Family-owned Beck’s unfazed by multinational seed rivals
A seed is an appropriate metaphor for Beck’s Hybrids, while its competitors in the fast-consolidating farm-seed industry might be compared to the towering plant in Jack and the Beanstalk.
Agriculture/Farming
Articles
China to remove tariffs on some U.S. products, but not corn, soybeans
China extended an olive twig, rather than a branch, to the United States in their trade war Wednesday, announcing it would exempt 16 American-made products from tariffs as a sign of goodwill ahead of talks scheduled for next month.
Farmers’ loyalty to Trump tested over new corn-ethanol rules
The trigger wasn’t Trump’s China tariffs, but the waivers the administration granted this month to 31 oil refineries so they don’t have to blend ethanol into their gasoline.
Trump orders biofuel boost in bid to temper farm state anger
Administration officials agreed to the broad contours of a renewable fuel plan, including further moves to encourage the use of E15 gasoline containing 15% ethanol, beyond the 10% variety common across the U.S.
Fishers to hire agriculture manager to replace Brandywine at Agripark
Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath told IBJ the city and Brandywine mutually agreed to “discontinue” their partnership after the city’s vision for the park grew beyond Mayor Scott Fadness’ early concept.
Ethanol producer blames Indiana plant closure on EPA
The owner of a western Indiana ethanol plant is blaming its shutdown on the Trump administration’s decision to allow some refineries to not blend ethanol with gasoline as required under federal law.
U.S. moves toward agreement on Mexican tomatoes
The U.S. Department of Commerce said the deal with benefit tomato producers across America, including those in Florida, Indiana, Texas and Arizona.
Bayer proposes paying $8B to settle Roundup cancer claims
An agreement would ease investor pressure over massive litigation exposure the German drug and chemical giant took on with its $63 billion purchase of the weedkiller’s maker, Monsanto Co.
Hoosier ag biotech firms, farmers targeted by foreign spies
FBI special agent Craig Moringiello told IBJ “we have a tremendous infrastructure in place in this state for agricultural innovation, and that makes us a target.”
Technology, temporary help keep farmers on job longer
In the U.S. last year, the median age for domestic farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers was 56.4 years old. That’s the highest median age of any major occupation tracked by the government’s Current Population Survey for which data was available.
New Swine Barn at state fairgrounds could host events year-round
The $50 million project, which Gov. Eric Holcomb has suggested be funded through the state’s reserves, would demolish most of the existing structure and replace it with a new 170,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility that will be called the Fall Creek Pavilion.
Indiana seeks federal aid for 88 counties over crop losses
Gov. Eric Holcomb is seeking federal disaster aid for farmers across most of Indiana for crop losses caused by flooding and excessive rainfall during the planting season.
In Trump aid package for farmers, many blow past caps
Recipients defended the payouts, saying they didn’t cover their losses from the trade war, and they were legally entitled to them.
Farm deluge has far-reaching economic implications
The communities Midwest farmers live in and the businesses that supply them with seeds, fertilizer, equipment and services are struggling as credit conditions steadily deteriorate in a fragile rural economy.
Indiana fish farm poised to make history with genetically modified salmon
The salmon produced by AquaBounty are the first genetically modified animals approved for human consumption in the United States.
Indiana farmers near planting completion after wet spring
The newest U.S. Department of Agriculture report shows 84% percent of Indiana's expected corn crop was planted at the start of this week.
U.S. farmers might forgo near-record soy acres
American farmers, already set to leave a record number of acres without corn, now face the prospect of also failing to plant soybeans because of rampant rainfall.
Indiana loses bid for USDA research agency offices
Indiana had been named a top-three finalist to become the new home of the USDA’s Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture. But the USDA announced Thursday that it had selected the Kansas City region for the new location.
Authorities identify three men charged with animal cruelty at dairy farm
The Newton County Sheriff's Office said officers were searching for the three suspects in the animal abuse at Fair Oaks Farms.
Indiana farmers make planting progress but still behind pace
The latest crop report shows Indiana trailing most states in corn and soybean planting. The Trump administration is keeping the door open for farmers who can’t plant crops this season to receive aid payments.