State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 09/30/2020 04:08 PM EDT
In loving memory of Rob Hays, Director of the Indiana FFA Association.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is saddened to share the passing of Rob Hays. He began his career at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana FFA Association in 2015. Rob was a dear friend, an avid Purdue fan and had a true passion for agriculture education. His loss will be felt deeply by the ISDA, Indiana FFA community and the entire state of Indiana. We will continue to pray for Rob's family during this difficult time.
A celebration of life will be held at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center on Oct. 11 from 2 p.m. 5 p.m.
Crops across the state are looking bountiful and harvest is here. Farmers are traveling in large slow-moving farm equipment on Indiana roads. To increase roadway safety, we are encouraging motorists to exercise caution and patience when approaching large farm equipment over the next few months.
According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 farm equipment vehicles were involved in 98 crashes across the U.S., with two farm equipment vehicles being involved in fatal crashes in Indiana.
Farm equipment must have the national designated slow-moving vehicle sign – a red triangle-shaped reflector – to warn approaching drivers that slow moving equipment is on the roads. These vehicles often travel at speeds no higher than 25 mph.
Farm equipment during harvest season could include tractors, combines, grain carts, grain wagons and large trucks hauling agricultural products.
Bruce Kettler, Indiana State Department of Agriculture director, wants to remind motorists and farmers to slow down, be patient and share the road this fall.
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.
When attempting to pass farm equipment, always look for oncoming traffic. Farmers will pull over for motorists when they are able to, but it may take some time to find a safe place to do so.
At all times, follow the rules of the road: don’t tailgate farm equipment, pass only in designated passing zones and ensure you are following the hands-free driving law.
Click here to watch a public service announcement created by Hoosier Ag Today. You can download the PSA here or listen to it by turning into a local Hoosier Ag Today radio station, which can be found by clicking here.
Indiana Farm Bureau Health Plans, INFB’s newest member benefit, launches Oct. 1. INFB members who are in need of individual or family coverage, dental/vision coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans may now apply for coverage or request a quote.
If you’re not a member of INFB but are interested in learning more about INFB Health Plans, consider joining one of INFB’s educational webinars on Oct. 29. There are two times available: 8:30 a.m. or 7 p.m. ET and each webinar will last approximately 30 minutes.
The webinars will provide a high-level overview of the health plans and Medicare Supplements. Attendees will learn about underwriting expectations and medical record requests and be given several rate scenarios for each plan.
Agriculture-industry professionals are also encouraged to attend to learn more.
Click here to register to attend an INFB Health Plans webinar. If you have any additional questions, contact INFB Health Plans manager, Patrick Williams, at pwilliams@infb.org.
Food Export-Midwest is a private non-profit association where programs and services are provided through the Market Access Program of the Foreign Agricultural Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Composed of 13 States, Food Export promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the Midwestern region of the United States. Founded in 1969, their mission is to focus US companies on exporting and expanding market opportunities in order to bring US products to the world. Food Export- Midwest supports participating companies with three tiers of services: exporter education, market entry, and market promotion.
Exporter education gives participants resources on how to learn to become “export ready” through seminars, webinars, Food Export helpline, and an advisor program. Participants can explore new market and promote their products through the market entry program. This tier consists of Food Show PLUS!, buyers missions, focused trade missions, market builder and online product catalog. Lastly, market promotion contains the branded program where participants can gain financial support for a wide variety of international marketing activities.
Because of Food Export-Midwest’s success, U.S. companies experience improved program effectiveness, more consistent export services, streamlined operations, and more opportunities in a broader range of markets. Whether you want enter new markets or increase your education on exporting, Food Export-Midwest can help you build new relationships and grow your business.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has been awarded $4 million in federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funding for the Indiana Meat Processing Expansion and Development Grant Program. This funding opportunity was created to offset the impact of COVID 19 on local and small meat-processing agribusinesses.
Projects should aim to improve food supply resilience through increasing slaughter, expanding meat processing capacity and/or promoting worker safety. The program as administered will reimburse up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum award of $150,000. Following federal guidance, grants would only reimburse eligible costs incurred from March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020.
This funding opportunity is available for existing businesses with fewer than 500 employees and at least one federal or BOAH-regulated livestock processing or slaughter facility located in Indiana.
Grant applications will be available on October 5, 2020.
Due to the novel coronavirus these events are subject to change.
October 1: Indiana Grown Commission Meeting Virtual commission meeting - visit indianagrown.org for more info
October 5: Indiana Meat Processing Expansion & Development Grant Program Open from October 5 - October 19, 2020 - visit isda.in.gov for more info
October 6: Indiana Grain Indemnity Corp. Board Meeting 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Indiana Soybean Alliance
