Two Indiana soybean farmers were elected to leadership positions with the Soy Transportation Coalition board. The STC is composed of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and 13 other state soybean groups, as well the American Soybean Association and United Soybean Board.

Mike Koehne of Greensburg, Ind., will head the board as chairman. C.J. Chalfant of Hartford City, Ind., will serve as secretary-treasurer of the board. The pair will work to ensure a strong transportation system in the U.S. soybean industry.

“Our infrastructure is our competitive advantage here in the U.S., and it is important to maintain and improve it,” Koehne says. Chalfant echoes that sentiment, adding that getting the crop from the field to the elevator is just the first step.

“The ability to move those crops by road or by rail or by the inland waterways to customers around the world improves the value of those crops,” Chalfant says.

Koehne and Chalfant will assume their positions at the start of 2025.

Nominate a Golden Owl

Do you have an agriculture teacher who has played an integral role in your community? Now is the time to recognize them through the Golden Owl award program.

The Golden Owl award was created to celebrate Indiana ag educators who have made significant contributions while also offering additional resources for their ag programs. Indiana FFA now is accepting nominations for this award through Dec. 31.

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Eight finalists will receive a $500 reward. The grand prize winner will earn the 2024-2025 Ag Educator of the Year title for Indiana, along with the Golden Owl trophy and $3,000 to fund future educational efforts. They will be recognized at the Indiana FFA State Convention in June.

To nominate an ag educator, head to this form. For more information about the Golden Owl award, head to goldenowlaward.com.

Corteva Coliseum

The naming rights for the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center Coliseum are now touted by Corteva Agriscience. The Corteva Coliseum is the result of a new partnership between the fairgrounds and Corteva.

NEW LOOK: The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center Coliseum has received a new look after cultivating a new partnership with Corteva Agriscience. Corteva Coliseum will be the home of events that draw people together for generations to come. (Courtesy of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center Coliseum)

“Indianapolis is our home, and our ties to the Hoosier state and the Indiana State Fairgrounds run deep,” says Chuck Magro, CEO of Corteva. “The Corteva Coliseum reflects an important commitment to our community, and we’re grateful to be a part of such an iconic venue that means so much to our employees, friends and neighbors.”

As the only major U.S.-based ag technology company, Corteva’s vision aligns with that of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The new partnership will allow for the Coliseum to keep promoting that mission, remaining a premier destination for visitors.

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For more information, head to cortevacoliseum.com.

Hendricks County to host horticulture conference

The Indiana Horticultural Conference and Expo will land in Hendricks County from Jan. 14-15. The premier conference for Indiana’s vegetable and fruit growers, this event will feature educational sessions and networking with a variety of Indiana and Midwestern farmers and vendors.

Educational topics will include fruit and vegetable production, food safety, controlled environment agriculture, high tunnel production and pest management, and business marketing. There also will be an apple cider contest to find the state’s best apple cider.

Private pesticide applicators, commercial pesticide applicators and certified crop advisers also can gain credits at the educational sessions.

Registration is open through Jan. 7. For more information or to register, visit indianahortconference.org. Direct questions to Lori Jolly-Brown at 765-494-1296 or [email protected].