Farmers talk policy with lawmakers

INDIANAPOLIS — Nothing sets the mood to talk about agriculture better than a buffet of farm-fresh bacon, eggs and corn fritters.

Farmers, lawmakers and ag leaders enjoyed the annual Bacon Bar and Brunch recently. They discussed a variety of topics, including biofuel tax credits, a sales tax exemption for agricultural equipment and an inventory of farmland.

The group advocated for pro-livestock policies, stating that Indiana’s livestock industry is a large and reliable customer for corn and soybean growers.

“We had a great turnout with a lot of representatives and senators attending,” said Indiana Corn Growers Association President Scott Smith, a farmer from Windfall.

“Events like this give us a good place to start conversations, build relationships and promote the issues that are important to farmers. We also want to show support for the legislators who support us.”

One bill of interest is House Bill 1080, which would provide tax credits for the sale of higher ethanol blends, the sale of blended biodiesel and the blending of biodiesel. Both ICGA and Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership & Policy Committee support this bill.

According to Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana is the sixth-largest biodiesel-producing state with more than 289 million pounds of soybean oil grown in the state going to biodiesel production each year.

Indiana ranks as the fifth-largest producer of U.S. ethanol, generating more than 1.4 billion gallons per year.

“Biodiesel and ethanol produced from soybean and corn grown on farms across Indiana and processed here in the state are an immediate solution to providing Hoosiers economic relief at the pump while lowering greenhouse gas emissions,” said Steve Howell, senior director of industry affairs for ICGA and M&P.

“An income tax incentive for retailers would boost investment in modern fuel pumps and tanks, which will create both a wider range of fuel options for Hoosiers and increased demand for corn and soybeans grown by Indiana farmers. These clean fuels add power to our state’s rural economy.”

Other pieces of legislation of interest include:

• House Bill 1448, Sales Tax Exemption for Agricultural Equipment — This bill states that any transaction involving the acquisition of farm machinery, tools or equipment is exempt from the application of the state gross retail tax regardless of the intended use of the property. Both M&P and ICGA support this plan.

• House Bill 1557, Inventory of Lost Farmland — This bill directs the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to conduct an inventory of farmland lost in Indiana from 2010 to 2022. Both M&P and ICGA support this bill.

The event was hosted by the ISA M&P Committee and the ICGA with help from sponsors such as Corteva Agriscience and Farm Credit Mid-America.