State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 06/28/2019 03:43 PM EDT
ISDA is now 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, which includes 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, non-profit 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. Proposals must be submitted by August 1, 2019.
Last week, Governor Eric Holcomb convened leaders from the state’s agriculture sectors for an update on the unprecedented weather conditions that have impacted farms and other agriculture businesses statewide. As of this week, 91 percent of Indiana’s corn crop and 75 percent of soybeans have been planted, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That is an increase from the start of month, but both crops are usually at 100 percent planted for this time of year.
Along with ISDA Director Bruce Kettler, representatives from Indiana Corn & Soybean, the Indiana Farm Service Agency, Agribusiness Council of Indiana, Indiana Pork, Purdue College of Agriculture and others joined Gov. Holcomb for the meeting.
According to USDA, there have only been 27 days suitable for fieldwork in Indiana since late March. That’s 20 days less when compared to the same time frame in 2018. Heavy, consistent rainfall has saturated fields across the state. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data shows that the past 12 months have been the wettest on record in the U.S.
The Governor is working with Director Kettler and his staff, and the Indiana Farm Service Agency, to pursue options for agriculture assistance for Indiana farmers. That will include decisions about proceeding with requests for federal assistance as assessments are completed at the county level.
The Farm Service Agency needs an accurate account of the fields impacted by the storms in Indiana to determine if a request can be made to USDA. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency office and report their planted acres as soon as possible but no later than July 15.
For a list of Farm Service Agency offices in Indiana, click here or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.
Under Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 331, the Indiana State Department of Health will begin produce safety inspections in July 2019. This new produce inspection program is focused on promoting food safety and preventing foodborne illness. Farms or operations that have sales over $500,000 are the focus of the 2019 inspection. During inspection, farms will be evaluated based on the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule.
Growers who would like an additional consultation prior to the inspection, are encouraged to schedule an On Farm Readiness Review during, which staff from ISDH, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, and Purdue University Extension will perform a 2-to-3 hour walk-through of the operation and provide constructive feedback related to the rule’s compliance.
Electrifying. That’s one of the best ways to describe Purdue last week, as thousands of FFA members descended on the campus for the 90th Indiana FFA State Convention. Throughout the four days, the students kept busy, taking part in career development events, leadership workshops, community service projects, general sessions and so much more.
Living to Serve
During convention, FFA members put Living to Serve in action, as they participated in several community service projects. On Tuesday, they cut, tied and put together 100 blankets, which went to the Lafayette Transitional Housing Center. Food Finders was another project, where FFA members sorted meat, stacked cans and packaged food. The final event was a CANstruction project, which, once complete, spelled “Surge,” the theme of this year’s convention. All of the food was distributed to families and individuals in need.
Doing to Learn
Along with community service projects, state convention represents the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work and preparation for many FFA members, who had the opportunity to participate in career and leadership development events, and supervised agricultural experiences. Those events tested their knowledge, skills and abilities on a variety of subject matters, including vet science, agricultural mechanics and public speaking, and were great learning opportunities for the students. Once the competitions were over, winners were selected and recognized during the six general sessions, which were a highlight of this year’s state convention.
Click here to see the Honorary Degree and Distinguished Service Recipients.
Click here to see the Foundation Outstanding Service Award.
Each general session was unique and offered everything from talent shows and musical performances to formal ceremonies and keynote speakers, such as Wiley Bailey, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and ISDA Director Kettler. The sessions also included one or two retiring addresses from the state officers, a final speech to inspire, encourage and motivate attendees. At the end of the final session, the 2019-2020 Indiana FFA State Officer slate was approved and the new officers instilled:
President: Dillon Muhlenkamp
Secretary: Caitlyn Lewis
North Region Vice President: Morgan Hinz
South Region Vice President: Nathan Fairchild
Treasurer: Noah Berning
Reporter: Taylor Roy
Sentinel: Eion Stephens
It takes a lot to put together state convention every year, from coordinating the different events and activities to hosting the general sessions. Thank you to the 2018-2019 Indiana FFA State Officer Team, Indiana FFA staff, FFA advisors, and volunteers, as well as the many generous sponsors, for making this year’s convention possible.
For more information about Indiana FFA, please visit www.inffa.org.
