Pork and Politics
The Ham Breakfast put on by the Indiana Pork Producers Association is the best way to start the State Fair. Over the years it has become a gathering place for the Indiana ag community as well as politicians large and small. At 6:45 am, a large group started gathering in back of the Farm Bureau building. It was a group made up of people from government agencies, higher education, extension, farm organizations, the media, agribusiness, charitable organizations, and farmers.
The fellowship and camaraderie that characterizes the ag community was very much in evidence. The food was great and the speeches were long. Governor Daniels and Congressman Mike Pence gave excellent presentations filled with humor and substance. Most of the other presentations were less than memorable. Democratic candidate for Governor Jill Long Thompson made a rare appearance before a farm meeting but presented little in the way of meaningful proposals on state farm policy.
Not only is this a great way to start the Fair, but it is a great chance to bring together the leadership of the state’s ag community. Many important contacts and vital conversations occur at the Ham breakfast. The hot air balloon race gets all the credit, but for me the Ham Breakfast is the official start of the Fair. The pork producers should be commended for keeping this tradition alive.