INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The operators of 17 farms from around the state have been picked to represent the “Year of the Farmer'' during this summer's Indiana State Fair.
 
State Fair officials say those picked are individuals or families from various elements of Indiana agriculture, including grain, animal, fruit and tree producers along with an urban farmer from Indianapolis.
 
One farmer was picked for each day of the 17-day fair that's scheduled for Aug. 7-23. They will participate in various events and exhibits throughout the fair.
 
Vice President Rajan Gajaria of fair sponsor Dow AgroSciences says the farmers selected will give fairgoers a chance to learn more about those whom he calls “the heroes of modern agriculture.''