Indiana Public Media News
A record $1 billion has been paid to Indiana farmers because of last year's drought, mostly because of a 40 percent drop in corn yields.
The census collects information on production and acreage, as well as energy sources, organic operations, and specialty crops and livestock.
Food hubs allow consumers to connect with farmers in a virtual marketplace.
State officials are urging farmers to use precaution as the drought has increased risks for fire, harmful dust and mold due to decomposition.
Local business has not been affected by a Stanford University study that found organic food was no more nutritional than conventional food.
The Secretary of Agriculture says the drought alone, is not enough to cause a big spike in food prices.
USDA officials spent Wednesday in northern parts of the state and will head to Johnson County Thursday.
State officials say a federal farm bill could help alleviate the costs of this year's drought.
Indiana farmland values jumped by nearly 23-percent from 2010 to 2011.
The USDA is closing an office in Martinsville that offers farmers assistance in applying for loans and complying with federal regulations.
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