‘Build a better future’: New 2nd VP embraces Farm Bureau legacy

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Delegates elected Janis Highley as second vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau at the organization’s annual meeting.

Highley ran against Margaret Gladden of Hendricks County and Cindy Ramsey of Shelby County. She will replace outgoing second vice president Isabella Chism.

“As second vice president, I envision a Farm Bureau that embraces its legacy,” Highley said. “I want to ensure that every member finds their place, and with my commitment, experience and vision, we can build a better future.”

She shared her story with AgriNews.

Q: Tell me about your Farm Bureau involvement.

A: I’ve been involved with Farm Bureau in different capacities over several years. Personally, I started out at the local level on my county board.

Before this election, I was serving as the District Four Women’s Leader. I had 10 counties to represent in this area.

The opportunity came up to run for this position, and I was honored to be able to put my name in the ring.

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: My hometown is Warren, Indiana, in Huntington County. I work on the family farm. We are corn and soybean farmers.

I handle the marketing aspects of the farm. I love when I have the time to be in tractor, whether it’s working ground or driving the grain cart.

During the day, I currently work full time as a risk adviser where I advise farmers on cash sales and hedging. Come the first of the year, I’ll step down to part time.

Q: What do you love about Indiana ag?

A: Indiana ranks high in so many agriculture products. That speaks volumes to me. I want to be able to not only maintain that reputation in the U.S., but continue to grow that, in whatever form of agriculture that may be.

Farmers are passionate, such as myself. They work hard. They work hard to make sure we’re raising healthy crops to feed our families, not only in the U.S., but across the world.

Q: What’s your vision for the upcoming year at Farm Bureau?

A: Working on embracing innovative ideas, but also unity within Farm Bureau. My goals are to build upon this foundation and ensure every member finds a place in the Farm Bureau family, to set us up for success for years to come.

Q: Will you be involved in Ag in the Classroom programs?

A: Yes, that is one of my responsibilities as second vice president. You work with the Women’s Leadership Committee.

One of the pillars under that umbrella is Ag in the Classroom. So, we’ll continue to nurture and grow that program.

Q: Have you gotten any advice from your predecessor Isabella Chism?

A: We’ve talked several times. I’ve worked with her and see her as a mentor. She’s worked in this position for 17 years.

The wealth of knowledge that she has is amazing. I continue to keep her involved and have an open line of communication.

Q: Why is Farm Bureau important to you?

A: It’s important to me because I think it has a huge voice, not only in the state of Indiana when it comes to agriculture, but in the nation. I want to make sure farmers voices are being heard.

As I work with farmers on a daily basis, they are busy. They wear a lot of hats. They depend on organizations such as INFB to support them and advocate for them.

To be a tool for them. They can’t always be out there doing these things themselves. I don’t want to let them down. We want to make sure our member’s needs are taken care of.

Q: Anything else you’d like to mention to readers?

A: I welcome any questions, comments, concerns. Communication goes both ways. I want to make sure they know I’m here. Feel free to reach out any time.