Indiana’s biggest private companies majored in the basics in 2009
Health care, plastics, other fundamental consumer needs kept some companies on upswings.
Agriculture/Farming
Articles
Farmers say northwest Indiana airport costing wind power
Some farmers would like to see a small airport in rural northwestern Indiana closed in order to open up a large part of the
state's windiest area for electricity-producing wind turbines.
U.S., Indiana mint production wilts with foreign competition
Decades ago, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin were the top U.S. mint producers, but the heart of U.S. production is now in
the Pacific Northwest. Over time, as small mint farms shut down, Indiana has fallen to fourth.
Indiana farm fatalities down for 1st time in 3 years
An annual report by Purdue University shows that 20 Indiana residents died last year in farm-related accidents, down
from 28 in 2008 and 24 in 2007.
Urban farmer in Indianapolis hopes he’s the first of many
Matthew Jose figures that if enough people follow him into urban farming, vacant and abandoned property will flourish with
productivity, consumer diets will improve, and worn neighborhoods will get new life.
Hoosiers begin agriculture trade mission to China
A 26-member delegation of Hoosiers, including Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, arrived Wednesday in Hangzhou, Indiana’s Chinese
sister state since 1987, for an agriculture-focused economic development trade mission.
Becky Skillman’s blog from China
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman is traveling to China with a delegation of state officials and business and community leaders through
June 10. Skillman is blogging about their experiences as the group works to build relationships and attract Chinese investment
to Indiana.
Indiana farmers assessing frost damage to crops
Purdue corn specialist Bob Nielsen says recent frosts have caused mostly cosmetic damage to crops, but some fields experienced
damage serious enough that they must be replanted.
Christmas tree farms, nurseries can seek aid
Newly implemented provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill are opening the door to possible federal aid for Indiana Christmas tree
growers and tree nurseries hit by losses caused by severe weather.
Study: Growing more veggies could profit Midwest
The Midwest is known more for growing corn than cauliflower, but if its farmers raised the fruit and vegetables eaten in
the Heartland, they could create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in income, according to a recent study.
Indiana has millions to pass out for renewable energy projects
The federal money is for renewable energy systems, energy-efficiency improvements, energy audits and renewable-energy feasibility
studies.
Indiana farmers plant corn, soybeans at record pace
As of last week, farmers had planted 56 percent of the state’s intended corn crop and 12 percent of the soybean crop. Both
are records for late April.
U.S. farmers planting corn at record pace
U.S. corn farmers may have planted more acres last week than in any week ever as dry weather
and more-productive equipment sped up fieldwork.
Rising prices could help pork producers bounce back
The prices hogs are fetching this year will help farmers begin to climb out of the crater of 2008 and 2009. Average pork prices
may approach record levels this year, Purdue University agricultural economist Chris Hurt predicted, up to $53.63 per hundred
pounds. The record is $55.44 per hundred pounds, set in 1982.
Ethanol doubles its efforts in effort to keep subsidies
For years, ethanol fuel derived from corn was almost politically untouchable, thanks to powerful advocates on Capitol Hill.
The ethanol industry has consequently exploded over the last decade, thanks to government subsidies and incentives. But skepticism
about ethanol is rising, prompted by fluctuating food prices and an organized campaign by anti-ethanol advocates to discredit
the industry.
Heralded BioTown project a shadow of its goal
The tiny town of Reynolds had big plans when Gov. Mitch Daniels touted it in 2005 as the location of BioTown USA, the state's
first project to make a community produce enough energy to become self-sufficient.
Expert: Indiana wheat crop small, but thriving
A Purdue University expert says Indiana farmers are growing less wheat this year but the crop so far is thriving.
Meatpackers say inspection cuts will hurt small businesses
Indiana’s plan to lay off some meat inspectors has small, independent processors fearing for the future of what has been a
growing industry.
Timber industry seeks respect, profit from ‘green’ standards
Why should bamboo imported from Asia or steel made through intensive use of energy be consider greener than locally grown
trees? timber interests ask.
Farmland once targeted for housing still being plowed
Farmers who might have worried about losing their livelihood
to new homes or retail have gotten a little breather.