State leaders want to expand Indiana’s specialty crops. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture now is accepting grant applications to grow the state’s specialty crop sector. These crops include fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. “I encourage groups interested in enhancing specialty crop production in Indiana to take full advantage of […]
State appoints first agricultural education program manager
Kimberly Barkman was appointed agricultural education program manager of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Barkman will serve as a liaison between ISDA and the Indiana Department of Education, and schools with an agriculture program. “We are pleased to name Kim as our very first agricultural education program manager,” said Bruce Kettler, ISDA director. “Her […]
Indiana State Department of Agriculture names new deputy director
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture recently promoted Ross Newton to deputy director and hired Amanda Williams as field auditor, both within the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency. Newton grew up on a beef cattle farm, and was the Indiana FFA reporter from 2011–2012, as well as a 10-year 4-H member. In 2016, […]
State makes temporary storage available to licensed grain facilities in anticipation of high-yield harvest
INDIANAPOLIS — In anticipation of higher yields this harvest season, the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency reminds the state’s licensed grain facilities 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. “Anytime you’re looking at higher, potentially record, […]
Indiana signs memorandum with Canada’s Manitoba province to boost agriculture economy
Indiana hopes stronger relations with Manitoba will benefit agriculture economic growth for the state and the Canadian province. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler and members of the Indiana agricultural delegation met with officials from Canada’s Manitoba province Sept. 17 to discuss opportunities to grow both regions’ agricultural sectors. […]
88 family farms receive Hoosier Homestead Award
INDIANAPOLIS — A total of 88 families from around the state, including six from Northwest Indiana, were presented with the Hoosier Homestead Award for their longstanding commitment to Indiana agriculture. The families were recognized at the Indiana State Fair by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler on Aug. […]
Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA name Jerry Raynor new Indiana state conservationist
INDIANAPOLIS ‒ Jerry Raynor was named Indiana’s state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Raynor will oversee 80 local service centers, four area offices, and eight conservation delivery teams across the state and more than 200 employees who work directly with farmers and landowners. Raynor is a […]
State distributes $300,000 in funds to food banks serving Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS – The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana was one of 11 regional food banks around the state to receive a share of $300,000 in funding through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. The Gary-based food bank received $30,960 from the state. The funds will be used to provide food assistance and services to residents […]
State department of agriculture seeks support for soil health forever stamp from USPS
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is leading a nationwide effort asking the U.S. Postal Service to issue a soil health forever stamp and seeks public support. According to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, stamp proposals must meet certain criteria and will be considered based on their significance to American history, culture or […]
Jasper native named new deputy director of Indiana’s department of agriculture
INDIANAPOLIS – Jordan Seger was appointed deputy director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Seger has been with the department since 2011 and previously served as division of soil conservation director. “We are pleased to name Jordan deputy director of our state’s department of agriculture,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, secretary of agriculture and […]