Building the Future of Agriculture—One Generation Ahead
Aug 14, 2025
When I began my career as an intern at Hendricks County Farm Bureau Co-op, I was focused on learning the ropes and doing my part to support local farmers. I never imagined where that path would lead. But over the years, one thing has become clear: our responsibility as cooperatives isn’t just to meet the needs of today’s farmers. It’s to help shape the future they envision for the next generation.
Agriculture is evolving at a pace we’ve never seen before. From precision technology and sustainability demands to shifting global markets and rural workforce challenges, the landscape is changing. And cooperatives, if we’re bold enough, are uniquely positioned to lead that change.
We’re not just meeting farmers where they are. We’re asking where they want to be in ten years. And then we’re building the infrastructure, the talent pipeline, and the financial strength to get them there.
That’s why events like the approaching Co-op Classic at our Maldon facility matter so much. This event was created as something more than hat give aways or plot evaluations, and it is much bigger than a field day. The Co-op Classic event is a testament to our commitment to doing things better and more boldly. It brings together farmers, industry partners, and national leaders to celebrate what we’ve built and to invest in what’s next.
The caliber of presenters we’ll have at each event speak to our mission to be steps ahead of what our customers need. I hope you’ll take a look at the line-up and choose one of the two events to attend. We’re committed to help our members build farm adaptability and resilience amidst the changes in agriculture, and these events are certain to present them with the tools to do so.
The real measure of Keystone’s success is whether we’re creating a cooperative system that’s resilient and future-ready. And I believe the insights and education offered at Co-op Classic directly aligns with what the future of farming requires.
The future of agriculture will be built by those who are willing to take bold steps forward, together. We’ll see you at Co-op Classic.
Tuesday, August 12 in New Castle, Indiana https://www.keystonecoop.com/keystone-events/co-opclassic/newcastle
Tuesday, August 19 in Valparaiso, Indiana https://www.keystonecoop.com/keystone-events/co-opclassic/valpo