Farming requires much more than what I’ve listed. To be successful beyond the farm, we need to develop new markets and new products for our crops in America and around the world. We need new research to ensure we’re following the best growing practices. We need to take care of our environment because we live where we farm.

While I may be confident when it comes to dealing with the weather, weeds or insects, I can use help with many of the other tasks needed for success after my crop leaves the farm. As independent as farmers are, we need partners to get the job done well. For many farmers, key partners are our state checkoff programs. The Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Soybean Alliance provide the tools that help our farms become more profitable.

Our checkoff programs support farmers by focusing their efforts on developing new and increasing existing markets, researching new demand-driving products made from corn or soybeans and educating the public about what we do on our farms.

It is true that many hands can make the work lighter. But it’s also true that skilled hands are just as important. Our state’s checkoff programs are those skilled hands.

Larry Wilkinson
Kimmell