The Great Indiana State Fair: Inside the Indiana FFA Pavilion
The 2025-26 Indiana FFA State Officer Team.
A Fair Like No Other
The smell of fried foods, the sound of live music, flashing midway lights and the future leaders of agriculture and community, all in one place. That’s the perfect way to describe the Great Indiana State Fair.
Since 1852, the Indiana State Fair has brought fairgoers from across the state and beyond together to celebrate Indiana agriculture and community. In 2025, more than 854,900 attendees passed through the gates throughout the 15-day fair, each one experiencing the sights, sounds and stories that make the Indiana State Fair unlike any other.
From thrilling midway rides and free live concerts to daily livestock shows and countless opportunities to see agriculture on display, the Indiana State Fair truly is the place to be each summer. Yet among the many attractions scattered across the fairgrounds, one location stands out as a hub of learning, leadership and growth: the Indiana FFA Corteva Agriscience Pavilion.
The Indiana FFA State Officer Team at the pavilion’s Caddy Shack.
The Heart of the Fair
Throughout the duration of the fair, Indiana FFA state officers lead and operate the Indiana FFA Corteva Agriscience Pavilion. Inside, fairgoers of all ages are invited to explore agriculture through hands-on experiences, including free 18-hole FFA putt-putt, Farm-to-Fork stations, an FFA member-run Country Market featuring Indiana-grown products that support leadership programs and scholarships, and the ever-popular Children’s Barnyard petting zoo.
Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President Calvin Myers.
Living to Serve
For Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President Calvin Myers, the pavilion represents more than just an exhibit; it represents the power of student leadership and agricultural education in action.
“My favorite part of the state fair was being there every day and experiencing the variety of people who visit,” Myers says. “Working alongside chapter members from across the state to run the pavilion truly embraces a student-led approach and allows us as FFA members to connect with individuals and families from around the world while gaining valuable skills we can apply throughout life.”
Indiana FFA state officers joined by Past National FFA Secretary Luke Jennings (fourth from right) during State Fair Set-up Days.
A Day at the Pavilion
A day in the life of a state officer serving at the Indiana State Fair includes welcoming thousands of visitors, connecting with fellow FFA members and sharing agriculture’s story with the broader community. One of the most meaningful opportunities comes through daily Featured Farmers conversations, which highlight one farmer each day who represents a specific commodity or agricultural sector.
Learning From the Best
Speaking with Featured Farmers left a lasting impression on Myers, who plans to attend Purdue University to major in agribusiness management.
“The variety was incredible,” Myers says. “From traditional row crop operations, to specialty crops, wineries, pork production and even construction, we covered so many parts of the agriculture industry. Seeing how diversified farms remain successful while pursuing what they love was truly inspiring.”
Calvin Myers (left) with an Indiana FFA member.
Coming from a family farm, Myers found these conversations especially impactful. “Learning how agriculturists care for their land and labor was incredibly rewarding,” he adds. “I’m excited to one day implement some of these techniques into my own operation and teach my family the same values we discussed with the Featured Farmers.”
One conversation in particular stood out to Myers: his time spent speaking with Dave Schrock of Schrock Farms.
“His positive outlook and resilience through challenges like the 1980s Farm Crisis, and even a heart transplant, was truly inspiring,” Myers says. “I appreciated his focus on sustainability, mentoring young farmers and surrounding himself with trustworthy people. Talking with him reinforced how impactful agriculture can be, and I hope to apply some of his approaches on my own family farm someday.”
The Indiana FFA State Officer Team with Featured Farmer Dave Schrock.
Moments to Remember
For Myers, the Indiana State Fair is a family tradition. His connection to the fairgrounds began at just four years old, showing cattle alongside his family — a tradition that has shaped countless memories over the years.
“The state fair truly has something for everyone, no matter their age,” Myers says. “Everywhere you look, people are smiling and laughing.”
Beyond the barns and show rings, Myers emphasized the variety the fair offers, ranging from the Pioneer Village and endless food options, to educational exhibits like the FFA Pavilion. One highlight for Myers was the FFA putt-putt course, where he got to engage with families while sharing the fun of agriculture, and had the chance to meet and play a round of golf with musician Bill Murray along the way!
“The Indiana State Fair is a place to learn, have fun and experience agriculture in a way you can’t in other states,” Myers says. “In other states, it’s a fair. In Indiana, it’s the State Fair.”
Since the fair ended in August, the lessons, connections and memories from the Indiana FFA Corteva Agriscience Pavilion have continued to inspire both FFA members and the wider community.
The Indiana FFA State Officer team with Bill Murray and his band.
