News

Indiana ag industry calling for long-term demand solutions to help support struggling ag economy

Some members of the Indiana ag industry want demand certainty to help provide long-term support for the ag economy. 

Decatur County farmer Andrew Stewart says developing new trade relationships could help boost demand.

“Opening the lines of communication and trying to get products they produce, they will in turn buy products that we produce,” he says. “It’s going to be a win-win at the end of the day,” he says. 

During a recent virtual panel discussion, Cary Aubrey, with the Indiana Office of Energy Development, said increasing value-added agriculture is another way to improve profitability. 

“Anytime we can keep costs down and keep it local, it’s a huge bonus to the landowner, the producer, to the farmer, and the end user,” he says. “We have a lot of different opportunities with these ethanol plants and biorefineries. You’re utilizing and squeezing that kernel of corn every which way.”

Stewart says his operation continues to diversify production to maximize their return on investment. 

“We try to explore all of these different avenues to try to increase revenue,” he says. “That may be finding a niche market. Just trying to find ways to grow and diversify. Try to have different sources of income and spread some of that risk out.”

Both say developing federal policy and trade solutions will help stabilize the state’s ag sector.