State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 07/31/2020 03:00 PM EDT
Cover crops are known for their environmental benefits and, with the exception of corn and soybeans, are planted on more acres than any other commodity crop in Indiana. They are typically planted in the fall after harvest and designed to keep roots in the ground throughout the winter, which improves soil health and helps filter water off of the farm.
As a result of the cover crops planted last year, it is estimated that 1.2 million tons of sediment was prevented from entering Indiana’s waterways, along with 3 million pounds of nitrogen and 1.5 million pounds of phosphorus. That’s enough sediment to fill more than 350 Olympic-size swimming pools.
A total of $300,000 in state funding will be distributed to 11 Indiana food banks to provide assistance and services to Hoosiers in need. The funding came from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, through the Indiana General Assembly.
Every day, and even more so in response to the coronavirus, Indiana’s regional food banks distribute food and other items to Hoosiers in all 92 counties either directly or through local pantries and soup kitchens. To aid clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, Indiana’s food banks turned their normal distribution system on its head, quickly adapting to the situation. With help from several state agencies and the Indiana National Guard they safely served a growing number of Hoosiers impacted through illness and unemployment.
Over 150 Hoosier farm families have been awarded the Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture by Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler.
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, the farm must be kept in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural products per year. Since the program was established in 1976, more than 5,800 families have received the award.
Indiana Grown reached an exciting milestone as they celebrate five years of supporting Indiana agriculture. The initiative officially launched on July 7, 2015, and has continued to grow each year in both membership numbers and consumer awareness.
The program is housed within the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and offers free resources to farms and businesses who grow, raise, produce or process an agriculture item in the state of Indiana. Members range from traditional row crop farmers to wineries to artisans to value-added food producers.
