USDA slashes corn outlook as drought takes toll
The federal government on Friday drastically cut its expectations for U.S. corn and soybean production for the second month in a row as the worst drought in decades continues punishing key farm states.
Environment
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Flood-control project could mean more trees get ax along Central Canal
The latest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan for a $14.4 million floodwall and levee from Butler University to Kessler Boulevard is both good and bad news for woodland advocates.
Livestock farmers still seeking pause in ethanol production
Livestock farmers and ranchers seeing their feed costs rise because of the worst drought in a quarter-century are demanding that the EPA waive production requirements for corn-based ethanol. The Obama administration sees no need for a waiver.
Pence wants more farm promotion, technology
Mike Pence's Republican running mate, lieutenant governor nominee Sue Ellspermann, said Tuesday the state should do more to promote Indiana farm exports. She's also calling for a joint venture in developing new agriculture technology.
Indiana farmer puts purchases on hold as drought breeds doubt
A combination of little rain and record heat has roasted corn crops, dried up ponds and streams and caused farmers to postpone purchases of everything from grain bins to smartphones.
Farmers to get advice on coping with crop losses
Indiana farmers worried about what to do with their withered corn crops will gather in Vigo County this week to discuss crop insurance, cattle feeding options, and other topics related to the drought. Purdue University agricultural experts say some crops already are beyond saving.
Small farmers struggle as drought kills vegetables
Small fruit and vegetable farmers throughout the Midwest are struggling with unusual heat and a once-in-decades drought. Some have lost crops, and sales at farmers markets are down.
Groups ask for ethanol law break as corn hits record
Livestock and poultry producers formally asked the Obama administration Monday to suspend the nation’s renewable fuels standard because it is causing “severe economic harm” as corn prices surged to a record.
Turf painting spreads as drought ravages lawns
With two-thirds of the nation covered by a drought that stretches from coast to coast, residents and businesses in normally well-watered areas are catching on to the lawn-painting practice employed for years in the West and Southwest to give luster to faded turf.
IPL agrees to buy solar power from Sunrise Energy Ventures
The Minnesota-based firm plans to generate the power at three, 10-megawatt sites in IPL’s service territory.
Environmental groups lose in bid to stop I-69
A federal judge has ruled against opponents of the $3 billion Interstate 69 extension between Indianapolis and Evansville who claimed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated federal law.
Indiana farmers unload livestock as drought continues
The ongoing drought is taking its toll on Indiana livestock farmers as they liquidate their inventories.
USDA: Rain likely too late for most of Indiana’s corn
A top federal farm official who spent two days touring drought-stricken Indiana farms said Thursday that most of the state's corn crop is in such bad shape that this week's rainfall likely won't boost yields.
IU researchers question economics of diesel hybrids
Fuel savings and environmental benefits might not be worth the higher cost of such vehicles.
USDA official to visit Indiana farms amid drought
Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Undersecretary Michael Scuse will travel to Indiana on Wednesday and Thursday to tour drought-stricken farm fields in Allen and White counties in northern Indiana and Johnson County south of Indianapolis.
Indianapolis nears record for driest 45-day period
If the forecast for no rain on Monday holds up, the 45-day rainfall total would match a stretch in August and September 1908 that's the city's driest since the weather service started keeping records in the 1870s.
Some Indianapolis fountains shut off amid drought
A watering ban sparked by Indiana's prolonged drought has prompted operators of several fountains in downtown Indianapolis to take steps to conserve water.
State delays expanding water shortage warning
Indiana officials on Thursday decided against expanding a water shortage warning even though more than 80 percent of the state is in a severe drought.
USDA reports corn in 18 states hurt by drought
Corn and soybean prices surged Monday after the latest government report showed a widespread drought in the middle of the country is hurting this year's crop. Indiana and Illinois have been particularly hard hit.
City parks foundation chooses new president
The Indianapolis Parks Foundation has selected Tanya Husain as its new president, the group announced Monday. Husain will replace retiring parks foundation president Cindy Porteous.