Indiana Farm Bureau puts forth its llegislative priorities for '18
Hundreds of Indiana farmers and others connected with the state agriculture industry gathered earlier this month in Indianapolis to hear the Indiana Farm Bureau (IFB) identify its legislative priorities for 2018: Protection of livestock operation, improving rural quality of life, limiting annexation and ensuring assessment uniformity.
True friends of farmers, pair tries to create better soybeans
Among the things plaguing soybean farmers today is the destructive disease called phytophthora root and stem rot. Phytophthora thrives in wet, warm soil, particularly poorly draining soil.
Cost control, preservation of capital important for farmers
The U.S. agricultural economy may have a tough time keeping up with what are expected to be healthy foreign and domestic economies in 2018, according to a longtime Purdue University professor.
USDA report targets initiatives to boost rural, ag communities
A task force of 22 federal agencies led by the USDA has recommended to the White House a sweeping reform of regulatory and policy issues affecting farm communities across rural America that, if adopted, could boost farm income and change the lives of millions of farm families.
Leaning on community means having the strength to beat opioid addiction
Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielson brought home the severity of the national opioid crisis: Last year’s 64,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States matches the number of residents in this one county.
USDA rolls out new phytosanitary rule for soybean experts to China
The USDA announced a new procedure for soybean growers and exporters late last month regarding China’s phytosanitary import requirements that agency officials said would ensure the continued export of U.S. soybeans, valued at $14.4 billion annually.
Specialty crop grant funding up for grabs for Michigan interests
State officials have announced a request for proposals through the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a federal initiative through the USDA’s Marketing Services division.
Michigan set to aid farmers with FSMA's implementation
The federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was passed years ago, but part of it, regarding produce safety, is only being implemented now for large-scale farmers.
Biofuel, ag benefits among provisions in Hatch tax bill
In areas where President Donald Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act fell short in extending tax credits for farmers and farm-related industries, Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch’s Tax Extenders Act of 2017 (S.2256) filled the gaps quite nicely.
Rural Hoosiers seek answers to counter state opioid crisis
A crowd of approximately 400 people filled the Boone County fairgrounds exhibit hall for the Ag Industry and Rural Community Opioid Addiction Symposium on a Friday earlier this month.
