Tag Archives: Indiana

Learning about Indiana agriculture.

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From Indiana Brownfield Farm Director Meghan Grebner:

I spent a couple of hours this afternoon at the Pine Tree Elementary School in Avon, Ind. for their Ag Day. The gym had ten different learning stations for the kids to learn about Indiana agriculture. Wade Ostrander was teaching the kids about pollination process in corn.

Here are a few shot to take you through that lesson:

There were also learning stations for kids on aquaculture, watermelon, pork, soybeans, dairy, popcorn, tomatoes and even one on auctioneering.

This is the third event like this – the agriculture community has also brought farm machinery and animals to Pine Tree… All with the goal of developing a bond with the students and agriculture.

First interview

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Dave Russell has been a farm broadcaster for a very long time.  I’m not suggesting he’s “old.”  I like to think of those of us who have been in the business for many years as “well-seasoned” and “experienced.” 

Dave shares this:

I have no idea how many, but over the years I’ve had the opportunity to interview a number of people for their first time. My latest, first time interview, was with 8 year old Jordyn Wickard (daughter of Chris and Julia and sister of Jacob) during the 25th Anniversary of the Hoosier Beef Congress. Here’s the interview.

Spending the day with Aunt Meghan

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We are a big family at Brownfield Ag News, and we love to include other family members in our Brownfield activities.  Meghan Grebner had the opportunity to do just that last week-end, thanks to our friends at Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council:

I’ve talked about my family before – and you can probably figure out we’re pretty close. In fact – my cousin Carin and I spent so much time together growing up we really look at each other more like sisters than cousins. Her kids – Dalaney and Owen actually refer to me as “Aunt Meghan”.

When I was offered the job in Indiana I was so excited to have the opportunity to work with some really amazing people and work for a great company – but I also knew in the back of my mind I’d be within an hour or so of Carin and her family – and that pretty much sealed the deal.

One of the things I have always loved about my job is some of the interesting people I get to meet and the fun things I have the chance to do. Over the years I’ve met some pretty famous people, singers, actors, politicians… Mike Rowe and have gone some pretty neat places, too. Owen is 8 and he’s pretty inquisitive. He always asks me where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to lately. A lot of times those conversations end in “NO Fair!“ and “That’s cool!”

I had the opportunity to attend the Colts game this past weekend with Megan Kuhn from the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and she said I could invite a guest… I knew exactly who I wanted to ask… It was Owen. I may have spoiled any other NFL game Owen will attend for the rest of his life. He was able to go on the sidelines prior to the game and was within arm’s length of players and coaches.

 

Apparently Owen was pretty excited – Carin said he was telling his dad all about our adventure all the way home Sunday night. Now, Owen gets to tell stories that people say “NO Fair” and “That’s cool!” when he’s finished.

I am so thankful for the opportunity that Megan gave me to become the world’s coolest “Aunt” – at least for a little while.

And in the corner of the barn.

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Brownfield’s Indiana Farm Director Meghan Grebner is out covering a story today and sent this message a few minutes ago:

I was at Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown, IN to see several volunteers help load Christmas trees for FedEx to ship to Bahrain, Rota Spain and Great Lakes as part of the Trees for Troops program. In one corner of the barn there are the trees to be loaded. Across the way – Bill the llama, some sheep. . .

. . . and an ATM.

I guess Dull’s is always prepared, too!

Meghan’s day with Dad

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When I was little I always went to seed meetings with my dad. To this day – when I’m home – I still do. For me it’s like old times. I don’t remember going to a lot of field days as a child because my dad isn’t a huge fan of them.

My parents are visiting this weekend (because I happened to snag tickets to the Packers/Colts preseason game for this evening) and I asked my dad if he wanted to tag along with me why I went to cover Becknology Days in Atlanta, IN. He accepted and this morning after I did some work in my office we headed that way. I had a chance to catch up with some of my old Illinois friends and chat with some of my new Indiana friends.

One of my friends, Jason Webster, runs Beck’s Practical Farm Research in Downs, Ill. He also gives the tour about technology, crop scouting and field health at Becknology Days. He does an amazing job – in fact if you ever have an opportunity to talk with him about it – you should. He’s smart,  down to earth and is quite frank about how we scout our fields and why we need to be doing a better job of it. When I worked in Illinois, I spent a lot of time at Jason’s PFR – learning about his research and how they can help farmers when it comes to their bottom line. It’s great to have a teacher that is so passionate about what he does.

Today my dad and I took some tours, sat in on some sessions, talked about our farm back home over lunch and had some pretty quality daddy/daughter bonding time. He even brought samples of his corn from home to show one of our DSM’s that was working the show. (For as poor as the growing season, it doesn’t look too shabby – and Craig agreed).

When I finished interviewing Scott Beck, Beck’s Hybrids Vice President I mentioned that I had brought my dad with me today.

 

Scott introduced himself … they talked a little corn, a little farming and some football.

-Meghan Grebner

 

Meghan’s week. . .so far

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I had the opportunity to travel around Central Indiana this week. Last night ( Wednesday evening), I joined the REAP tour in Middletown at Howell Farms. I ended up being really early and had the chance to visit with Mr. Howell about his farm, their operation and his take on agriculture in general. I have always loved visiting with farmers – the stories, their view on how technologies have changed and how things used to be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a perfect summer evening – we sat in the rockers on the front porch of their beautiful home and there was a nice breeze.

Howell Farms hosted dinner for the REAP group and it was a great opportunity for fellowship and talking about farming in different area.

This morning I headed up to our affiliate, WHBU in Anderson to visit with Doug Zook from 8am until 9am. It’s nice to have the opportunity to visit with the stations that carrying Brownfield programming. Doug’s studio is in the Mounds Mall and he has the opportunity to see and visit with listeners every morning. I am excited that Doug’s invited me back for another visit and can’t wait to return.

I am gearing up for my first Indiana State Fair… which kicks off tomorrow with my first Ham Breakfast!

-Meghan

Indiana Update from Meghan Grebner

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There’s nothing like getting your motor running… literally. I’ve been a resident of Indiana for about 6 weeks and have been touring places, getting to know my way around and most importantly getting to know the people and the agriculture. And if I haven’t met you yet… Don’t worry – I’m not bashful – I will surely introduce myself as soon as the opportunity presents. Last week I had the opportunity to cover two of the more unique events in my history of as a reporter.

To celebrate 75 years – Beck’s Hybrids commissioned two bikes designed by their staff and Orange County Choppers. Last Thursday they unveiled the bikes to their over 800 dealers that were gathered in Indy for their Summer Meeting. I didn’t get to meet Paul Sr. (super sad face) but the bikes and the event were just AWESOME.

Keep in mind I never really followed NASCAR until a few years ago, but I always knew who some of the bigger names were. Friday – I had the chance to briefly visit with Jeff Gordon about his #24 AARP Drive to End Hunger car and about the campaign. At Lucas Oil Speedway (btw, until Friday I also had no idea Indianapolis had two large race tracks) Gordon presented Gleaners Food Bank with a check for $10,000.

Throughout the race season the team has been presenting checks to food banks in conjunction with their race stops. The $10,000 presented in Indy on Friday will provide 50,000 meals for those in need in Central Indiana. Talk about a great program! After the check presentation Gordon signed autographs for adoring fans for about 30 minutes. And let me tell you… his fans LOVE him. . .

Meghan

In AgriNews. . .

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Our good friends at Indiana AgriNews featured a story about Meghan Grebner‘s new role with Indiana Brownfield. 

We are really fortunate to have such a great weekly ag publication available in the Hoosier State.  Actually, I know a lot of folks outside of Indiana that enjoy receiving this publication.