Indiana state agriculture photo contest deadline is Sunday

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is still accepting submissions for the 12th annual agriculture photo contest. The contest is open to Indiana residents and was created to recognize the hard work and contributions of Hoosier farmers, as well as the beauty of the state’s agricultural landscape.

The winners will be invited to attend a special ceremony at the Indiana State Fair, where they will be recognized and receive certificates from Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and ISDA Director Bruce Kettler.

Contestants can submit up to five photos in digital format. Each must be taken within the state, accompanied by an entry form and fall under one of the following categories: Agritourism, Conservation, Faces of Agriculture, or On the Farm. In total, 10 winners will be selected, two from each category and two overall.

Photos will be evaluated based on creativity, composition, and category representation. Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. (ET) June 30. Visit www.in.gov/isda/2468.htm for entry forms, guidelines, and criteria.

Indiana DNR seeking public input on historic preservation

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA) is conducting an online survey to gather public input regarding upcoming projects and initiatives.

Indiana’s Cultural Resources Management Plan is a comprehensive state plan that guides local preservationists, DNR staff, and everyday citizens in their efforts to preserve Indiana’s wide variety of heritage resources. DHPA is currently revising its plan for 2020-26.

Feedback from constituents helps ensure its preservation programs, commitment of staff resources, and expenditure of federal funds are responsive to the needs of communities all across Indiana. Access the survey online by June 30, at dnr.IN.gov/historic/10147.htm

New categories for 2019 Indiana Make It With Wool contest

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Planning is underway for the 2019 Indiana Make It With Wool contest at the Indiana State Fair, sponsored by the Indiana Sheep Assoc. (ISA).

The purpose of the contest is to focus attention on the beauty and versatility of wool. Contestants may compete in one of four age categories (age as of Jan. 1, 2019): Preteen (ages 12 and under), Junior (13-16), Senior (17-24), or Adult (25 and older).

The Juniors, Seniors, and Adults categories may enter one-piece garments, two-piece garments, or an ensemble made up of three or more garments worn together at one time. Preteens may enter a dress, jumper, skirt, pants, shorts, vest, sweater, shirt/blouse, jacket, or a combination of garments.

To be eligible, a garment must have been completed after Jan. 1. All entries must be made of 100 percent wool or wool blend (minimum of 60 percent wool or specialty wool fiber) for each fashion fabric or yarn used. Preteens are not tested for wool content.

New categories this year are Made for Others, Home Décor, and Accessories. The guidelines and rules have been posted the Indiana Make It With Wool Facebook page, or can be found on the Indiana Arts Building Indiana State Fair webpage or ISA website at http://indianasheep.com/programs.html

The state contest will be held during the state fair in the Indiana Arts Building on August 4. Deadline for entry is July 5. If you have questions, email Robyn Heine at robynheine@yahoo.com

Titan International raising funds to help flooded farmers

DES MOINES, Iowa — Titan International, Inc. is pleased to announce its support for Farm Rescue Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping farm and ranch families in crisis, with the launch of a social media campaign to raise funds for the organization’s recent flood recovery efforts.

To raise money for Farm Rescue’s recovery efforts, Titan will donate $50 per social media post, up to $10,000, for each picture of farm equipment equipped with Titan’s Low Sidewall Technology tires shared on social media with the tag #LSW4FarmRescue. Visit the Titan/Goodyear Farm Tires Facebook and Twitter pages to follow along.

In addition to raising funds through social media, Titan and local tire dealer Twin Valley Tire worked together to provide Farm Rescue with the tires necessary for their equipment. Farm Rescue’s mission is to help farmers and ranchers who have experienced a major illness, injury, or natural disaster.

To learn more about how you can support Farm Rescue, visit www.FarmRescue.org

CME Group declares quarterly dividend for shareholders

CHICAGO, Ill. — CME Group, Inc., the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, has declared a second-quarter dividend of 75 cents per share, payable June 25 to shareholders of record as of June 10, 2019.

CME enables clients to trade futures, options, cash, and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities.

DNR provides more than $52,000 to help support rural FDs

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) supports Ohio’s rural fire departments and the communities they serve. Through the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction (CWRR) grant program, the DNR Division of Forestry recently approved grant funding for 25 projects totaling $52,106 for fire departments in rural areas of eastern and southern Ohio.

CWRR grant projects are focused on supporting wildfire hazard mitigation, public education, and firefighter training for rural fire departments. Items purchased through these grants include dry hydrants, computers, tablets, GPS units, outdoor signs, and training room equipment and materials.

The CWRR program allows for cost-sharing to help make important ancillary programs, like community outreach, risk reduction, and safety campaigns, possible. CWRR grant funding was provided to the Division of Forestry through a competitive process via the U.S. Forest Service.

Farmers have cost-share opportunity for certification program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee farmers looking to expand their markets and increase food safety by becoming good agricultural practices (GAP) certified now have the opportunity to receive financial assistance from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).

GAP certification allows producers to sell directly to more businesses and institutions with stringent food safety requirements, such as grocery stores or hospitals. These new opportunities allow producers to increase their income, and the certification helps to ensure food is safe and wholesome for specialty crops throughout Tennessee.

The application period closes August 31. Qualified producers will have the opportunity to offset the cost of a GAP Certification inspection by being reimbursed 75 percent of the inspection cost up to $750. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis. Grant funds are available to producers only; warehouses and distributors may not apply.

Find more information and the application at www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/produce-nursery/gap.html or by emailing Grant Pulse at grant.pulse@tn.gov

NCGA releases pollinator protection guide for corn growers

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — The National Corn Growers Assoc. (NCGA), in partnership with the Honey Bee Health Coalition, is releasing new best management practices (BMPs) to protect bees and other pollinators in and around cornfields.

At roughly 92 million acres, field corn covers more land than any other row crop in the country, and in the Midwest Corn Belt, corn often makes up to 40 percent of the landscape or more. The BMPs presented in the NCGA’s new guide identify potential effects of agricultural practices on bees at each stage of production and recommend ways to mitigate those impacts.

The digital publication via www.ncga.com/topics/conservation/pollinators showcases specific strategies such as reducing dust and drift while planting a pesticide-treated seed. Corn growers who rotate with soybeans could also see added benefit from their pollinator stewardship because bees can increase soybean yields by up to 18 percent, according to a 2005 study.

Land O’Lakes recognizes Ceres as farmer innovative advisor

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — At the recent Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN Partners In Excellence Summit, Land O’Lakes leadership was proud to honor just a few of the many outstanding ag retailers across the United States and Canada who are helping to drive improved environmental outcomes while supporting farm profitability and resilience. Ceres Solutions Cooperative, based in Crawfordsville, received recognition as leader at this event.

Ceres Solutions has helped drive the success of Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN program for the past two years. Ceres expert agronomists have enrolled nearly 100,000 acres into their SUSTAIN Program, and have taken an active role in educating their local community about soil health and conservation by hosting multiple field days for customers.

Ceres Solutions is a key leader in the Big Pine watershed conservation project focused on improving water quality in western Indiana. Ceres is also a key partner in a recently announced collaboration to source sustainably-grown corn from the Midwest for global ingredient supplier Tate & Lyle. The relationship enables Tate & Lyle to enhance sustainable agriculture by helping corn farmers target and measure the impact of environmental stewardship efforts.

Land O’Lakes is thrilled to have such innovative retailers as part of its network, and was proud to recognize Ceres’ good work with the Outstanding Ag Retailer Award.

Raber Packing to rebuild in West Peoria after 2018 fire

WEST PEORIA, Ill. — The head of Peoria’s only local farm-to-fork packinghouse has announced plans to rebuild his family business after a fire destroyed the business in November 2018.

Raber Packing Co. President Buddy Courdt announced the company will rebuild in West Peoria. The new facility, projected to cost $8 million, will relocate near its roots to a site on Farmington Road. The four-alarm fire, which used more than 1.4 million gallons of water, destroyed the packinghouse and damaged other parts of the business.

Courdt said they decided to build an entirely new facility. It was designed by Courdt and his youngest brother, Brad, an industrial design engineer. The specially-designed 40,000-50,000 square-foot processing facility will house an expanded retail area, a larger slaughter floor, processing area, and office space. The new design also will provide for the most efficient flow-through from slaughter to counter as well as incorporating new cost-effective methods.

Hein Construction expects a completion date in November 2019. Raber Packing expects to employ 40 full-time union employees. Raber has been family-owned and -operated since 1954.

Tractor Supply presents $970,121 to National FFA Foundation

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Co. and the National FFA Organization continue to partner to support the next generation of agricultural leaders through their Grants for Growing program. Grants for Growing provides funding to FFA chapters across the country for the development or improvement of a proposed agricultural project.

This year, Tractor Supply stores nationwide raised a record $970,122 through customer donations to fund sustainable, youth-driven agriculture projects made possible by the initiative.

Tractor Supply awarded 259 grants impacting more than 24,000 students in 258 FFA chapters across the country this spring. From school gardens to beekeeping stations, the grants will be used to purchase the supplies needed to fulfill agricultural projects such as power tools, hydroponic systems, fencing, vegetation, livestock, poultry, feed, mulch, and more.

Over the course of six weeks, FFA received 436 grant applications. Coinciding with National FFA Week, Tractor Supply hosted a 12-day in-store national fundraising event, which offered shoppers the opportunity to donate at checkout in support of the program. Donations were also accepted online with a purchase.

Since the program’s start in 2016, Grants for Growing has raised more than $3.2 million for the National FFA Organization. In total, the initiative has funded 1,258 grants supporting projects involving more than 127,000 students.

AEM, EDA, FEMA team up on ag teacher scholarship program

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Inspiring the next generation to consider working toward a career within the agriculture equipment industry continues to be one of the greatest challenges for equipment manufacturers and dealers.

A joint industry initiative led by the Assoc. of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) Ag Sector Board aims to increase the number of equipment-specific courses taught in high schools, to help expand awareness of and enthusiasm for the equipment manufacturing industry.

With help from the Equipment Dealers Assoc. (EDA) and Farm Equipment Manufacturers Assoc. (FEMA), 36 educators from 12 states were awarded partial scholarships for certification in equipment courses starting this summer. The courses, offered through the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (C.A.S.E.), will qualify teachers to begin teaching the courses this fall, with the potential of reaching more than 1,500 students in the 2019-20 school year.

Teachers will spend 80 hours working through nearly every lesson in the yearlong curriculum and learning how to deliver lessons in an inquiry-based way that will shift focus in the classroom from teacher-led to student-directed learning.

Organizations wishing to contribute or match a teacher scholarship, which currently covers about half of the teacher’s total certification expenses, should call Brian Voss with AEM at 414-298-4108.

fairlife to expand and build new production facility in Arizona

CHICAGO, Ill. — fairlife, LLC announced plans to increase overall production capabilities with the construction of a new 300,000 square-foot production and distribution facility in Goodyear, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix.

fairlife currently produces multiple varieties of dairy-based beverages at its production plant in Coopersville, Mich., and distributes the highly nutritious beverages to retailers in the United States and Canada.

The new $200 million-plus facility, which is slated to begin operation in the back half of 2020, will house production lines that will play a key role in meeting the growing demand for fairlife. Working with the United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA) to source milk from numerous dairy farmers in Goodyear, the new plant will enable increased production of all fairlife products.

The new facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies and efficient, energy-saving equipment to reduce power consumption. It will create more than 140 jobs locally.

Funding available to address regional specialty crop issues

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program. Funded by USDA, the grant program brings together multi-state teams to research and develop solutions to problems that cross state boundaries within the specialty crop industry.

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops. To ensure collaboration, every project must include at least one out-of-state partner, whether it’s a state agency, tribal government, university, nonprofit, or specialty crop organization.

Priority will be given to proposals that address regional or national issues impacting the specialty crop sector, such as food safety, or plant pests and disease. Projects must be completed within three years. The maximum award amount is $1 million, with a minimum award of $250,000.

Grants will not be awarded to those that benefit a particular commercial product, or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. Proposals must be submitted by August 1. Visit www.in.gov/isda/2474.htm or www.isda.in.gov to learn more.

Indiana magazine cover photo contest deadline extended

INDIANPOLIS, Ind. — The opportunity to win cash with your camera in the Indiana Corn and Soybean Review Cover Photo Contest has been extended to August 15.

Poor weather conditions this spring allowed few days for farmers to work in their fields, and fewer chances for top-quality photos. Enter the contest, and you could win $1,000 from the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Growers Assoc. (ICGA). The contest is sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America.

Indiana Corn and Soybean Review will feature the winning photo on the cover of its fall edition. The Review is focused on finding truly stunning, cover-worthy photos. Farm Credit Mid-America sweetened the pot by offering a $1,000 first prize and $500 second prize.

All submitted photos must be digital images in a high-resolution .jpg format – a minimum of 300 dpi at a size of 7 inches in length or width with RGB color. Contestants should submit by email to photocontest@indianasoybean.com

Send one photo per email. Each photo must have its own entry form, which can be downloaded at www.indianasoybean.com/2019-photo-contest

BQA program develops, distributes extensive national manual

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — An official manual for the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program that is both detailed and extensive is being distributed nationwide throughout the cattle industry. The manual and the BQA program are both managed by the producer education team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Assoc., a contractor to the beef checkoff.

The 124-page manual addresses topics such as food safety, animal well-being, worker safety, and environmental stewardship. It provides specific information to help producers approach management decisions in a way that acknowledges a responsibility to the animals, consumers, the environment, and the larger beef industry.

A helpful resource for cattle producers and others in the industry, it is the foundation for training and certification programs offered nationally and by many states. To view the new manual or become BQA-certified, visit BQA.org

AgReliant Genetics expands into new northwestern footprint

WESTFIELD, Ind. — AgReliant Genetics, the third-largest seed corn company in North America, announced its recent research and testing expansion into the northwestern U.S. Corn Belt states of Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Directing greater resources toward the northwestern Corn Belt, which is where the company currently sees opportunities in market and acreage growth, will support the expansion of its product portfolio and customer experiences now and in the future.

This growth initiative includes the opening of a new AgReliant Genetics research station in Sioux Falls, S.D., and an expanded testing network focused on geographically targeted germplasm evaluation and corn hybrid production.

Sentera’s FieldAgent now integrated with Beck’s FARMserver

ATLANTA, Ind. — Beck’s precision farming platform FARMserver has partnered with Sentera to simplify the process of uploading drone imagery into their multifaceted precision farming technology. For users who are flying with Sentera’s FieldAgent, uploading drone images is now easier.

FARMserver users can now transfer all their monitor data and Sentera drone imagery into their account through a seamless wireless transfer. Once integrated, QuickTile maps, weed density analysis, and stand count analysis will automatically transfer into FARMserver for use in queries, scouting notes, and more.

With this optimal collaboration, farmers can now fly a field, stitch together drone images, and create a map with real, actionable data. Once in FARMserver, this map can help determine acres affected and even serve as a reference layer for yield queries.

The Andersons expands organic plant nutrients in Indiana

MAUMEE, Ohio — The Andersons, Inc. is now offering organic-approved plant nutrients from a new warehouse at its Waterloo, Ind., location. The Waterloo facility will continue to serve conventional growers and dealers, but now has a portion dedicated to supplying nutrient products approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).

From the new warehouse, dealers and growers can access a variety of organic-approved products, including primary nutrients, soil amendments, granular micronutrients, and enhanced efficiency products. This expansion aligns with The Andersons’ strategy to grow in organic and specialty food-grade ingredients.

For a list of available organic-approved nutrients, visit andersonsplantnutrient.com/agriculture/products/organics or call 419-891-2785 for available sizing and pricing.

Compass and Marrone Bio collaborate on plant nutrition

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Compass Minerals Plant Nutrition, a division of Compass Minerals, and Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. announced that the two companies have formed a collaboration to develop new specialty plant nutrient products enhanced with microorganisms.

The new products will be developed with patented technologies aimed at helping crops take up nutrients more efficiently, to increase crop health and reduce crop stress. From Marrone Bio’s collection of 18,000 microorganisms, Compass Minerals Plant Nutrition will leverage its specialty in plant nutrition with a subset of Marrone’s novel microbes, to create innovative products to enhance plant health and growth.

One way microorganisms increase plant growth is by making nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur, and minerals or micronutrients more available to the plant. This not only helps farmers’ bottom line but can also be more environmentally friendly by reducing the quantity of excess nutrients not efficiently taken up by the plant.

Ace Pump receives prestigious ‘E’ Star Award for exports

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 23. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented Ace Pump Corp. of Memphis, Tenn., with the President’s “E” Star Award for Exports.

In presenting, Ross noted Ace Pump has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was impressed with Ace Pump’s strategic pursuit of markets in the southern hemisphere to offset seasonal challenges in its northern hemisphere home market, ensuring year-round sales and greater employment opportunities in the United States.

Ace Pump’s chief exports are centrifugal pumps for the application of herbicides, pesticides, and liquid fertilizers in agriculture. Exports account for approximately 23 percent of its annual revenues. Ace Pump sells to more than 15 markets worldwide with Canada, South America, and Europe being the company’s main export destinations.

For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov

Tennessee implementing new rules for its hemp program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is announcing rule changes for the state’s hemp program to better serve hemp producers.

The application period for a license to grow hemp is now open year-round. Licenses will expire June 30 of each year, and all grower licenses issued in 2019 will expire in June 2020. Grower applications can be found online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/hemp-industry.html

Other program changes include: hemp processors will no longer be required to register through TDA; the hemp program will no longer issue licenses for certified seed breeders – however, anyone manufacturing, distributing, or labeling seed should be licensed through TDA’s Ag Inputs section; and growers will still need movement permits when transporting rooted plants and are now required to be permitted when moving harvested hemp from their growing site.

TDA has licensed more than 2,900 hemp growers in 2019. In 2018, it approved 226 producer applications. You will find more information about Tennessee’s hemp program at www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/hemp-industry.html

Mercaris to establish price transparency for organic cream

SILVER SPRINGS, Md, — Mercaris, a market data and trading startup that is helping to grow the organic and non-GMO agriculture industry in the United States, held its second quarterly online auction for certified organic cream on May 30.

By participating in, or observing, regular dairy auctions throughout the year, Mercaris subscribers gain exclusive access to the industry-first online market for organic, non-GMO and identity-preserved commodities. The company’s online auctions are held in real time, and reveal all bids and offers to online participants, helping define true price discovery for the market.

Its network ranges from individual farmers to grain companies, processors, and end-user food companies, offering today’s agricultural professionals access to new markets, new buyers, and new sellers while diversifying overall marketing efforts. There is no fee to list contracts on the Mercaris auctions platform.

The next online auction for organic cream will take place on August 22. For more information or to participate in the next auction, visit www.mercaris.com/auctions

New transport permit available to Tennessee horse owners

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee horse owners have a new resource to protect the health of their livestock. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is offering the Extended Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (EECVI), which provides real-time tracking and better disease traceability for horses being transported across state lines.

The EECVI will be available to owners 24 hours a day and will be accepted in more states than the current permit. Additionally, if the worst happens and there is a disease outbreak, real-time tracking will enable state animal health officials to notify horse owners much more quickly.

In order to transport a horse, mule, donkey, pony, zebra, or other equine across state lines, a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) and negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is required. The EECVI extends the CVI date of expiration from 30 days to six months, and it eases travel to multiple states with different requirements.

The current movement permit offered, the Tennessee Equine Interstate Event Permit (Equine Passport), will no longer be available through TDA. It had partnered with other states more than a decade ago to provide the Passport program; however, all of the original partner states have decided to transition to EECVI.

For more information, call 615-837-5120 or visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/animals/animal-health/equine-passport.html

U.S. House Agriculture Committee unveils new website

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee unveiled a new website, featuring a modern, responsive design that works on phones, tablets, and desktops. The new website can be found at the same link: agriculture.house.gov

“I’m proud of our new website, that makes it easier for folks to navigate and find out what the committee is up to,” said Chair Collin C. Peterson. “We’ve taken a modern approach that works on all devices and with this new platform, the people we fight for are able to find the critical information they need.”

The new site also features rebranded committee imaging as well as links to the committee’s YouTube, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

2018 Ohio Beef Council Annual Report now available

MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Ohio Beef Council (OBC) has published its 2018 Annual Report, providing results of Ohio beef checkoff programs to the producers in Ohio who invest in this demand-building effort.

Included in the report is an overview of revenues and expenditures for fiscal year 2018, as well as summaries of programs from each OBC budget category; these include innovation, stewardship, nutrition, issues management, and producer communications.

The purpose of this publication is to provide financial transparency to Ohio’s beef producers who invest in the checkoff and share the success of the funds’ implementation. To request a copy of the annual report, email beef@ohiobeef.org or call 614-873-6736. It can also be viewed online at ohiobeef.org

New electronic platform for Tennessee Market News Service

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — To better assist Tennessee's farmers and agribusinesses in making informed marketing decisions, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the USDA are providing a new electronic data platform for the Tennessee Market News Service.

The Service allows producers, industry, and the public to view market price information for livestock, grain, and other commodities. The new web-based platform, Market Analysis and Reporting Services (MARS), improves the transparency, speed, and accuracy of market news.

The program facilitates the flow of data from more than 3,600 markets nationwide to Agricultural Marketing Service analysts, who then provide reports online. If producers have previously bookmarked a link to market news, they will need to reestablish a new link through www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/news.html

TDA also provides timely and reliable market information through a toll-free hotline service that is updated daily. The number to call for this service is 800-342-8206.