Indiana Farm Bureau members discuss policy stances

DANVILLE, Ind. — More than 200 Indiana Farm Bureau members gathered Aug. 17 to determine the organization’s policy positions for 2025.

Property taxes were an important topic at the event at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville. The delegates supported:

• The prioritization of reducing property tax rather than income tax.

• The use of property tax caps on farmland as a buffer against rapidly rising farmland values.

• A modernization to the farmland formula.

“Farmland property taxes rose dramatically due to changes in the base rate of 17% in 2023, 26.4% in 2024, with another 20% increase estimated in 2025,” said Andy Tauer, INFB executive director of public policy.

“With net farm income predictions to be lower this year while the costs of inputs remain high, farmers can’t take more tax increases.”

The delegates proposed increased protection of agriculture’s right to water resources — not just farmers’ rights — which broadens protection beyond irrigation to livestock, food processing industries and others.

The delegates also proposed establishing a transparent regulatory framework for large groundwater withdrawal facilities to ensure proper monitoring occurs.

Other discussions included:

• The support of renewable energy, while striking a balance regarding land use and farmland preservation.

• Expanded rural broadband access and support for a standard height when constructing overhead communication cables to allow for farm equipment.

• Voting for who would represent INFB at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in San Antonio in January. Five county Farm Bureau presidents were elected: Mike Beale, Carroll County; Josh Boxell, Howard County; Sarah Delbecq, DeKalb County; John Feutz, Gibson County; and Nick Wenning, Decatur County.

The INFB board of directors will determine the priorities for the 2025 state legislative session over the coming weeks.

The public policy team will work with regional managers, district directors and county Farm Bureau members to decide which priorities will set the stage for the organization’s efforts in Indianapolis and in Washington.