One theme of the last decade in Indiana agriculture is growing and marketing locally. A second theme is taking care of both livestock and land resources.
The family of Chris and Jennifer Campbell, Franklin, makes a conscious effort to do both. Along with their kids, Casey, a high school senior, Emi Lou, 5th grade, and Cole, 5th grade, they have become ambassadors for agriculture.
The family was one of the farm families invited to participate in the recent Dig In event in Indianapolis. Co-sponsored by Indiana Family of Farmers, chefs prepared meat from local farms, and visitors paid $40 each to enter and sample dozens of food creations, each one sharing a common bond – they were centered on a locally produced ingredient.
All five members of the Campbell family were on hand, and they visited with people who were interested in hearing their story. Unfortunately, as the day went along, it became more about sampling meat than talking to farm families, but Jennifer believes it was worthwhile. It allowed them to make a connection between the chef who used pork, to know what he needs, and also to talk to at least a few people about their product.
The Campbells also hold various tours on their farm for visiting groups, often non-farm people. They were one of the designated tour sites for FFA chapters when the National FFA Convention was in Indianapolis. It is in Louisville, Ky., this year, but returns to Indianapolis in 2016. Meanwhile, the Campbells give tours to other groups that want to know what modern pork and grain production looks like. Jennifer is also an active farmwife blogger, and keeps people entertained and up to date on her Facebook with adventures about what happen on the farm.
