Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – Randy Kron was elected to another term as Indiana Farm Bureau president during the Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention Dec. 10 in French Lick. The delegate body chose Kron over Jeremy Barron from Noble County. “I believe in this organization and what we can accomplish working together,” Kron said during his acceptance speech. “Nothing of significance can be accomplished alone, and I’m grateful I get to do that with our members.”
Kron was first elected to the role of INFB president in 2015. Prior to that, he served for 14 years as the organization’s vice president. In his acceptance speech, Kron said that planning for the future is vital to the continued success of INFB. “So much has been accomplished, but there’s more to do,” Kron noted. “I promise you that we’re going to work hard and work together. We’re going to represent agriculture in Indiana and make sure we’re at the table.”
In addition to his role at INFB, Kron serves as a board member for American Farm Bureau Federation, representing the Midwest region. He also is involved in other agriculture industry groups, including serving as INFB’s representative on the U.S. Grains Council, on the board of directors for the Indiana Grain Indemnity Corporation, and as a member of Rep. Larry Bucshon’s agricultural advisory committee.
Kron and his wife Joyce farm with their son, Ben, in Vanderburgh County, where they raise yellow corn, white corn, soybeans and wheat. In 2021, the Krons were recipients of the Indiana Master Farmer Award, which honors farmers who have contributed heavily to Indiana agriculture and demonstrated success in farming efficiency, stewardship of natural resources and community service.
Reflecting on 2021 and looking ahead
Each year at the convention, the organization’s president discusses his vision for the future with members from across the state. Kron took the time to reflect on the past year and look to the future in his annual address, providing insights into how farmers adjusted during the pandemic and praising Farm Bureau members for their ability to adapt.
“I have been pleased with how INFB and our county Farm Bureaus have been able to pivot and adapt these past 20 months or so,” he said. He noted that many meetings and programs went virtual the last two years, breaking attendance records in the process. “Our members participated in county meetings from their tractors, combines and planters, and they attended a record number of virtual Statehouse visits,” he added.
Kron also noted success in the General Assembly this past year, specifically regarding broadband issues. To help bring reliable broadband to the most unserved and underserved communities across the state, INFB partnered with several groups across Indiana to form the Indiana Broadband Strategic Partnership and promote the Indiana Speed Test, a crowd-sourced internet speed test available on the INFB website – www.infb.org/speedtest.
Kron was cautious in his outlook for 2022. “Spring may bring some challenges with fertilizer shortages and price increases for inputs next year, but we need to continue to be optimistic and flexible because that’s what we do,” he told the crowd.
When asked about national issues in 2022, Kron stated that stepped-up basis, climate issues and the next farm bill are all top of mind and will require targeted advocacy efforts into the new year.
Kron closed by thanking staff, volunteers, members and family for their support through this unprecedented year.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how we have responded to this upheaval, now going on two years,” said Kron. “But that’s what farmers do all the time – adjust.”
The 2022 INFB State Convention will be held at the Indianapolis Convention Center, Dec. 15-17.