Indiana Dairy Producers E-Newsletter
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IDP In Motion: Sounds of Spring
I always enjoy the sounds of spring on the farm – birds chirping, tractors rolling. Another sound I really appreciate is the voice of our Indiana Dairy Producers (IDP) members. Visiting with members all over the state gives me great perspective as we work on events like planning our 2023 Dairy Forum.
We are lining up speakers for the Forum which will take place February 7-8, 2023, and your input is important. What topics facing the dairy industry are on your mind? What experts would you like to hear from? Drop me note or give me a call as our goal is to serve your needs.
Our supporters continue to grow, and in this issue you’ll see news about new sponsors. We also need to continue growing our membership ranks with dairy farms of all size. Membership expansion is a top priority, and I continue working all corners of the state to spread the word about what IDP does to educate, advocate, and inform policy that impacts every dairy in Indiana. Your help in spreading the word about our association is much appreciated!
We welcome our newest members, Greg Broering and Family of Portland, Indiana, and Greg Brawner and Family of Hanover, Indiana. Thanks for joining IDP!
We appreciate you reading our newsletter and have a safe spring!
Steve
Steve Obert, Executive Director
317-779-6775
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Our Vision: To Make Indiana the most desirable state in which to produce milk.
Mission Statement
To promote a profitable, positive, professional image of
dairy producers while providing educational opportunities
for the interchange of ideas and to speak as a proactive voice
for Indiana dairy producers.
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Calendar of Events
- June 8th: IDP Board Meeting
- July 13th: IDP Board Meeting
- September 21st: IDP Board Meeting
- November 9th: Partners Luncheon
- Feb. 7th-8th (2023): IDP Forum
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In This Issue
Sponsor Spotlight
Industry Insights
IDP Member Moments
Our Mission In Action
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Sponsor Spotlight
The support of our sponsors enables IDP to continue our work on behalf of Indiana’s dairy industry. We appreciate their commitment to our organization, be sure to click on their links at the end of the newsletter. Today we welcome three new sponsors.
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Gold: First Financial Bank
First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: commercial, retail banking, investment commercial real estate, mortgage banking, commercial finance, and wealth management. The bank operates 135 financial centers in its four-state footprint of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky. First Financial’s agribusiness bankers bring extensive agriculture experience, specializing in one-on-one service while also opening the door to a larger team for customized agribusiness financing.
Zach Allen, a board member with the Indiana Dairy Producers for the last three years, recently joined the organization as a senior food and agribusiness relationship manager, where he will continue to help agribusiness clients throughout Indiana to grow and succeed. Link here to learn more about First Financial Bank’s background and offerings. Thank you FFBC for your Gold sponsorship!
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Bronze: Emergent Solar Energy, Strong Towers Energy Partners
Emergent Solar is a leading Indiana solar energy development firm specializing in commercial solar and energy storage systems. Led by managing partner Jeremy Lipinski, Emergent Solar is located in Purdue Research Park, West Lafayette. They are working to help make Hoosier farm solar projects a compelling business decision for their farm clients. They are pleased to join IDP as a sponsor.
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Strong Towers Energy Partners tackles the energy challenges of their customers and provide a variety of services relating to energy needs and planning. Led by energy industry veteran Ed Howard, this company is built on entrepreneurial spirt and looks forward to partnering with IDP. |
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Industry Insights: Supply Chain Efforts of NMPF
Supply chain issues top the news daily as frustrated consumers can’t get the items they need. These bottlenecks also cost dairy producers like you a tremendous amount of money. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is working hard on this issue. Link here to read the latest.
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IDP Member Moments:
A Tribute to Alan Kuehnert
The Indiana Dairy Producers Producer of the Year honor recognizes someone who embodies all that is great about our industry. In 2022, this honor was bestowed upon the late Alan Kuehnert of Kuehnert Dairy Farm, Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Our hearts were heavy when we learned of his untimely passing in a farm accident in April of 2021.
Alan was one of our industry’s most dedicated ambassadors as he proactively worked to adopt new technologies on the farm and tell the story of the dairy industry. You can read more about Alan HERE, and we know his passion for the industry lives on in his family and all those touched by his leadership.
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Our Mission in Action:
Dairy Judging Team Goes Global
They rose to the challenge and now they will see the world. The North Miami High School FFA Dairy Judging team was one of the top three teams at the 2021 National FFA Convention which earned them a trip to Europe this summer. Thanks to their hard work, and with funding support from groups like IDP, the team and their coaches will have the opportunity to see dairy operations in Scotland, Ireland and England.
Dairy judging is a great example of the next generation of dairy producers learning more about dairy animals and being able to articulate reasons. “I like the challenge of placing classes and arguing my points about why I placed the animals as I did,” says team member Audrey Piel who currently works on a dairy farm. Other team members point out that judging takes them out of their comfort zones as they compete, which is a valuable life skill. Team members include Alaina Weaver, Audrey Piel, Jordan Weaver, and Calvin Wildermuth. Their coaches are Glen and Chris Jones.
They are very grateful to IDP for supporting their educational pursuits and are proud to represent Indiana’s Dairy industry on their trip.
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NRCS Can Help You ID Energy Efficiency
The odds are good that you don’t think about the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) when you open your energy bills. However, this agency can be resource to help you with energy usage. The NRCS offers opportunities to help producers not only conserve energy, but reduce their overall energy demands through assistance in identifying energy efficient component upgrades. Details and information can be found HERE on our IDP website.
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Individual membership in the Indiana Dairy Producers is $50. Encourage your dairy farming friends to join IDP! Also, any individual who is not a dairy producer but would still like to support IDP can join as an associate member. Download a membership/associate brochure here.
We appreciate our industry supporters. They make it possible for IDP to support the dairy industry in many ways. If your company is interested in finding ways to join IDP, download an information sheet here.
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Diamond Sponsors
Click on any logo to reach the company's website
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Platinum Sponsors
Click on any logo to reach the company's website
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Gold Sponsors
Click on any logo to reach the company's website
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Silver Sponsors
Click on any logo to reach the company's website
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Board of Directors
Executive Director
Steve Obert
812-779-6775
Arie Jan de Jong, President
Greg Peters, Vice President
Emily Hoeing, Secretary
Jackie Boerman, Executive Treasurer
Board Members
Alex Lueken
Amy Weaver
Carrie Jo Bollenbacher
Henk Sevenhuysen
Krent Frauhiger
Roger Hibschman
Industry Advisers
Chris Moore
Sarah Wagler
Steve Howell
Todd Janzen, Attorney
Zach Allen
Tanya Westfall, Executive Assistant
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Visit Our Bronze Sponsors |
(Click the bronze button) |
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IDP Corporate Sponsors
There is a growing list of companies that recognize IDP's value to Indiana's dairy industry. Please visit our list of companies that have become Corporate Sponsors for only $100. If you know of a company that may have an interest in supporting IDP at some level, please download a brochure here.
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Contact Chris Moore
For free insurance consultation and quotes on your farm and agribusiness Insurance needs! IDP members receive an exclusive discount on SECURA Insurance.
Chris Moore
317-650-4519
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Indiana Dairy Producers
7826 S 550 E
Fort Branch, IN 47648
812-779-6775
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RESOURCE CENTER
-Click on each picture or logo to learn more-
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Indiana Grazing &
Forage
NRCS Website
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Check out the resources available to you on the
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