Congressman lauds FFA chapter, packing plant communities

GREENCASTLE, Ind. — As a U.S. congressman who serves Indiana’s 4th District and an advocate of the agriculture industry, Rep. Jim Baird has been working to help Hoosiers get through the tough times caused by restrictions put in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Baird has been busy working with Indiana agriculture commodity groups and those who make their living working in the agriculture industry, providing them with vital information as they adjust to a new normal and changes in the livestock and agriculture markets caused by the pandemic.

Baird said he wants to commend Jaden Maze, president of the Western Boone FFA Chapter, and the rest of the FFA chapter for all the hard work they are doing to help people in their community, as well as help support local farmers through their Milk and Meat for Boone County campaign.

Through the campaign, the FFA chapter is raising funds to purchase hundreds of gallons of milk, as well as beef and pork, to donate to local food pantries and organizations in the community.

Baird said the FFA chapter has already raised more than $15,000 of its $20,000 goal.

“Young people like that shows the appreciation and spirit of Hoosiers and Americans,” said Baird, adding that he commends their hard work and dedication.

Baird said he also has been busy working with state leaders and industry experts to figure out the best ways to keep workers and consumers safe as packing plants, including Tyson Foods in Logansport and Indiana Packers Plant in Delphi, prepare to reopen.

“I’m pleased and impressed with the cooperation of Tyson Foods and the community and how they are helping each other,” said Baird, adding that Tyson Foods employees and members of the community are rallying together to help each other and work toward getting the processing plant opened.

Baird said state and community officials in both Delphi and Logansport are doing everything they can to make sure the health of the workers in the processing plants is the No. 1 priority, which includes the implementation of personal protective equipment and adding protective dividers on the plant line.

Baird noted that as the processing plants reopen at reduced capacity, COVID-19 testing will continue to be done for employees.