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INDIANAPOLIS — Growth of Indiana’s livestock sector is a strong feature of the new, three-year strategic plan for the state’s corn and soybean checkoffs.
The plan includes four focus areas:
1. Market development: Moving corn and soybeans to customers and end users.
2. Sustainability: Balancing environmental, societal and economic practices that benefit farmers.
3. Value creation: Developing new products and uses from soybeans and corn.
4. Producer engagement: Inviting farmers to participate in checkoff programs.
Here are the highlights from a discussion about the strategy, which took place at the Indiana Corn and Soybean Forum.
“This is all about moving the pile and increasing demand. One of the largest investment areas in Market Development is in livestock — specifically supporting domestic and export meat and poultry demand. Livestock is the largest customer for corn and soybeans in Indiana, so it’s an important part of the strategic plans.”
Courtney Kingery, CEO
Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Growers Association and Indiana Corn Marketing Council
“This year, the 2021 budget cycle that we’re on currently, livestock and poultry programs will account for about 21% of the (ISA) budget. Of that, about 15% goes for direct project spends on these export programs. We do spend some money helping producers — particularly in Indiana — partnering with Indiana Pork and Indiana Farm Bureau on policy issues that affect livestock so that we can expand the market for soybean meal.”
Mark Legan, board member
Indiana Soybean Alliance
“The new strategic plan will continue this commitment (to be a reliable partner for livestock producers). It will continue to support the expansion of the Farmers Deliver program, and that’s a program that showcases the positive economic impact of livestock in the state of Indiana.”
Mike Beard, president
Indiana Corn Growers Association