State awards $135K in federal funds for tree programs
Recipients for tree inventory and analysis included Elkhart, $20,000; Kendallville, $17,425; West Lafayette, $18,562; and Pendleton, $11,575.
Environment
Articles
Dow’s merger plans with DuPont might hit antitrust roadblock
The proposed merger of Dow Chemical Co. and DuPont Co. would create the world’s largest agricultural-products company. But that’s bad news for farmers, according to some farm groups and antitrust experts.
Purdue ag, research foundation create $2M crop startup fund
Purdue University has created a $2 million fund that will help launch startup companies working to commercialize crop-boosting innovations developed by Purdue researchers.
Boost of biofuel levels pleases neither refiners nor growers
The EPA’s rule could revive a congressional debate over the Renewable Fuel Standard and spill over into the presidential campaign, as candidates stump in Iowa and other corn-belt states.
Farm Bureau gets first new leader in 14 years
Vanderburgh County farmer Randy Kron was elected president Tuesday during the state convention of Indiana's largest farm organization.
EPA intends tougher downwind air-pollution rule in 23 states
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed tougher new limits on Tuesday on smokestack emissions from nearly two dozen states—including Indiana—that burden downwind areas with air pollution from power plants.
Egg farms scramble to meet cage-free demand
It’s one of the largest-scale examples of agribusiness adapting to consumers’ growing sensitivities and anxieties over how their food is treated.
Outgoing Mayor Ballard’s new mission: energy security
Ballard is trying to spark a national conversation about how America’s dependence on oil is killing our troops—and how we can fix it.
Groups push Pence to work on state energy plan as court considers EPA rule
There is a growing sentiment here among key energy leaders—even from those who oppose the EPA plan—that the state should develop its own compliance plan that focuses on realistic strategies to decrease carbon emissions and diversify its energy mix.
Crop prices fall as U.S. boosts soybean, corn outlook
Crop prices dropped after the latest forecasts from the U.S. government showed soybean production will rise to a record and corn output will be more than analysts expected.
Cheap hams could steal the show from turkeys this Thanksgiving
This year’s bird-flu outbreak in the U.S. means turkeys will be more expensive for families sitting down this month for their Thanksgiving meal. But domestic pork supplies are at records, driving down prices.
Senate blocks legislation to undercut EPA water rules
Democrats have blocked a Senate bill co-authored by Joe Donnelly of Indiana that would have forced the Obama administration to withdraw new federal rules to protect smaller streams, tributaries and wetlands from development and pollution.
Zionsville eyes $600K for nature center, temporary town hall
Mayor Jeff Papa says the town could address two potential needs with one building as officials weigh what to do with the current town hall.
EPA’s clean-power initiative under renewed attack by states
The regulatory package known as the Clean Power Plan officially became U.S. law Friday. It was immediately challenged by 24 states in a U.S. appeals court filing that included Indiana.
Dow AgroSciences up for sale or spin-off, again
Dow Chemical is exploring all options for its subsidiary, Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences. The company employs 1,500 workers in the Indianapolis area and, as a stand-alone firm, would be the fifth-largest by revenue in Indiana.
Dry fall weather helps Indiana farmers after summer deluges
Indiana farmers had harvested about two-thirds of the state's soybean crop and about half of its corn crop by last week.
Purdue: Indiana grain yields to be better than expected
A Purdue University expert says flooding losses to Indiana's corn and soybean crops will be much lower than expected and concentrated in certain areas.
VW might compensate owners of diesel cars for loss of value
Earlier this week, Kelley Blue Book said the value of VWs with 2-liter diesel engines had fallen 13 percent since mid-September, about when the automaker’s emissions cheating scandal came to light.
Researchers, ranchers beefing up steak with algae, flaxseed
Health-conscious consumers might be persuaded to eat more beef if it was fortified with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids naturally found in salmon and walnuts, according to researchers and some ranchers.
Solar farm planned near Anderson airport
The 53-acre project near Anderson Municipal Airport is among several being developed by the Indiana Municipal Power Agency in communities where it provides electricity.