Farmers Expecting Lower Corn Production, Following Spring Weather Challenges

Posted on August 17, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting similar corn yields to last year’s in Indiana, but many Hoosier farmers aren’t that optimistic. That’s according to the Indiana Farm Bureau.

Heavy rain in April, followed by unseasonable cold weather into May created some challenges. Several farmers say they’re behind in their corn production. Many told the Farm Bureau they had to replant a lot of their corn, with much of it just pollinating now. Corn that was not replanted is thin.

However, farmers in southern Indiana are reporting healthier corn yields, according to the Farm Bureau. Farmers say there’s still a chance that corn production will improve, if weather conditions are favorable.

Applications Now Available for Specialty Crop Block Grants

April 8, 2016AuthorMichael Gallenberger

Grants are available to help fund projects that encourage the production of specialty crops. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is now accepting grant proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

More than $380,000 in federal money is expected to be available through the program, which is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A variety of organizations are eligible to apply for the funding, including producers, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and governments.

According to the ISDA, projects should enhance the competitiveness of Indiana’s specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. The crops that would benefit from the projects must be plants used for food, medicine, or “aesthetic gratification.” The ISDA says some of the ideas for projects include those that develop local and regional food systems, increase access to food in under-served communities, or enhance food safety.

More information and a link to the application can be found on the ISDA website. Grant proposals are due by June 6 at 5 p.m. Eastern.

North Judson Formally Submits Grant Application for Water Tower Project

April 7, 2016AuthorMichael Gallenberger, WKVI 

The Town of North Judson continues to move forward with its efforts to obtain grant funding for its water tower rehabilitation project. Clerk-treasurer Alicia Collins says the grant application has been submitted, and now the town is waiting for official approval.

North Judson has already qualified for state funding, based on the results of income surveys taken last year. The grant will help pay for maintenance work to the town’s two water towers.

Meanwhile, the town is also starting the process of submitting another grant application. Last month, a representative from Commonwealth Engineers approached the council with a proposal to update the long-term control plan for the town’s wastewater treatment plant. The plan would help the town make decisions about future wastewater improvements and anticipate needs that may arise in the future.

Commonwealth Engineers says the plan will cost a total of $37,500, but grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office would cover 75 percent of the cost. This week, the North Judson Town Council decided to start pursuing that grant, by notifying Rural Development officials of the town’s desire to apply for the funding.

Farmers Urged to Apply for Loans to Cover Losses

Published: September 17, 2015 By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Farmers are urged to get their applications in as soon as possible for loans to cover losses caused by flooding that started in May of this year.

Starke, Pulaski, Jasper and LaPorte Counties have been designated primary disaster counties by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applications are due by April 12, 2016. Farmers who lost at least 30 percent of production due to excessive rain and who are unable to get financing from conventional lenders may qualify for an emergency loan. Visit http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=in&agency=fsa for county contact information.

USDA Approves State’s Request for Secretarial Disaster Declaration

Published: August 13, 2015 By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Farmers throughout the state who suffered crop losses due to excessive rainfall can apply for low-interest emergency loans from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture yesterday approved a secretarial disaster declaration for 53 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Gov. Mike Pence, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellsperman and Indiana Farm Service Agency Executive Director Julia A. Wickard made the request in late July after farmers suffered significant crop damage and losses as a result of flooding and excessive rain that started May 1st.

Starke, Pulaski, Marshall and LaPorte are among the 53 counties for which assistance was approved. Farmers in contiguous counties can also apply for loans. That provision makes nearly the entire state eligible for assistance. Click Disaster Declaration Counties 8.12.2015  for a complete list of eligible counties.

“Farms in counties all across the state have suffered because of the excessive rainfall we’ve experienced during our spring and summer months this year,” Pence said in a statement. “I’m thankful to the Indiana Farm Service Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for recognizing the need for assistance for our Hoosier farmers, and I hope that those affected will apply for the loans they need.”

Farmers interested in applying for loans can visit  http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=in&agency=fsa and contact their local FSA offices for application details. Click US Department of Agriculture Information for details about loan uses, eligibility and loan requirements.