Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch was among the first to greet hundreds of agriculture supporters and pork producers at the annual ham breakfast that kicked off the Indiana State Fair Aug. 3. The event has been sponsored for decades by the Indiana Pork Producers Association. While the location on the fairgrounds and the menu have changed over the years, the chance to rub elbows with pork producers, ag leaders and political leaders has been a constant.

Hundreds rose early to gather in the Farm Bureau Building on the state fairgrounds to enjoy such treats as sausage dogs on a stick, egg and ham casserole, and fruit, among other things.

“Good morning, Indiana!” exclaimed Crouch, giving her signature hands-up welcome to the early morning crowd. Crouch, who is also Indiana’s secretary of agriculture, introduced Gov. Eric Holcomb, who worked in numerous pig puns and a good-natured rubbing of U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, a Democrat, before congratulating pork producers on continuing to be an important part of Indiana’s overall economy.

Others addressing the crowd included Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Young and Donnelly. Mike Braun, his Republican challenger this fall, attended the breakfast but did not speak.

Several state legislators also attended, including Rep. Bob Cherry, Greenfield, and newly appointed Sen. Brian Buchanan, Boone County.

Mark and Phyllis Legan, Coatesville, Corteva Agriscience Featured Farmers for the first day of the Indiana State Fair, were also introduced. The Legans and their family produce weaned pigs for two other family-owned operations in a partnership where the Legans finish out and market the pigs. Mark is a past president of Indiana Pork.

The Indiana Pork annual breakfast is a long-standing tradition, as are the organization’s food tents. This year marks the 50th anniversary for food tents sponsored by Indiana Pork at the fairgrounds. Shoup’s Country Foods of Clinton County is providing the pork burgers for this year’s tents.

Indiana Pork is also sponsoring an entire day at the fair, Aug. 8, to help spread the word about pork producers and the wholesome products they produce. The Indiana State Fair runs Aug. 3-19 in Indianapolis.