Indiana farmers to plant new soybean seed
A group of farmers met in northern Indiana to learn more about Vistive Gold, a soybean seed that has never been planted in the Hoosier state. Vistive Gold, a Monsanto product, is transitioning from the research stage to being sold in the marketplace.
continue this story
Making genetic modification of plants easier
A recent discovery could lead to easier genetic modification of plant varieties considered recalcitrant to standard methods, including varieties of economically important crops.
continue this story
Beck's Hybrids tests multi-hybrid planter with Kinze
Jason Webster, Beck’s Hybrids’ central Illinois Practical Farm Research director, recently planted corn near Waco, Texas, with a new multi-hybrid planter with Kinze Manufacturing. Three of the planters will be tested in Indiana and Illinois this spring.
continue this story
Junior cattleman wins trailer through points program
The Hinshaw family works as a team when it comes to showing cattle. “It’s our whole family — we all have to come together to make it work,” Jacob Hinshaw said.
continue this story

Vertical thumbnails||#CCCCCC||#5AB151|| font-weight:normal; font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; || font-weight:normal; font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; || font-weight:normal; font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; || font-weight:normal; font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; ||ctl00_body_ctl22_rrThumbnails16||ctl00_body_ctl22_rrFullSizePhotos16||imgStartRotator16||imgStopRotator16||115||||True||Related video||,|,|9845,|,||False||9875,0|9869,1|9845,2|9846,3||16

Latest News

Finalists announced for ag promotion contest

Monday, March 10, 2014 9:00 AM

Teams from Huntington University, University of Indianapolis and University of Southern Indiana were the three finalists for the “Promoting the Good Works of Indiana Agriculture” competition.

Continue reading >
El Nino warming of Pacific Ocean forecast by meteorologists

Sunday, March 09, 2014 5:00 PM

U.S. federal forecasters predict a warming of the central Pacific Ocean this year that will change weather worldwide. The warming, called an El Niño, can mean an even hotter year coming up and billions of dollars in losses for food crops.

Continue reading >
Farmers, shippers wary of winter’s fallout

Sunday, March 09, 2014 3:00 PM

While winter has been unforgiving to most of the Midwest, the next several months will dictate the season’s impact on all-important sectors, such as shipping and farming.

Continue reading >
Beginning Farmer Institute application period extended

Sunday, March 09, 2014 1:00 PM

The National Farmers Union has extended the application deadline for its 2014 Beginning Farmers Institute program to April 7 due to additional sponsorships that will allow for more participants.

Continue reading >
Ice cream flavor recalled from some Aldi stores

Sunday, March 09, 2014 11:00 AM

A northern Michigan ice cream maker is recalling a flavor that’s sold at many Aldi stores and may contain nuts. House of Flavors in Ludington is recalling Belmont Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream because it may contain a nut that’s not declared on the label. People allergic to nuts may be at risk.

Continue reading >

Rural Voices

Ag world shift requires change in mindset

Have you ever been stuck in a routine? Maybe it’s the routine you go through each morning at the start of your workday. Or maybe you eat the same thing for lunch every day. If there isn’t any pressing reason to change, you might keep that routine.
Farmland assessments for Indiana property taxes rise

At the end of December, Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance calculated the base rate assessment for farmland to be used for taxes in 2015. Predictably, the base rate increased to $2,050 per acre. That’s a 16 percent increase over the pay-2014 value.
Build financial 'dashboard' of working capital for farm

If margins tighten as ag economists are warning, it’s going to be important to consider the potential impacts on your operation. Making sure that your farm is going to be financially healthy in what could be tougher times may set you up in a good position.
Indiana agriculture needs a farm bill as fast as possible

This fall, Congress has an important opportunity to create jobs and grow the economy by passing a long-term, comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. The farm bill impacts every American every day by providing a wide range of programs that strengthen our nation.
Thanks given to heroes that serve in military and farming

I would like to take a moment and say thank you to all of the heroes that have served and are currently serving this country. I know there are some common threads in farmers and soldiers, and oftentimes young farmers become soldiers.

Field Editor Blogs

Agriculture's message must engage, not confuse people

There, their, they’re. Why did the actual Olympic events start before the opening ceremonies? If you laughed at the first one, scratched your head at the second one, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger.
Beekeeper works to help hives survive the winter

Some Indiana beekeepers work year-round to produce honey as a source of income. Many others consider beekeeping a hobby. No matter how many hives a beekeeper has, it’s important to prepare hives for the harsh winter months.
2013 crop needs careful watching over the winter

Prospective buyers want quantity and quality, and that’s exactly what the U.S. corn suppliers have to offer going into 2014, according to a report by the U.S. Grains Council. “After a record drought last year, the world has been watching intently the 2013 U.S. corn crop,” said council President and CEO Tom Sleight.
Bees are a vital pollinating element in food production

One out of every three bites of food a person takes is the result of the work of a pollinator. I knew animal pollinators are important to food production, but I was unaware of the degree of importance until I attended a presentation at the American Seed Trade Association’s CSS 2013 and Seed Expo.
Stereotypes can limit talk among agriculture, public

As you know, this past year, in March, I bought my first home of my own in the Illinois Valley. It’s been — interesting — being a new homeowner, and I’ve learned a lot of things in the months that I’ve owned my house.