“The addition of another ethanol plant in Indiana is a big win for Hoosiers,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “This plant will add jobs, stimulate the purchase of raw materials from Hoosier farmers, and create a renewable fuel source that is less harmful to the environment.”

The new facility involves approximately $140 million in capital investment and creates 40-50 new production jobs. The plant will process 40 million bushels of corn each year - primarily sourced from Cass and surrounding counties - significantly benefiting area farmers and agribusinesses.

The Andersons operates 13 agriculture-related business units in 10 Indiana counties, including four grain terminals handling in excess of 50 million bushels of grain annually. The plant is expected to be completed in first quarter of 2007 and will be the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi River.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Cass County worked together to provide an incentive package that helped secure the ethanol plant. For more information, visit www.andersonsinc.com

Nominate a local farmer for Indiana environmental award
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana’s 92 county Soil and Water Conservation Districts are seeking nominees for the 2006 statewide River Friendly Farmer Award. The recognition honors farmers who through good production management help keep rivers, lakes and streams environmentally healthy and clean.

“This award is an excellent opportunity to showcase a local farmer who is doing the right things to protect our soil and water quality,” said Gene Weaver, president of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

“We’ve honored over 250 farmers across the state who keep the protection of Indiana’s natural resources front and center each and every day on their grain and livestock operations,” added Weaver.

To nominate a farmer in your county for the 2006 RFF Award, visit www.iaswcd.org/RFFpage.htm to download the application and brochure. Nominations should be submitted to your local SWCD office. Call ahead for the county nomination deadline.

This farm news was published in the May 3, 2006 issue of Farm World.