Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) joins the Indiana congressional delegation, Indiana state officials, and Hoosier agriculture leaders in celebrating the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to redistribute core operations from Washington, D.C., to five hub locations around the United States, including Indianapolis.

The Trump Administration recognizes that farmers and ranchers do not operate in Washington, D.C. For too long, USDA’s operational costs have been sky high because they are working out of one of our country’s most expensive locales. Hoosiers are grateful for USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins’ decision to close the gap between farm programs and the American producer.

Bringing key components of USDA back to Indiana will ensure taxpayer dollars previously wasted on bureaucratic redundancy, will directly funnel to our agriculture producers, and better serve our nation.

“I applaud President Trump’s actions to cut government waste and shrink the bureaucracy in D.C. USDA’s offices belong in the communities they serve, and Indiana is proud to welcome the hub. I am thankful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for recognizing Indiana’s strategic importance to American food security and global supply chains,” said Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08).“By moving USDA out of D.C. and closer to the men and women who feed, clothe, and fuel America, Secretary Rollins and President Trump are making real change to put farmers first,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun.

“The selection of Indianapolis as one of five new USDA regional hub locations is exciting news for Hoosiers. It’s great to see these USDA services move outside of Washington and into places like Indiana that feed our nation,” said Senator Todd Young (R-IN).“This is huge news for Indiana. I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for recognizing the strength and vision our state and agricultural leaders demonstrated during our meeting last month. This is a win-win for Indiana and taxpayers across the country. It means real economic growth here at home and an agency that’s more efficient and focused on what matters most,” said Senator Jim Banks (R-IN).

“I’m thrilled the USDA chose Indianapolis as one of its five hubs. Having services and decision-makers in the Hoosier state naturally gives our rural communities an advantage in agricultural innovation,” said Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith.

“I appreciate this initiative that recognizes the incredible value of Indiana’s agriculture industry to the economic strength and nutrition of communities throughout our state and nation,” said Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-01).

“Indiana is the heart of America’s agricultural economy, home to world-class research institutions and a diverse farming community. Establishing a USDA hub here is a critical step as they work to refocus its core operations to better align with its founding mission by placing the Department’s resources closer to the farmers and innovators who are shaping the future of food and farming. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their strong commitment to supporting our agricultural community,” said Rep. Rudy Yakym (IN-02).

“Indiana and agriculture go together like bacon and eggs. In order to provide assistance to farmers in need, the USDA needed to meet farmers where they are located. President Trump’s announcement to open a USDA Hub in Indianapolis does just that by uniting Hoosier farmers with critical government resources right in their backyard,” said Rep. Marlin Stutzman (IN-03).

“For far too long, our federal agencies in Washington, D.C., have made decisions affecting millions of Americans with no connection to the people they serve. The bloated bureaucracy in the swamp has grown, while the services our federal agencies provide have not improved, all at taxpayers’ expense. I am proud that the USDA has chosen to make better use of taxpayer funds through this reorganization and relocate a portion of the agency to the great State of Indiana. Our state truly is the crossroads of America, and with our thriving and diverse agricultural industries, Secretary Rollins made an excellent decision in choosing to relocate USDA closer to our farmers. Indiana boasts of its diverse agricultural products and exports and is one of the top agricultural states in our country. With our excellent land-grant universities and their extensions, Indiana is also a leader in research and development, making our state uniquely poised to provide our farmers with access to cutting-edge innovations and technologies. I thank Secretary Rollins for her outstanding leadership at USDA and for her continued commitment to prioritizing our great American farmers and producers,” said Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04).

“Government closer to the people can be more responsive and more easily held accountable. It’s encouraging to see real reforms happening at the USDA. Indiana is uniquely positioned to lead in agricultural innovation—and not just as a representative, but also as a Hoosier farmer, I appreciate President Trump’s recognition of that potential,” said Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05).

“Indiana was a wise location choice for one of the USDA’s new regional hubs. I’m grateful to have this hub located close to those it’ll serve, rather than buried within Washington’s federal bureaucracy — far removed from our farmers. This USDA hub will support Indiana’s ag economy from within our borders. This is great news!,” said Rep. Jefferson Shreve (IN-06).

“Indianapolis is an incredible home for families and workers at every stage in their careers. Federal workers are the backbone of our state’s economy, with over 24,000 federal workers in Indiana alone. I look forward to welcoming new workers to Indianapolis and will be fighting to ensure they are supported in this transition. Agencies like USDA provide essential services Americans rely on,” said Rep. André Carson (IN-07).

“The new USDA hub in Indianapolis is a big win for the farmers and producers of Indiana’s 9th District. This investment will give them greater access to resources, strengthen our agricultural economy, and help our growing communities stay competitive,” said Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09).

“I am so proud that Indiana will be one of five USDA hub locations. This will be good for USDA and its constituents and will also ensure that agriculture remains the cornerstone of the heartland. This announcement is a testament to the strength and collaboration of our ag community and is a great win for Indiana agriculture!,” said Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

“We’re incredibly excited to hear that Indianapolis was selected as one of the five regional hubs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in this next phase of reorganization for the agency. We’ve always known Indiana is an epicenter of agriculture production, but it’s encouraging to see that’s being recognized at the federal level, as well. We look forward to welcoming USDA and their staff to the Hoosier state as they continue their goal of relocating their staff and services closer to the people they serve,” said Randy Kron, President, Indiana Farm Bureau

“Today’s announcement from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins that includes Indianapolis, IN as a hub location for USDA is exciting for the state of Indiana. Our state’s agriculture infrastructure and the breadth of businesses that support Indiana farmers will be well-served by this move. I applaud the secretary’s desire to bring USDA services and people closer to its customers. My experience in business and state government has shown that this type of leadership will benefit those who choose to utilize their services by being more accountable and bringing new, fresh ideas to government. ACI and its members are ready to assist USDA in any way that benefits this move and supports the mission of serving Indiana and American agriculture.” said Bruce Kettler, CEO and President, Agribusiness Council of Indiana

“We are thrilled to see the responsiveness of Secretary Rollins and the administration to support farmers and ranchers by moving government closer to farmers and ranchers. A big win for Indiana and Midwest farmers in particular.” said Scott Beck, President, Beck's Hybrids.

“As the leader of a cooperative serving nearly 20,000 farmer-members, I’m proud to say that Indiana offers a unique blend of agricultural innovation, dedicated stakeholders, and farm families who work tirelessly every day—planning, planting, nurturing, and harvesting the food that feeds the world. Establishing a USDA Hub in Indiana is a smart and strategic decision, bringing critical industry policies closer to the people who live and breathe agriculture every day,” said Kevin Still, President and CEO, Keystone Cooperative.

“Indiana’s designation as a USDA hub is a win for corn farmers. Bringing USDA expertise and decision-making closer to the farmgate will strengthen the connection between policy and practice and give Hoosier corn farmers a louder voice in shaping the future of agriculture,” said Chris Cherry, President, Indiana Corn Growers Association and farmer from New Palestine, IN.

“Locating a USDA hub in Indianapolis reinforces the vital role Indiana plays in U.S. soybean production. This move creates more direct access to federal resources that support innovation, sustainability, and long-term profitability for soybean growers,” said Denise Scarborough, Chair, Indiana Soybean Alliance and farmer from LaCrosse, IN.

“Having a USDA hub in Indianapolis enhances our ability to connect with key partners in education, research, and international trade. It aligns closely with the Indiana corn checkoff’s mission to invest in resources that strengthen the future of corn farming in our state,” said Tim Gauck, President, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and farmer from Greensburg, IN.

“Pleased to see the recent news from USDA to reorganize its footprint, moving core operations closer to America's farmers and ranchers. Indianapolis is a great choice for one of the 5 hubs, given the significant agriculture and innovation leadership in our community. We at Elanco and those advancing the OneHealth Innovation District – a research innovation district dedicated to optimizing the health of people, animals and the planet – look forward to supporting the USDA in this move. We are excited to see how the combination can contribute to a stronger, more resilient industry while bolstering the local economy,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health.

“From stewardship of the soil and water resources we rely upon to produce crops used for poultry feed to support for avian health and food safety needs, Indiana poultry relies upon the services of USDA throughout the entirety of our production systems. Indiana leads the nation in duck production, and is third in egg production, fourth in turkey production, and has broiler chicken production as well. Our significant representation across all poultry production sectors combined with Indiana being home to the corporate headquarters of many poultry companies drives and informs progressive poultry management and health innovations that are frequently emulated across the nation. We appreciate Secretary Rollins’ commitment to bring those who serve agriculture closer to agricultural production. Indiana agricultural commodity organizations, agribusinesses, and Purdue, our land grant university, are intentional in our efforts to work together and support each other to advance agriculture. In that spirit, Indiana’s poultry farmers and poultry production companies stand ready to welcome our USDA partners at the new Indianapolis-based USDA hub announced by Secretary Rollins in her recent Agriculture Reorganization Plan. We appreciate Representative Messmer’s efforts to promote Indiana as a hub location and his representation of Indiana’s flock on the House Committee on Agriculture,” said Rebecca Eifert Joniskan, President, Indiana State Poultry Association.

“Indiana Pork is pleased to hear Secretary Rollins’ announcement that Indianapolis will be the site of a USDA hub location.  We are glad that Indiana will play a role in USDA’s goals of eliminating bureaucracy and bringing the agency closer to its customers.  A big thank you to all the leaders in Indiana agriculture that worked with Senator Banks to make the ask and to the governor’s office for its support,” said Josh Trenary, Executive Director, Indiana Pork.

“USDA's decision to locate a hub in Indiana is tactical. As the heart of the American supply chain and capital of agricultural innovation, Indiana is the perfect fit for USDA's decentralization efforts. Hoosier dairy producers are excited to welcome USDA employees back to the farm as we continue to produce the safe, nutritious, and tasty products that feed American families everywhere,” said Steve Obert, President, American Dairy Association Indiana.

“As a leading agriculture and hardwood state, as well as home to Purdue, Indiana is an idea home for a USDA hub, and we look forward to welcoming and working with the USDA staff in Indianapolis,” said Ray Moistner, Executive Director, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermens Association.

To read more about how Rep. Messmer is fighting for Hoosier farmers in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

###