Purdue industrial hemp pilot project fires up
A milestone in Indiana’s journey toward growing industrial hemp was reached when officials made plans for hemp research projects to be conducted at Purdue University.
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Pheasant Hollow soars high among Illinois wineries
In more than one sense, Pheasant Hollow Winery stands alone. The only winery in Franklin County, it isn’t situated at the end of a long road winding through forested hills.
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Testing forage vital for dairy operations
Harvesting forages during 2014 was difficult. “Neutral detergent fiber digestibility should be from 50 to 60 percent and the starch of your corn silage over 30 percent,” said Mike Hutjens.
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Tips for making your fruit trees survive and thrive
If you’re thinking about planting an apple tree this spring, there are a few things to keep in mind to improve your chances for success.
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Latest News

Demand for homegrown food systems rises

Thursday, January 29, 2015 5:00 PM

An estimated $18 billion is spent on food each year in Indiana. Of that amount, only $26 million is spent on locally grown foods via farmers markets, farm stands and other venues.

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Initiative aims at make Illinois global food hub

Thursday, January 29, 2015 3:00 PM

Fertile land, major agribusinesses, location, transportation and research-based institutions put the Land of Lincoln in a unique position, and an effort is underway to fit those pieces together for future success.

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Cherries may be the next 'it' fruit in Indiana

Thursday, January 29, 2015 1:00 PM

The Midwest may not be known for growing cherries now, but it might be in the near future. Greg Lang, horticulture professor at Michigan State University, has been researching how to grow sweet cherries in Michigan for years. He shared his insight at the Indiana Horticultural Congress and Trade Show.

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Cover crops provide feed for cattle

Thursday, January 29, 2015 11:00 AM

Adding cover crops to a cattle operation provides additional feed. “Cover crops with livestock is a no-brainer,” said Dan Naughton, seed specialist for ProHarvest Seeds. “Cover crops are an excellent livestock feed.”

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Seminar urges growers to tell their story

Thursday, January 29, 2015 9:00 AM

Consumers have become more and more interested in food production and finding out how food is grown. The information they receive often may cause confusion over best practices.

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Rural Voices

Darren Frye

It’s summer, and if you have a grain operation, you’re keeping a close eye on the weather forecast. At times, the weekly forecast seems to change almost every day. Wouldn’t it be frustrating if your production plans changed as often as the weather forecast does?
Jared Finegan

This has had to be the most comfortable summer weather we have had in my adult life. Hope everyone has enjoyed all the fun summer activities this year. This cool weather has not been the best for the crops, however.
Ted Mottaz

The growing season continues to amaze me and my fellow area farmers. Just as we were starting to get a little dry with yards showing some stress, we got about 2 inches of rain for the week. The corn potential is fairly well set.
Grant Noland

Should a large corn and soybean crop materialize, producers and commercial facilities will face challenges in harvest logistics. As a former elevator manager, a record — potentially wet — corn crop will keep you up at night.
David Droste

Beans will need to be watched closely for leaf disease since the rain and the foggy mornings that we have been having can cause disease to develop and justify fungicide applications.

Field Editor Blogs

New coliseum dominates Indiana State Fair

Every summer a different commodity is highlighted at the Indiana State Fair. There’s been “Year of the Corn,” “Year of the Dairy Cow” and many other themes, but this year is unlike anything we’ve seen.
Spring: Farmers hard at work keeping world fed

Finally, it’s here. Spring. Warmer weather. This past week, I spent mostly on the road, traveling to five different farms in northern and north-central Illinois.
U.S grain quality top-notch for export

The U.S. Grains Council recently released a report that serves as an important piece of the competitive global market in promoting our corn.
Farmers should take time to take care of bodies, mind

Farmers are some of the hardest working people out there. Constant lifting, pushing, fixing and running between fields, balanced with maintaining a family life, they often push their bodies to the limit.
Farm stories need to be told

I’ve been told that, for a long time, farmers and ag businesses were quiet when it came to telling their stories. Stories of hard work, integrity and progress. Things to be proud of. I’m glad that I’ve heard so many of these stories over the years — even before I worked in the agriculture industry.