UF Alumnus Earns Indiana Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award

University of Findlay alumnus, Megan Modesitt Espinda ’17, was recently named the winner of Indiana Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award. The award honors Farm Bureau members who do not derive the majority of their income from a farming operation but who actively contribute and grow their involvement in Farm Bureau, the agriculture industry and other community organizations.

Espinda grew up on a sixth-generation family farm in Henry County (Indiana) and her agriculture journey began by working with local dairies to develop business plans for their transition from traditional milking to organic production, opening her eyes to the vast career opportunities in agriculture.

Her passion for agriculture led her to UF. She double majored in animal science (pre-vet) and biology. She also has a master’s degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University. She now applies her education and experience to her role as agricultural liaison for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

“Winning this award is an incredible honor because it represents more than just my individual efforts—it reflects the strength of the Farm Bureau community and the support of people who have invested in me along the way,” said Espinda.

In her role, Espinda serves as a bridge between farmers and regulators, ensuring that policies are fair, practical and supportive of the long-term viability of agriculture. She connects production agriculture and regulatory framework to ensure that policies support both environmental stewardship and economic stability.

Espinda is also active in her local agricultural community, serving as the Henry County Farm Bureau education and outreach coordinator.

“My involvement really grew out of the relationships I had with the people in Henry County,” said Espinda. “Although I wasn’t a farmer myself, I grew up alongside many of the board members, and I truly consider them family. When I moved back to Indiana, joining Farm Bureau felt like a natural step. I’m blessed to be part of a group that so selflessly serves the community, and that welcomed me so genuinely. Being involved has not only allowed me to give back, but also to grow as a leader surrounded by people who share the same heart for agriculture and community.”

Espinda also is a current member of AgrIInstitute’s Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program Class 21. She is a leader in a variety of state agricultural organizations, such as the Agribusiness Roundtable Committee, Fertilizer Advisory Board, Certified Crop Advisory Board, Conservation Partnerships Board and a member of the Soil and Water Conservation District. She resides in Greenfield, Indiana, with her husband.

She will receive an $8,000 cash prize courtesy of Farm Credit Mid-America, a $3,000 cash prize courtesy of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and an all-expenses-paid trip to Anaheim, California, to compete at the 2026 American Farm Bureau convention in January.

To learn more about animal science, biology, or a related field of study, explore UF’s College of Sciences by visiting: https://www.findlay.edu/sciences/.