Indiana’s crops suffer while much of U.S. expects big harvest
Record summer rains have damaged roughly a quarter of Indiana's soybean and corn crops, an estimated $400 million loss.
Agriculture/Farming
Articles
Farmers in 88 Indiana counties eligible for disaster aid
The agency declared 53 counties as primary disaster areas Wednesday because of damages and losses that farmers have incurred. Farmers in 35 other Indiana counties contiguous to the 53 also are eligible for the loans.
Indiana farmland values fall after long rally
The Purdue Land Value and Cash Rent Survey shows prices for the state’s top-quality farmland declined by 5.1 percent from 2014 to this year
Pence asks for disaster declaration in 53 Indiana counties
Gov. Mike Pence and Sen. Joe Donnelly are asking the U.S. agriculture secretary to declare 53 of Indiana's 92 counties disaster areas because of crop damage and losses caused by flooding and excessive rain.
Quarter of state’s corn, beans are in poor shape from excessive rain
Indiana has more damage from excess moisture than any other agricultural state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Purdue University estimates losses to the state’s corn and soybean crops at $300 million and $200 million, respectively.
Ohio firm to build hydroponic veggie farm in Indy
The city of Indianapolis is partnering with the Toledo company to build the $1.2 million project in a retrofitted, southeast-side warehouse.
Dow Agro sees sales fall as ag market stalls
Sales at Dow AgroSciences LLC fell in the second quarter due to lower demand in the Americas and a stronger U.S. dollar. Dow’s profits, however, rose 8 percent due to cost-cutting and the sale of one product line.
Experts say crop prospects continue fading with rain
The prospects for Indiana's flood-ravaged grain crops recovering are becoming increasingly slim with more rain forecast over the next two weeks, according to Purdue Extension experts.
Agency: One-quarter of Indiana corn, soybeans in poor shape
The federal agency’s latest report rates 25 percent of Indiana corn as being “very poor” or “poor.” The report says 26 percent of Indiana soybeans are in similar conditions.
Indiana relaxes bird show ban imposed due to avian flu
Indiana officials who imposed a statewide ban on bird shows have dialed back the emergency rule, but the ban will still keep chickens, ducks and other birds out of August’s Indiana State Fair.
Soaked soybeans spur rebound from lowest price in 5 years
As much as six times the normal amount of rain fell from Missouri to Ohio in the past 30 days. Illinois, Indiana and Ohio had their wettest June ever.
Program to promote Indiana ag products gets underway
State officials on Tuesday launched the Indiana Grown initiative, a program to promote Hoosier agricultural products that’s been under development and in limited use since the General Assembly authorized it last year.
Record rainfall drowns crops across Indiana
Purdue University experts estimate that farmers statewide have lost $486 million in corn and soybean production.
Record soybean crop planted, but progress slowed by rain
With a month of rain, Indiana's crops have gone from among the best in the nation to among the worst. An agricultural economist estimated Tuesday that production could decline by $475 million in the state.
Experts: Indiana crops have taken $300M hit from flooding
Agriculture experts say this month's heavy rains and flooding have already reduced the value of Indiana's crops by nearly $300 million and the damage could escalate with more wet weather.
Longtime leader of Indiana Farm Bureau plans retirement
Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock, 65, said that with things going well, it’s a good time to let someone bring in new ideas.
Rainy weather keeps soybean planting pace at 19-year low
Parts of the Midwest received more than six times the normal amount of rainfall in the week ended Monday. States including Indiana had less than two days suitable for fieldwork last week
State bird flu restrictions hit students in 4-H programs
Thousands of Indiana children who raised and doted on chickens, turkeys and other poultry for 4-H projects are feeling the sting of a statewide ban on bird shows aimed at preventing the spread of a bird flu.
Indiana’s ethanol industry awaits EPA fuel decision
Indiana's ethanol producers warned that their industry could face a long-lasting "chilling effect" if the federal government lowers the amount of ethanol blended into the U.S. fuel supply.
Indiana fish farm loses lawsuits over unpaid bills
A central Indiana fish farm that last year won approval for a $30 million expansion faces more than $200,000 in court judgments after lawsuits filed by businesses who say the company owes them money.