By JEFF BURBRINK Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Elkhart County There have been some scattered reports of ear rots coming in from around the state and Midwest. Warm, wet conditions as grain dries down could favor the development of ear rots. In Indiana, corn pathologists and agronomists have reported scattered Diplodia ear rot. In Illinois, there …read more.

By JEFF BURBRINK Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Elkhart County GOSHEN — Last week, I wrote about the tassel of a corn plant. This week, the subject is the silk, which part of the female reproductive organs of a corn plant. Bob Nielsen, Purdue Extension’s corn specialist, provided much of this information in his frequently updated Corny News …read more.

By DAN MCGOAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business WEST LAFAYETTE — Statewide estimated losses from heavy spring rains that previously ran into the half-billion dollar range have been dialed back. Purdue Extension Economist Chris Hurt says soybean yields appear to be near-normal and the corn crop appears to be bigger than expected in parts of the state. Hurt …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Running now through Jan. 3, Science Central will be home to a special touring exhibition entitled, “Amazing Maize.” This temporary exhibition explores the science and history behind the ancient grain we call corn.

ILLINOIS — In the grassy cornfields of Southern Ill. bats are on the hunt for insects, and according to new research, farmers have more than a billion reasons to be grateful for it.

INDIANA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Indiana’s request for federal assistance for government and certain non-profit organizations in 19 counties for severe storms and flooding June 7 to July 29.  Governor Mike Pence has directed the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to pursue an appeal.  “Our local governments particularly need assistance, so …read more.

By Jeff Burbrink Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Elkhart County September was always one of my favorite times as a kid. It was exciting because I loved helping make silage. The hustle and bustle of the tractors and wagons and chopper, the smell of fresh chopped corn stalks; all of it signaled the start of harvest …read more.

Heavy rains and flooding have destroyed as much as five percent of Indiana’s corn and soybean crops, potentially causing approximately $300 million in damage this month according to experts. “We went from a well above-normal crop to a very discouraging, below-normal crop,” stated Chris Hurt, Purdue Extension economist. “This was a very devastating period.” Losses …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS – Ranked the seventh largest market for U.S. agricultural products, Taiwan is one of the world’s largest consumers on U.S. agricultural products on a per capita basis. Indiana Corn Marketing Council is hosting a Taiwanese trade delegation today and tomorrow to show them the progress of this year’s corn harvest at two Hoosier farms. …read more.

Hot, dry weather that has returned to Indiana is beginning to take its toll on the state’s corn and soybean crops, which Purdue Extension specialists said needed rain within days to keep them from deteriorating further. “A month ago I was very optimistic about the size of this corn crop, but now I’m less so,” …read more.

[weaver_youtube fvuDoFxLpNE rel=0] Article by Stephanie Loney, The Papers, Inc. The North Webster Lady Lions Club named Cooper Garden, son of Ben and Jennifer Garden, of Leesburg, and Alexia Cox, daughter of Ryan and Kim Cox, of Lakeville, the 2013 Mermaid Festival Cutie King and Queen last night. The Cutie Pageant started at 7 p.m. …read more.