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.
Agriculture/Farming
Articles
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.
Purdue prof plans greenhouse-like tunnel to grow crops
A Purdue University scientist hopes to build a special greenhouse that will grow vegetables in the Indiana winter by tapping
into excess heat produced by a power plant on the West Lafayette campus.
Farmers fear record years will send taxes soaring
High demand for ethanol in 2007 and 2008 sent commodity prices to a record level, which could make taxes spike.
Indiana’s corn harvest is latest since 1972
Indiana’s farmers are facing their latest corn harvest in nearly 40 years because of a long stretch of bad weather that’s
kept them out of their fields.
Economist: Indiana farms could see big property tax jump
A Purdue University farm expert says Indiana’s farmers could see a big increase in property taxes over the next few years
if state lawmakers don’t retool the state’s farmland taxation formulas.
Egg industry debates ethics of cage sizes
The answers could have big implications for the egg industry, which counts Indiana as one of its leading producers. The Hoosier state ranked third in egg production in 2008, trailing only Iowa and Ohio.
Job prospects drawing more students to ag schools
Enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs in agriculture across the country grew by 21.8 percent from 2005 to 2008. Purdue
University has 2,575 ag students this fall, up 40 from last year.
Dow AgroSciences’ revenue, profit fall on lower crop prices
Dow AgroSciences, the local subsidiary of Midland, Mich.-based Dow Chemical Co., said Thursday that revenue fell 20 percent
and profits plummeted in the third quarter due largely to lower crop commodity prices.
Rain slows Indiana farmers bringing in fall harvest
A soggy spring and wet fall have left Indiana farmers scrambling to harvest their soybeans so they can replant the fields with winter crops.
USDA forecasts huge soybean, corn harvests
Record harvests are being forecast for corn and soybean farmers, and now the focus turns to bringing the giant crop in from
the field.
Tyson to add 80 jobs in Corydon expansion
Tyson Foods Inc. plans to expand a poultry-processing operation in southern Indiana and says it will add nearly 80 jobs.
More Americans growing food on small farms
Most evenings, Gary Mithoefer can be found at the end of a long gravel driveway off a busy highway, tending two garden plots. He’s one of a growing number of Americans digging into the dirt to raise crops on a small scale.