CAMDEN, Ind. (WLFI) - Carroll County has played an important role in the history of the soybean across the state and the nation.
The county is also the birthplace for the American Soybean Association.
"There's always going to be folks who love the ground and tend the ground," said Indiana Soybean Alliance CEO Courtney Kingery.
That includes Hoosiers like the Fouts family, who have been farming in Carroll County for over a century.
In 1920, brothers Taylor, Finis and Noah Fouts held the "First Corn Belt Soybean Field Day" on their farm outside of Camden. The same day, their farm became the birthplace of the American Soybean Association.
In addition to founding the American Soybean Association, the brothers also helped turn the soybean into one of Indiana's most important crops.
"All the firsts that have occurred because of these three brothers who said "let's go for it," and then that lead to a national organization," said Holcomb.
Kingery said a big reason for their success was due to the local infrastructure.
"They had the Erie canals. They had, as the governor said, some of the telephone lines, the railroads. This was a place of infrastructure," said Kingery.
That success continues to this day.
On Tuesday, the farm was dedicated with a historical marker celebrating the American Soybean Assocation's 100th anniversary.
Holcomb said Hoosier farmers like the Fouts have helped put Indiana on the map as an agricultural leader.
"It comes down to the thousands and thousands of family members, generations now, who have got their hands dirty," said Holcomb.
Holcomb added the achievement is something all Hoosier farmers should celebrate due to their resilience.
"If there's anyone more prepared for uncertainty, for come what may, it is the American farmer. And they have always been an example and an inspiration to us all on how to weather the storm," said Holcomb.
Today, the American Soybean Association advocates on policy and trade for soybean farmers. They represent more than 300,000 US soybean farmers in 30 states.
