Three ex-workers charged with animal cruelty at Indiana dairy
The misdemeanor charges for the beating of animals come amid a public backlash against the popular agritourism destination Fair Oaks Farms.
Agriculture/Farming
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Indiana farmers way behind in corn, soybean planting
U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics show Indiana is behind every other corn-growing state and almost every soybean-growing state in planting.
Lawmaker: Recording of abuse at Indiana farm politically driven
State Sen. Travis Holdman questioned the motivations of a group that says it is concerned about animals but didn’t attempt to halt the abuse at Fair Oaks Farm.
Biofuels haven’t lowered gas prices or emissions, GAO report says
The study conflicts with a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that found corn-based ethanol’s greenhouse gas emissions were 39% lower than gasoline over the entire life cycle.
UPDATE Authorities investigate animal abuse at well-known dairy farm
Retailers began pulling Fair Oaks Farms products from their shelves Wednesday after an anti-cruelty investigative group released graphic video showing workers kicking and throwing young calves.
Rains leave most Indiana farmers well behind in planting
The federal government's weekly crop report for Indiana shows that just 22 percent of Indiana's corn acreage was planted by May 26.
2019 Innovation Issue: This firm harnesses AI, big data to make farms more efficient
A Brazilian digital agriculture company that has set up its North American offices at Purdue Research Park wants to create a data-aggregation system powered by artificial intelligence.
Indiana, Michigan farmers eager to begin growing hemp
Farmers in Indiana and Michigan are preparing to start growing hemp as a legal agricultural commodity following the declassification of industrial hemp as a narcotic with the passage of the federal Farm Bill in 2018.
USDA researchers quit in droves as Trump administration plans relocation
A plan to move U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers out of Washington, D.C., has thrown two small but influential science agencies into upheaval. Indiana is one of three finalists to land the agencies.
Bloomington-based Oliver Winery now sells in 27 states
Company’s emphasis on sweet wines has helped make Oliver the largest Hoosier winery (by far) and the 44th-largest in the United States.
Indiana farmers’ crops being hindered by frequent rains
U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics show just 6% of this year's expected corn crop was planted as of May 12, far below the five-year average of 57%.
U.S. farmers who sell to China feel pain of Beijing’s tariffs
On Monday, President Donald Trump told reporters that a new program to relieve U.S. farmers’ pain is being devised and predicted that they will be “very happy.”
Mexico says tariffs will send tomato prices soaring in U.S.
Mexico’s Economy Department said Tuesday that U.S. consumers could pay 38% to 70% more for tomatoes if the U.S. Commerce Department re-imposes anti-dumping duties on Mexican imports.
Indiana among 3 finalists for USDA divisions, but proposed location unknown
Indiana’s short-listed proposal—submitted by Purdue University and state officials—was one of 136 received by the USDA last year from 35 states. Relocating the two research divisions to Indiana could bring 570 federal jobs.
International joint venture planning $29.5M plant in Rushville, up to 250 jobs
The facility would process maize straw from as many as 150,000 acres of cornfields annually into a peat moss substitute for agriculture and foam products for material science uses.
Seed company Beck’s plans $62M expansion of Hamilton County HQ
The Atlanta-based company said the expansion would double its processing capacity and add 56 jobs over the next few years.
EPA reaffirms glyphosate safe for users as court cases grow
The Environmental Protection Agency reaffirmed Tuesday that a popular weed killer is safe for people, as legal claims mount from Americans who blame the herbicide for their cancer.
Startup showcase growing in lockstep with agbioscience sector
AgriNovus Indiana’s Ag+Bio+Science Startup Showcase is growing faster than a corn stalk in June.
In its third year, the showcase attracted a record number of attendees, sponsors and participants for its pitch contest.
Hemp-production bill approved by General Assembly
Legislation that would increase hemp production in Indiana is on the way to Gov. Eric Holcomb for his approval.
Indiana businessman Kip Tom confirmed as UN ag ambassador
The Kosciusko County farmer will be based in Rome representing the United States at the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. President Donald Trump nominated Tom for the position last year.