allowed the cultivation of our land and provided resources and food for generations. This gift of tillable land and the right to own and develop that land has made the United States a model for how free markets and agriculture can work together. America’s response for individual property rights has built a viable and plentiful system for providing quality food and natural resources for our nation and beyond. Smart agriculture policy should begin and end with meeting the needs of farmers and producers. As America’s agriculture industry continues to grow and innovate, we must always remain committed to freedom and farmers.”

Suzanne Crouch, lieutenant governor

Indiana

“The Fourth of July means pausing and celebrating the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the greatest country in the world because we know that freedom isn’t free. Just this past weekend, I had the honor of witnessing six military veterans conduct an official flag-burning ceremony at an FFA Camp in Ohio. Just as those veterans have conducted their service to this great nation, so did those flags, and when it came time for us to do so, we paid our respect to our nation’s colors and retired them with honor. Celebrating the Fourth of July means celebrating our beautiful flag and all that it represents, as well as the brave men and women who have dawned a uniform to protect it. One of the many freedoms we enjoy as American citizens is the freedom to work in any career we choose, and without hesitation, I believe I will one day choose work in the industry of agriculture. The FFA is a great organization rooted in agriculture and leadership development and it is what had led me to find a strong passion for production agriculture research. Working in agriculture means a lot to me because of the FFA and all that it has done to make me a better person and leader. No matter what, I’ll always exercise my freedoms to support my local FFA chapter and the agriculture industry and I am very thankful I have the opportunity to do so.”

Doster Harper, 2020-2021 president

National FFA

“To me, the Fourth of July is a day of gratitude and celebration. We are able to celebrate the freedoms that were fought for many years ago. I have much gratitude for the service men and women who sacrifice and sacrificed absolutely everything, allowing us to be the ‘land of the free.’ It is about acknowledging the privilege to be in this country and all that comes with it, including an abundant food supply provided by farmers. I am grateful to have chosen a career that helps support those who work hard everyday to place food on the plates of their families and their community. It honors independence, freedom, families and service.”

Jenni Browning, CEO

American Dairy Association Indiana

“Fourth of July is a time to reflect on the cost our country has paid to live in a state of freedom. While this day marks a significant milestone in our country’s history, Americans continue to fight daily to obtain their own sense of independence. The same way this nation fought and sacrificed to gain its freedom, we, the people, should dedicate the same determination to ensure that freedom and justice abounds for all. As a public servant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, I have the unrestricted freedom to treat every person with the utmost respect, ensuring equality in service delivery and helping Indiana landowners pursue their own happiness for a higher quality of life. I have the freedom to leave a lasting impact on one of the world’s largest industries and I choose to do this one individual, one farm, one acre and one precious resource at the time.”

Jerry Raynor, Indiana state conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service

“For me, America is the ultimate opportunity for each person to realize their full potential and talents. I am proud to be a part of our great industry of agriculture. Feeding the world continues to be the best expression of service to humanity and community. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to be free and pursue the dreams we want to live.”

Bruce Kettler, director

Indiana State Department of Agriculture

“To me, the Fourth of July is a perfect time to reflect on how fortunate I am to have the freedoms that I have. It gives me a chance to celebrate those freedoms through outward expression of patriotism. I have several family members who have fought for these freedoms. It is a chance to be thankful for what I have. I’m especially thankful to have the freedom to be involved in the agriculture industry. My involvement means that I’m carrying on the legacy of my ancestors and that fills me with pride. I’ll forever be thankful for the freedom to be involved in the industry that I love the most.”

Paxton Dahmer, 2020-2021 central region vice president

National FFA