The Indiana State Fair Featured Farmer program is back with a new lineup after a two-year break. The program, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, was interrupted by COVID-19.

Susan Carney of Corteva says you can meet a new featured farm family each day the state fair is open. “We put together a diverse group of farm and agricultural families to represent Indiana agriculture,” she says. “We’re excited to be able to sponsor the program once again.”

The Indiana State Fair runs from July 29 to Aug. 21, except on Mondays and Tuesdays. It’s an 18-day run. Learn more at indianastatefair.com.

Day 1
July 29 — Sheller family
Sheller Farms LLC, Hamilton County, kicks off the program, representing corn farmers. Diversity, family involvement and passion characterize this farm. Aaron and Lacey Sheller carry on from his parents. Every bushel of grain produced receives a premium for quality. A retail segment provides products like fertilizer, spray adjuvants and seed to other farmers. Sheller Family Foods markets 100% of the beef and pork produced on the farm, meeting the meat needs of 700 families. The family says their passion drives them to be the unique “purple cow” of their industry.

Day 2
July 30 — Martin family
Martin Family Farms, Warren County, represents the swine industry. What started as William Martin raising enough pork for his family in the late 1800s in north-central Indiana is now an operation with 14,000 sows that produces enough pork annually to supply a city the size of Indianapolis. Fifth-generation producers Brian and David Martin head up the operation. Located near Boswell, it employs 75 people. Visit teammartinfarms.com.

Day 3
July 31 — Red Frazier Bison Ranch
Zach Martin and family play host to bison in the rolling hills of Greene County. Jennifer Karnes, one of several partners in Red Frazier Bison Ranch, emphasizes that their bison are grown naturally, free of growth hormones, steroids and artificial reproduction techniques. Started in 2014, the operation includes a retail location in Bloomington, a food truck and internet sales. Buy their product ready to eat at the Indiana State Fair. Visit indianabison.com.

Day 4
Aug. 3 — Goin family
Goin’s Blueberry Lane represents Indiana’s fruit industry, and blueberries, in particular. Pat and Kevin Goin raise blueberries on 80 acres in Starke County near North Judson, offering U-pick and already-picked blueberries at their market. It includes locally produced ag products and even blueberry dog biscuits. Their U-pick operation stays open through early August. Visit goinsblueberrylane.com.

Day 5
Aug. 4 — Gutwein family
Harvey Gutwein and Gutwein Popcorn, located near Francesville in Pulaski County, represent Indiana’s popcorn industry. Harvey’s father and grandfather founded Gutwein Hybrids in 1936. Gutwein Popcorn Co. LLC was founded in 1998. Harvey’s sons Lance and Tyler are in the business today. The company produces, conditions, processes, markets and sells popcorn. Learn more at gpopcorn.com.

Day 6
Aug. 5 — Hodgen family
Paul and Jenny Hodgen represent soybeans in this year’s state fair lineup, but they could also represent corn. Both have doctorate degrees and returned to the farm in 2012. They farm near Roachdale in Putnam County with Paul’s parents, Abe and Shirley. Half of their soybean crop goes into biodiesel production, with some going to make tofu. Half of their corn goes toward ethanol production. They practice rotational grazing in their cattle operation.

Watch IndianaPrairieFarmer.com this week to meet the rest of this year’s Featured Farmers.