(Statehouse) – State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) chaired the 2025 Rural Caucus meeting in the Normandy Barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Wednesday, August 13.
Legislators met with stakeholders and agricultural leaders to discuss key issues impacting Indiana’s rural communities, including veterinary shortages, food safety, rural health and homeland security.
Gov. Mike Braun and Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith also attended the event. Braun spoke on the importance of agriculture and highlighted how strong Indiana’s agricultural industry is.
Speakers included:
- Cindy Hoye, Executive Director, Indiana State Fair
- Jonathan Whitham Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, Indiana Department of Homeland Security
- Dr. Bret Marsh, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Dr. Kyle Shipman, Indiana State Veterinarian
- Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and member of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation
- Drew Sherman, International Trade Director of the Economic Development Division, Indiana State Department of Agriculture
- Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Commissioner, Indiana Department of Health
- Dr. Amanda Deering, Food Safety Specialist, Purdue University
- Josh Trenary, Executive Director, Indiana Pork Producers
- Brenda Reetz, CEO, Greene County General Hospital
- Rob McLin, CEO, Good Samaritan Hospital
- Luke McNamee, Vice President of Government Relations, Indiana Hospital Association
- Tony Renz, Executive Director, Indiana Standardbred Association
- Adam Kallick, Principal, Sycamore Group
- Mark Newman, Executive Director, Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations
“Indiana is one of the nation’s leaders in agricultural exports, so it is important lawmakers are meeting with those in the industry to ensure our farmers and rural communities are served in the most impactful way possible,” Leising said. “Rural Caucus allows farming leaders from throughout the state to work together to best address issues in both agriculture and Indiana.”
Indiana Rural Caucus meets regularly to discuss issues facing agriculture during the legislative session and once during the summer at the Indiana State Fair.
(State Senator Jean Leising press release)
