Indiana officials look to boost agriculture research
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) — The state’s agriculture department under new Gov. Mike Pence is planning a push into the science behind food production, by trying to build a network of university and commercial researchers for what’s being called an Agriculture Innovation Corridor.
Pence included the initiative in his State of the State speech, and Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann said she has started talking with leaders from Purdue University and elsewhere about its prospects. The concept comes from a report released last summer by BioCrossroads, an Indianapolis-based life sciences investment and development group supported by numerous companies and foundations.
That report highlighted what the group believes is an opportunity for Indiana to attract and encourage companies developing agriculture innovations. It points to the ag-related research being done at Purdue, along with existing companies such as Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences and Eli Lilly and Co.’s Elanco Animal Health.
Ellspermann said some sources of state money would already be available if needed to help spur certain ventures. But she said whether additional funding will be sought for research facilities or other projects might not be known for a couple of years, as business plans are developed.
Important updates to Milk Income Loss Contract program
WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan Garcia announced that beginning Feb. 5, USDA will issue payments to dairy farmers enrolled in the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program for the September 2012 marketings. As announced by FSA on Jan. 22, all dairy producers’ MILC contracts are automatically extended to Sept. 30, 2013. Eligible producers therefore do not need to re-enroll in MILC. MILC operations with approved contracts will continue to receive monthly payments, if available.
The payment rate for September 2012 is approximately 59 cents per cwt. The payment rate for October 2012 marketings is approximately 2 cents per cwt. The payment rate for November 2012 marketings is zero.
Before the October MILC payment can be issued, dairy farmers must complete a new Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) form for 2013, CCC-933 Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information. Producers may obtain CCC-933 at their USDA Service Center or online at www.fsa.usda.gov/ccc933
For more information on MILC, contact a local FSA county office or visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov
CME schedules 2013 Annual Meeting for May 22
CHICAGO, Ill. — CME Group announced its 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 3:30 p.m. Central Time on May 22, in the Auditorium at CME Group, located at 20 South Wacker Drive, Chicago. The presentation will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed via http://investor.cmegroup.com Allow extra time prior to the presentation to visit the site and download the streaming media software required to listen to the Internet broadcast. Accompanying slides will also be available at the same location. An audio Webcast will be available for replay at the same address approximately 24 hours following the conclusion of the conference. |
