INDIANAPOLIS – David and Danita Rodibaugh have been exhibitors at the Indiana State Fair for 70 and 57 years respectively. David, 76, began exhibiting at age 6. Danita, 72, started exhibiting when she was 15.

“I showed at the Indiana State Fair from the time I was little, and so did David,” Danita said. “I was raised on a farm in Jasper County. We grew up showing pigs at the state fair and that’s what our four kids have done. They’ve always showed pigs.

“I had projects of all kinds that I showed, and not just pigs. David grew up on a farm and has showed breeding stock of pigs for a long time as well. I was in 4-H as were all of our four children and even our grandkids are on track to be 4H-ers. They’re already showing sheep and pigs.”

The couple first met in a swine barn at the Indiana State Fair, where they shared the love of exhibiting pigs and became close friends. Both were in their teens at the time. It was this fair that brought them together, and some 50-plus years later they’re still exhibiting their pigs.

“Showing at the state never gets old and the fun isn’t just about showing the animal, it’s all about the relationships you build, the great experiences and all the camaraderie of it all,” she said.

The Rodibaughs need no introduction in the Hoosier State. They are a long-time Indiana family farming operation based in Rensselaer, Ind., where they operate Rodibaugh & Sons, known for their work in grain, and purebred swine production called Rodibaugh’s Seedstock. The latter business produces purebred swine (Yorkshire, Chester, Duroc, Hampshire and crosses) for seedstock and show pig markets.

At Rodibaugh & Sons, the family (including David, Danita, and three of David’s brothers and their wives) raise corn, soybeans, wheat and show pigs. David and Danita have four children and eight grandchildren.

Their agriculture-related work resumes are enormous. Danita has held prominent national leadership roles, including chair of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and president of the National Pork Board (NPB). She is a past board member of the National Pork Producers Council and Indiana Pork. She is currently on the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research Board of Directors, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Advisory Board and Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture Farmer Advisory Committee.

David served on the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) board for nearly a decade, stepping down in 2022 after his term ended. He was elected ISA chairman in 2020 and previously served as vice chair. During his post as ISA chairman, he helped expand export markets for Indian soybeans and corn. He also played a key role in the Infield Advantage program, a USDA-funded initiative that provides farmers with on-farm data, soil health assessments, and technical assistance to improve profitability and environmental stewardship.

Both David and Danita are sought-after spokespeople for Indiana’s swine and soybean industries. The couple are respected figures in Indiana agriculture, combining hands-on farm management with leadership in promoting sustainable practices and value-added products for both soybeans and swine.

Through it all, the Rodibaughs have looked forward to each Indiana State Fair and use the time to unwind and re-energize prior to next harvest season.

“Our energy level and enthusiasm for the Indiana State Fair hasn’t waned one bit in all these years,” Danita said. “We are honored to celebrate Indiana agriculture with fellow farmers at the great Indiana State Fair.”

As the couple reflect on their early years at the fair, one thing they say is certain – it’s gotten better with each passing year.

“The draw for the state fair, I believe, is broader and bigger than it was, say, 60 years ago because nowadays more people are enjoying that fair experience,” Danita said. “I talk to many people who aren’t involved directly with agriculture and they love the 4-H exhibits and enjoy visiting all the different livestock barns and seeing all the animals. There’s so much in agriculture to educate and give people the opportunity who don’t have that agricultural background to connect with and I think that’s important.”