Hoosier farmers, state lawmakers, and ag industry experts gathered at The Commons in Columbus Wednesday for the 2026 Indiana Ag Policy Summit. Hosted by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee, this year’s summit focused heavily on the intersection of agriculture, state energy demands, utility regulation, and biofuels expansion.
“There’s a full agenda, a lot of it covering data centers, a lot of relative topics related to energy and how it affects us as farmers, so I came to learn more about that,” said Tyler Pottschmidt, a farmer from Jackson County.
The heavy-hitting agenda opened with remarks from U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-Dist. 6) on national biofuel perspectives from Congress, followed by an engaging fireside chat moderated by ICGA and ISA CEO Courtney Kingery featuring Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski and Indiana Utility Regulatory Commissioner Bob Deig. Attendees also gained insights into state energy policy from State Sen. Gary Byrne and State Rep. Kendell Culp, along with federal perspective from Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics.
Addressing the rise of energy demand and data centers across Indiana, John Peters, who farms in White and Carroll counties, pointed out the balance needed between community growth and regulation.
“I think the biggest thing with the data centers, which of course was controversial, but a lot of good I think could come from them if everybody listens and investigates the whole process instead of just going by what they’re hearing,” Peters noted. “If we do it right, it could really benefit our rural communities. I think there’s some real possibilities there if it’s done right.”
Biofuels were another major focal point of the day. Panelists and farmers alike emphasized the critical need to expand infrastructure and advocate for policy priorities like year-round E15 access.
“There are a lot of legislators here, and just getting out in front of them, harping on the importance of E15 and building that infrastructure there,” Pottschmidt added.
Peters echoed the urgency for year-round E15 for the state’s corn producers: “It’s a no-brainer. I’m not sure why it’s not done already.”
State Representative Beau Baird (R-44) received this year’s Friend of Farmer award from ICGA and ISA for his work supporting ag legislation at the Statehouse.
Be on the lookout for more coverage from the Indiana Ag Policy Summit, including a new Indiana Ag Policy Podcast, in the coming days.
