KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) — Some Indiana farmers are concerned that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is delaying the release of key crop reports during the partial federal government shutdown.
Brad Winger farms corn and soybeans in Howard and Miami counties. He tells The Kokomo Tribune that he's "driving blind" and unsure of what to do with some of last year's harvest without the data.
The USDA announced the delay Jan. 4. The reports detail the size of last year's harvests and give an early estimate for what farmers will plant in the upcoming season.
Chris Hurt is an agricultural economist at Purdue University. He says the reports would also be valuable to understand the impact of the ongoing trade war with China.
The shutdown stems from President Donald Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for a border wall.
MORE TOP STORIES| Multiple agencies involved in federal raids across throughout Indianapolis|Mysterious noises rattling central Indiana neighborhoods were likely winter phenomenon known as frost quakes|Greenfield man creates giant eagles out of snow|Noblesville police respond to unsafe sledding call, test the hill for themselves|Lafayette police release body cam footage from officer shooting
Top Trending Videos
