Showing up at the Statehouse, inviting your legislators to the farm, and speaking out on policy issues are imperative to ensure farmers’ interests are heard by government officials. However, getting candidates elected who are ag friendly is equally important.
For Indiana Farm Bureau, that message comes through its AgELECT program, a non-partisan political action committee designed to help elect lawmakers who understand the challenges facing the state’s number-one industry.
“Advocating for agriculture isn’t just about sharing our stories with legislators. It’s about sharing our stories, and supporting leaders who understand and champion policies that strengthen farming and rural communities.” That’s INFB District 6 Education and Outreach Coordinator Lis McDonnell. “So that’s where Indiana Farm Bureau’s AgElect program plays an important role, because AgElect helps identify and support candidates who are friendly to agriculture, and who consistently vote in favor of policies that protect our way of life. So by participating in AgElect, the Farm Bureau members can ensure that agriculture has a strong voice at the statehouse and beyond. And it’s a reminder to that advocacy isn’t just about policy conversations, it’s about electing the right people to carry those conversations, forward on our behalf.”
Farm Bureau leaders say that policy decisions on everything from property taxes and land use to water management and broadband access directly affect farmers’ ability to operate and stay profitable. And while individual members can speak out, the organization argues that having supportive legislators in office makes long-term progress possible.
McDonnell continues, “My own advocacy passion was ignited by Senator Leising. Her unwavering dedication to agriculture and the rural communities, that she was involved in really ignited my own passion for advocacy. It taught me that one determined voice can spark change. So her example shows, you know, the grass roots experience in legislative leadership and how they come together to protect, and uplift farming values.”
AgELECT doesn’t endorse based on party lines. Instead, candidates are evaluated on voting records, conversations with members, and their positions on agricultural issues. The program can provide financial support to campaigns or help raise awareness among Farm Bureau’s grassroots network, which spans all 92 Indiana counties.
McDonnell adds, “So whether it’s picking up the phone, sending an email, maybe attending a town hall or third house forum or even simply visiting the statehouse. These simple actions help legislators understand what’s important to their constituents, and I always find it interesting to learn how open legislators are to having us visit them at the statehouse. They go out of their way to make time for their constituents who come down there. And so it’s really a good opportunity, to reach out and establish those relationships with legislators.”
Supporters say the goal isn’t to tell farmers how to vote—but to ensure their voices are heard in the political process. With several key races on the 2026 ballot, Indiana Farm Bureau expects advocacy efforts to pick up in the coming months, emphasizing that shaping policy starts long before lawmakers enter the chamber.
Find out more about AgElect at INFB.org
