Farmers

The bill seeks to act as a slimmed down Farm Bill, the five-year piece of legislation that sets food and agricultural policies for the country.

The one-time investment comes as U.S. farmers struggle with rising costs and sweeping tariffs. Most of the funding, $11 billion, will go toward farmers that produce row crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat.

Students from across the country gathered in downtown Indianapolis this week to kick off the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo.

Farmers' positive sentiment towards the future spiked following the November election according to the latest Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer. That’s despite President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs that in the past have hurt farmers.

State fairs can spread viruses from animals to humans. With bird flu found in cows for the first time ever, some experts advise caution.

For the third year in a row, Indiana farmers have set a record for the most acres of cover crops planted — more than 1.7 million acres. Cover crops are planted to keep the soil from eroding away — which can pollute Indiana’s streams and lakes.

For the last few months, lawmakers have been debating the Farm Bill in an attempt to have a new one signed before the Sept. 30 expiration date. Talks have been halted due to the pending government shutdown, making the bill likely to expire.

Crop losses in Indiana due to drought and excess rain cost taxpayers and farmers more than $3 billion in crop insurance payouts since 1995.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Indiana Rural Health Association and Purdue Extension to reduce mental health stigma in farm communities and connect people to stress assistance programs.

One concern farmers are increasingly worried about is higher costs for fertilizer, machinery and other expenses. These input prices have survey respondents hesitant about their future financial outlook.