Indiana Agriculture Insider

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The Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency wants to remind the state’s licensed grain facilities that they can apply for temporary or emergency storage by contacting the agency. Requests must be submitted in writing and approved by the agency’s director.
 
Before applying for temporary or emergency storage, licensees must adhere to the following requirements, which are outlined in the Indiana Administrative Code.

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Despite planting season delays putting farmers behind schedule, harvest season is getting underway across much of the state. That means more slow-moving farm equipment will be on Indiana’s roadways.

Over the next couple of months, motorists are encouraged to exercise caution and patience, as they share the road with these large vehicles.

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development for the state of Indiana, wants to remind motorists to stay safe this 2019 Harvest Season by planning for extra travel time when driving on rural roads.  

According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, farm vehicles were involved in 73 fatal crashes across the U.S., with seven of those incidents occurring in Indiana.

By law, farm equipment must have the nationally designated slow-moving vehicle sign—a red triangle-shaped reflector—to warn oncoming drivers that their equipment is on the road. These vehicles often travel at speeds no higher than 25 mph and the most common types Hoosiers will encounter are combines and tractors pulling grain carts.

Bruce Kettler, Indiana State Department of Agriculture director, is asking motorists to take extra precaution this year, as planting delays could extend the duration of the 2019 harvest season.

During harvest season, motorists are encouraged to leave 10 minutes early and to be aware of alternate routes. It’s important to watch for wide vehicles, especially when approaching hills and curves in the road.

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When attempting to pass farm equipment, always look for oncoming traffic, and make sure the vehicle is actually pulling over and not making a left turn. Farmers will pull over for motorists when they are able to, but it may take them some time to find a safe place to do so.

At all times, follow the rules of the road: don’t text and drive, don’t tailgate farm vehicles and pass only in designated passing zones.

The following organizations will be working together to share these important safety tips during harvest season: Hoosier Ag TodayIndiana Department of Homeland SecurityIndiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police.

Click here to see a public service announcement created by Hoosier Ag Today. You can also listen to the PSA by tuning into a Hoosier Ag Today radio station broadcasting in your area, which can be found by clicking here.

For a full list of safety tips, click here or visit isda.in.gov.

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ISDA Director Bruce Kettler will be speaking at the Indianapolis Ag Club luncheon on Tuesday, October 8th, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and you’re invited. The club is designed to help connect agribusiness professionals with new information and to build their network. These networking lunches host interesting presentations from agribusiness and aginvesting professionals that are pertinent to the local region and community.  

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The fall season is here, which means bonfires and s’mores! However, due to a lack of rainfall throughout much of Indiana, many counties are abnormally dry. As dry conditions continue, having a bonfire can become a potential fire hazard if specific precautions are not taken.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal and Department of Homeland Security encourage Hoosiers living in a county with an active burn ban to adhere to the local laws governing the county. Several counties in southeastern Indiana are currently under a burn ban. To see a map of the counties currently under a burn ban, visit the IDHS website. Even if a county isn’t under a burn ban, it is important to always practice proper outdoor fire safety.

Before having a bonfire, Hoosiers should always remember to:

  • Make sure a fire extinguisher or source of water is available to extinguish any fire quickly before it gets out of hand.
  • Check the weather forecast. Weather fluctuations, such as sudden gusts of wind, could cause burning debris to spark a fire.
  • Build the bonfire away from power lines, overhanging tree limbs, buildings, rotten stumps, shrubs, dry grass and leaves.
  • Build the bonfire in an area that has gravel or dirt at least 10 feet in all directions.
  • Keep all flammable objects at least 15 feet away from and upwind of the burn site.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture also encourages Hoosier farmers to take precautions. During harvest season, dry conditions, coupled with hot farm equipment, pose an added risk for farm-related fires.

ISDA Director Bruce Kettler urges farmers not to cut corners on their safety inspections and to take extra precaution in the coming months. 

For more fire safety tips, visit the IDHS website.

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  • October 14
    Columbus  Day 
    ISDA Offices Closed 
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