Governor Meets with Ag Leaders on Delayed Planting

(photo courtesy of Governor Eric Holcomb's office)

Governor Eric Holcomb recently met with leaders from the state’s agriculture sector regarding the impact of unusual weather conditions on farms and other ag businesses. The USDA says 84 percent of Indiana’s corn crop and 64 percent of soybeans have been planted. Typically, both crops are at 100 percent planted by this time of the year.

The department adds there have only been 27 suitable days for fieldwork since late March, about 20 fewer compared to the same time period in 2018.

Holcomb met with representatives from Indiana Corn & Soybean, the Indiana Farm Service Agency, the Agribusiness Council of Indiana, Indiana Pork and the Purdue College of Agriculture, among others.

"The unprecedented weather and extreme field conditions have put Indiana farmers in a very trying situation," Holcomb said in a news release. "The relentless rainfall has prevented many acres from being planted and in some cases farmers have not been able to plant at all. This not only affects crop producers but those involved in animal production and the businesses that supply them."

The governor’s office says Holcomb with working with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana Farm Service Agency to pursue options for agriculture assistance for Indiana farmers. The effort will include decisions about proceeding with request for federal assistance as assessments are made at the county level.

The Indiana Farm Service Agency is encouraging farmers to contact the agency and report their planted acres as soon as possible, but no later than July 15 in order determine if a request can be made to the USDA.