Indiana a Top Five State for Livestock
Published: Friday, August 23, 2024
Indiana has experienced a dramatic growth in its livestock industry, and it's due in no small part to a positive regulatory environment.
That's according to Dr. Bret Marsh, Indiana state veterinarian and keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Elkhart County Agricultural Society Monday night in Goshen.
In 2023, Indiana ranked first in production of ducks and veal, second in eggs, third in turkeys and fifth in swine.
Northern Indiana is the most concentrated region for this activity. For example, 25% of the U.S. veal supply is produced in northern Indiana. The region is also home to various poultry and egg companies. Indiana produces 11 billion eggs a year, and Marsh said that number is growing. And although Indiana ranks 15th in milk production, the Hoosier state ranks second in ice cream production.
Many might be surprised to learn that Indiana is a leading producer of turkeys, and Marsh said that's a common reaction.
"We actually have a hatchery that is in an industrial complex near Terre Haute that most people don't know even exists," he said. "Select Genetics has a hatchery over there. They hatch a million turkey poults a week. That's how many turkeys we have in Indiana."
The question Marsh posed to the audience is, why?
"Why would Indiana, the smallest state geographically west of the Appalachian Mountains, rank in the top five in all these major categories?" he said.
Many people, Marsh said, would point to Indiana being the crossroads of America and its transportation system. Some would point to the state's skilled workforce, knowledgeable people, research and educational institutions and water availability.
"We can debate about who gets it when, but when I'm in Texas at a meeting like this, the Texans want to tell me about their oil," Marsh said. "I said, well, our oil in Indiana is water. We have water."
However, he said the biggest reason for the rise of Indiana's livestock industry is the regulatory environment.
"You do it day-in and do it day-out, and you do it better than anyone else," he said.
Looking ahead, Marsh said Indiana is well-positioned for livestock production.
"There isn't any place better in the world," he said. "The people, the soil, the environment, the water. Where else would you go to produce food?"
The state veterinarian is appointed by the Board of Animal Health, with the governor's approval. This year marks Marsh's 30th in that position.
"I've had the good fortune to work under six different administrations. They're all a little different, but they all appreciate agriculture. That's critically important to this room and all across our state."
Prior to Marsh's remarks, the Ag Society presented the following awards: Farm Family of the Year, Mike and Annette Neff, Goshen; Uncle Elmer, Gary Kauffman, Millersburg; Excellence in Agriculture, Dairy Veterinary Management Service, Goshen; Centennial Farm, Jim Weeber, Goshen; and Centennial Church, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bristol.
The Ag Society also recognized retiring board member Robert Lutes of New Paris, who is stepping off the board after 20 years of service.
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