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.
Agriculture/Farming
Articles
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.
Next up for Indiana biotech: Feed the world
Even though the potential payoff for health care innovation is less certain these days, the business case for new ways to produce more food has never been stronger. That’s the analysis that lies behind BioCrossroads' new report an agricultural innovation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drought brings added challenges for not-for-profit farms
The parched conditions have forced staff and volunteers at dozens of not-for-profit farms and community gardens to struggle with problems as basic as finding water.
Drought deals blow to ethanol industry
Indiana’s 13 plants distilling the automotive fuel ethanol could soon be sputtering as drought dries up the supply and boosts the price of corn, their main ingredient.
Purdue: Food price increases likely after long drought
The persistent hot, dry weather has hit farm production in Indiana, the nation's fifth-largest producer of corn, harder than any other major corn and soybean producing state.
Drought could have mixed impact for Indiana farmers
Agriculture experts say some Indiana farmers are already facing big crop losses because of this summer's drought.
Drought sets records for Indianapolis, Evansville
Last month was the driest June on record for Indianapolis and Evansville, the National Weather Service says. Weather service figures show both cities received less than half as much rain as their previous records.