March 6, 2019 at 5:13 p.m.
Farm future
State deputy director discusses opportunities in agriculture sector
Farm future
Indiana and Jay County are strong in agriculture, and there remains room to grow.
That was the message Indiana State Department of Agriculture deputy director Jordan Seger shared Tuesday evening with those in attendance at Jay County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting.
“Our former governor, now vice president likes to say that we do two things really good in Indiana — we make things and we grow things,” said Seger, who has been with the department of agriculture for eight years. “And there’s a lot of truth to that.”
He noted that Indiana ranks No. 1 in the country in duck production, No. 2 in popcorn, ice cream and eggs and No. 3 in spearmint and tomatoes. In all, agriculture’s $31 billion in sales is second only to manufacturing in terms of economic impact in the state.
As for Jay County, Seger noted that it is No. 3 out of 92 counties in terms of gross receipts from livestock and crops. It is also No. 6 in hog production and No. 8 in wheat acres.
“You’re a powerhouse,” he said.
That was the message Indiana State Department of Agriculture deputy director Jordan Seger shared Tuesday evening with those in attendance at Jay County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting.
“Our former governor, now vice president likes to say that we do two things really good in Indiana — we make things and we grow things,” said Seger, who has been with the department of agriculture for eight years. “And there’s a lot of truth to that.”
He noted that Indiana ranks No. 1 in the country in duck production, No. 2 in popcorn, ice cream and eggs and No. 3 in spearmint and tomatoes. In all, agriculture’s $31 billion in sales is second only to manufacturing in terms of economic impact in the state.
As for Jay County, Seger noted that it is No. 3 out of 92 counties in terms of gross receipts from livestock and crops. It is also No. 6 in hog production and No. 8 in wheat acres.
“You’re a powerhouse,” he said.
The goal of the state department of agriculture, Seger said, is to sustain and grow agriculture. To that end, he talked about several opportunities that show the possibility for expansion.
One of those is aquaculture — the farming of fish and/or seafood — which can also provide an outlet for crops to be used as feed.
Agritourism initiatives such as pumpkin or strawberry patches, industry tours and wineries are also growing, he added.
“Farmers are finding opportunities in Indiana to tap into this agritourism industry,” Seger said. “It can be a seasonal business, but it can provide another whole revenue stream into an operation.”
He added that industrial hemp may soon provide opportunities, as the state legislature is working on a bill that would allow growing the crop in Indiana. Wind and solar farms can also offer farmers different ways to generate income, he said.
He also pointed to specialty crops and niche markets, including non-GMO and organic products, as growing sectors.
“I don’t go to the grocery store and seek out these … but the bottom line here is that they are in high demand from consumers across the country,” he added. “And the plus side for farmers is consumers are willing to pay more for these niche products.”
As agriculture continues to evolve, Seger noted the importance of understanding that the profession is not just about driving a tractor or raising livestock. The need for ag professionals, especially in science and new technology, is continuing to grow.
“Indiana is really poised to develop this workforce,” he said, noting that Indiana is home to several of the large players in agriculture bioscience. “All these groups are looking for employees. They’re looking for the next generation.”
One of those is aquaculture — the farming of fish and/or seafood — which can also provide an outlet for crops to be used as feed.
Agritourism initiatives such as pumpkin or strawberry patches, industry tours and wineries are also growing, he added.
“Farmers are finding opportunities in Indiana to tap into this agritourism industry,” Seger said. “It can be a seasonal business, but it can provide another whole revenue stream into an operation.”
He added that industrial hemp may soon provide opportunities, as the state legislature is working on a bill that would allow growing the crop in Indiana. Wind and solar farms can also offer farmers different ways to generate income, he said.
He also pointed to specialty crops and niche markets, including non-GMO and organic products, as growing sectors.
“I don’t go to the grocery store and seek out these … but the bottom line here is that they are in high demand from consumers across the country,” he added. “And the plus side for farmers is consumers are willing to pay more for these niche products.”
As agriculture continues to evolve, Seger noted the importance of understanding that the profession is not just about driving a tractor or raising livestock. The need for ag professionals, especially in science and new technology, is continuing to grow.
“Indiana is really poised to develop this workforce,” he said, noting that Indiana is home to several of the large players in agriculture bioscience. “All these groups are looking for employees. They’re looking for the next generation.”
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