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.
Environment
Articles
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.
Lawsuit takes on Indiana’s right-to-farm laws
The Hoosier Environmental Council has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a pair of Hendricks County families who say they face “intolerable living conditions” created by odors coming from a nearby 8,000-hog farm that opened two years ago.
Neither side happy with EPA’s new ozone standard
The Obama administration set a new national ozone standard Thursday. Business groups said it is unnecessary and could jeopardize jobs. Environmental groups said it didn’t go far enough.
Growth allows Oliver Winery to invest in big equipment
This year’s grape harvest—a process which typically runs from the end of August to the second week of October—promises to be a bit less anxiety-inducing thanks to a decision that has been slowly processing over the past five years.
Environmental groups unhappy with lead smelter settlement
A proposed settlement of alleged Clean Air Act violations involving Exide Technologies’ battery-recycling facility has upset environmental groups because the agreement doesn’t require the firm to retrofit its complex with equipment that could dramatically cut lead emissions.
Covanta moving forward on automated recycling plant
Covanta still faces opposition as it moves closer to starting construction on a $45 million facility in Indianapolis that will use automation to pluck salvageable recyclables from household trash.
State facing steep bill to keep water systems running
Much of the infrastructure that transports water from municipal drinking water plants in Indiana to homes and businesses is old and worn, and the state faces significant costs to complete needed upgrades, repairs and expansions.
Volkswagen to be subpoenaed in probe by 27 states
A majority of U.S. states, including Indiana, have begun a joint investigation of Volkswagen AG in the widening fallout from the company’s admission that 11 million of its diesel vehicles use software to cheat emissions tests.
VW not first manufacturer to use deceptive emissions tactics
Almost as soon as governments began testing vehicle emissions, automakers and engine manufacturers found ways to cheat. Indiana-based Cummins Inc., for instance, was involved in a high-profile case in the late 1990s.
Notre Dame to reduce carbon footprint after pope’s plea
Notre Dame President John Jenkins plans to announce Monday that the university will spend $113 million on renewable energy sources, including a hydroelectric project, solar power and geothermal fields.