Indiana Farm Bureau Free Food Sampling Event Returns to Fair

Sure, Indiana is home to corn and soybean fields, but we also produce pork and beef, lamb, dairy, carrots, apples and honey, and the list goes on. While you’re at the Indiana State Fair, through Sunday, sample some of these homegrown commodities at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion during their annual Taste from Indiana Farms.

“This is actually over 30 years that the Indiana Farm Bureau women’s leadership committee has hosted Taste from Indiana Farms,” explained Mindy Orschell, Indiana Farm Bureau District 8 education and outreach coordinator from Franklin County.

Orschell hosted HAT on a walk through Thursday, and just as we did, you can sample what farmers around the state are offering, including the state snack of Indiana, popcorn.

She says they often see surprised faces when visitors learn about certain products that are grown or produced right here.

“And it’s fun to watch the old and the young come away knowing more and saying hey, we didn’t know that duck production was a thing in Indiana. Who raises ducks in Indiana? So, it’s really great watching them and just getting some positive out about Indiana farmers. We love to share our stories as farmers here in Indiana. We love to tell what we do because we’re proud of what we do. We’re proud of the product that we raise and our main goal is to raise safe, healthy food for Indiana.”

Carrots are among the items you can taste this year, “that were raised just for this event from northern Indiana, so we invite everyone to come out and taste some locally grown carrots,” Orschell said. “With that you can dip them in some ranch dip. Now a lot of people don’t associate ranch with farming, but soybeans that are raised here locally in Indiana are the key number one ingredient that go into ranch dressing and ranch dip.”

You might not be able to make a full meal out of it, but Orschell says, “They could absolutely be a nice afternoon snack or a mid-morning snack, definitely.”

Taste from Indiana Farms, hosted by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee, is free but ends Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Janis Highley, INFB 2nd vice president and chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee says, “INFB’s Women’s Leadership Committee is excited to spotlight Hoosier farmers who are dedicated to growing the food we eat and educate fairgoers about those foods grown right here in Indiana.”

The Women’s Leadership Committee is committed to educating the public through programs and events that promote agriculture throughout the year.