Kron Speaks on Current Ag Events
Published: Friday, September 26, 2025
State lawmakers could try again to reform Indiana's property tax system in next legislative session, according to Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron.
Speaking Sept. 13 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau annual meeting in Garrett, Kron said there are several different proposals being considered, including one that would fund local government with the state sales tax.
"I think it merits a discussion," Kron said.
At INFB's delegate session last month, leaders "opened the door" to the possibility of the sales tax option. However, Kron said delegates called for more study on the issue and did not express support for that option.
The purpose of property taxes is to fund local government services like fire and police protection. However, farmers and rural landowners have seen a roughly 20% annual increase in tax bills in recent years, and Farm Bureau is looking at shifting some of the burden to other taxpayers.
Earlier this year, lawmakers provided some relief when they passed SB 1. That legislation saves farmers roughly $125 million over three years by increasing the capitalization/interest rate to 9%, reducing assessed value.
While Indiana Farm Bureau applauds that relief, Kron said more is needed.
"We'll be back fighting for a little more (relief)," he said.
Then there's the issue of township government. Some would like to eliminate township government, which funds rural fire departments and assistance for the poor and needy. INFB policy stands firmly in favor of townships, but the delegates last month signaled that they are willing to look at options.
Kron said he's not sure how eliminating township government would affect agriculture.
Lawmakers also passed a key bill protecting water rights for agricultural users. This legislation was prompted by an economic development project in central Indiana that would consume large amounts of water on a daily basis.
Kron said the proposal "woke us up a little bit," referring to farmers. Farm Bureau and others realized that the law protected residential wells, but not farmers.
Kron credited State Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange) with helping to pass a bill that provides some protection if a large water user comes in next to a farm.
"That was a big success that we have some protections now for agriculture and for other wells," Kron said.
Indiana is also considering new energy policy, according to Kron. He said Gov. Mike Braun contacted Farm Bureau regarding a proposal to build nuclear power plants in Indiana. The nuclear plants would replace many of the coal-fired plants that are being retired.
Kron added that there has been a significant pushback against solar farms.
"That's a property rights versus good land use conversation, and it's a tough one," Kron said. "But I will say that we were approached by the governor's staff, and they are looking at the SMNR (small modular nuclear reactors)."
He said the U.S. Navy has relied on nuclear energy for decades to power its submarines. He surveyed the DeKalb County Farm Bureau group for their opinions. Most raised their hands in favor of nuclear energy.
These plants would be built where the retiring coal plants are located.
"This is in the mix," he said. "It's in discussions. The governor has asked me about it and wants to know where we're at."
In another topic, Kron said the Indiana Legislature may consider regulations for drones.
During the past year, several Jay County farmers reported seeing drones fly over their poultry and swine barns. Apparently, that's not illegal.
"There's no real regulation of those," Kron said.
He added that farmers are concerned that drones could be a source of disease transmission.
On the national scene, Congress passed a reconciliation bill that includes funding for most, but not all, programs in the farm bill.
"There's about $8 billion that was in the farm bill that could not be put in reconciliation," Kron said. "So, we have to figure those things out."
He said outstanding items include research and rural development.
"Those things are not funded yet," he said.
Glick provided an update on a proposal to draw new congressional districts, which normally happens every 10 years. Such a move would require lawmakers to meet in a special session.
"It's a mess," Glick said. "I will tell you (that) overwhelmingly that members of the Legislature don't want to redistrict. We were surprised when the congressional delegation did, but we think most of that is pressure coming from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave."
She said redistricting would cause confusion for those who currently hold office and for those seeking to hold office.
"To shift it on these people months before they file for office is extremely difficult," Glick said, adding that the candidates would have to learn the needs of their new district in a short matter of time.
"There's some pressure from Washington, and it's coming from the White House. It's not from our congressional delegation."
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