By Jerome Stewart

There is a real need today to lower the temperature of the words coming out of our mouths. Words that promote division can be harmful instead uplifting to the hearers of them. The constant anger on display today is doing irreparable harm to our children. The 800 pound gorilla in the room today is that notorious tongue.

In this country today, we must re-think how we talk to one another or else all kinds of un-godly behavior will escalate. There are great words of wisdom throughout the bible on how we are to treat one another. James chapter 3 vs. 5 says; “the tongue is a little member and boast great things.” Vs. 8 says’ “But no one can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” It cannot be overstated that divisive talk today needs to take a prolong vacation. Somebody needs to be willing to speak words that are tender, soft and easy on our hearing, words that edify. There are great people doing great things, so there is good happening today. But we hear too much noise! We need to stop and think before we speak.

James addressed the general congregation of believers. He asked a very important question to be pondered in vs. 11 saying; “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” The answer is no. Vs. 12 he says “Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” Matthew chapter 7 vss. 15 thru 17 Jesus says; “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Paul said to the brethren (that’s church folk) in Ephesians chapter 4 vss. 29 thru 31; “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Indiana Grown Symposium welcomes agriculture focused businesses for one-day training event

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 27, 2025) —Indiana Grown , the Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s local marketing initiative, will be hosting a day-long conference focused on educational seminars for Indiana’s food and farming businesses.

The event is March 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds (1900 E. Main St., Danville, IN 46122). Registration is $45 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Interested businesses and Indiana Grown members have until March 12 to register for the event at indianagrown.org.

Businesses do not have to be an Indiana Grown member to attend. A networking and social hour will occur from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to ensure businesses have the opportunity to connect and learn from each other.

This event is an opportunity for agribusiness operators, food system advocates, agricultural agencies and others who want to develop and expand their business and brand. The symposium provides numerous educational sessions on marketing and advertising, growth through food safety, perfecting your sales pitch, defining your brands story and much more.

Attendees could include small agribusinesses looking to expand their products into new markets, businesses interested in social media and marketing expertise, creating a memorable guest experience, operator liability, consumer trends and much more.

“Indiana Grown is thrilled to be hosting our third Indiana Grown Symposium and to be opening this event to all business owners looking for support as they continue to expand,” said Caroline Patrick, Indiana Grown Director. “This is a great opportunity to connect with different business owners, top experts in their fields and engaging  presenters. This is a one-of-a-kind event for Hoosier agribusinesses, and we are so excited to gather for continued learning and networking.”

Featured speakers include:

• Jay Chaudhary, Sagamore Institute
• Brianna Schroeder, Janzen Schroeder Ag Law
• Sam Sandala, Dittoe Public Relations
• Dana Dull, Dull’s Tree Farm
• Dr. Loi Hoagland, Purdue University
• Renee Evans, GM Production Solutions
• Sustainability Panel moderated by Brent Kumfer
• Sharon Pattee, Indiana Department of Health
• Todd Rimer, Element 212
• Madison Mehringer, Food and Entrepreneur Manufacturing Institute
• Donniella Winchell, Ohio Wine Producers
• Rocky Walls, 12 Stars Media
• Stephanie Bossung, New Point Marketing

Including representatives from:

• Indiana State Department of Agriculture
• Indiana Farm Bureau
• Indiana Small Business Development Corporation
• Indiana Destination Development Corporation
• Veterans IN Farming
• USDA
• Indiana Grown for Schools
• Fairs and Festivals
• Farm Service Agency
• Optiviz Media
• Indiana Produce Safety
• ###

ABOUT INDIANA GROWN
Indiana Grown is administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture in partnership with the lieutenant governor’s office. The initiative educates consumers on the importance of buying Indiana Grown products, helps Indiana farmers and producers sell more products and supports Indiana businesses in their efforts to process more Indiana Grown products. Indiana Grown members and partners include farmers, producers, processors and artisans, as well as retailers, grocers, hospitals and restaurants. For more information, visit indianagrown.org.