Food Tank offers strategies on saving water

The United States suffered its worst drought in at least 25 years in 2012, in an event that affected 80 percent of the country's agricultural land.

USDA: Illinois drops to No. 4 in corn production

ST. LOUIS | Illinois corn production plunged 34 percent last year as a severe drought cost the state bragging rights as the country's second-biggest grower of the grain, the federal government announced Friday in its final crop report for 2012.

USDA: Drought costs Ill. corn-producing status

In this July, 2012 photo, the sun rises over struggling drought and heat stressed corn in Pleasant Plains, Ill.

USDA: Drought costs Ill. corn-producing status

In this September 2012 photo, central Illinois farmers harvest their corn crops in Savoy, Ill.

Annual bird counts give scientists climate clues

Where are the wild turkeys? Why were no black rails found? What about fox sparrows and the 13 other species that are commonly counted on the preserve? Where have they gone?

Care for dry grass now or replace it later

Fall is the best time to prepare lawns for the next growing season by mowing, raking, aerating and fertilizing. The game plan changes, though, if drought-stressed grass has been dormant for a long time. In that case, preparation escalates into repair.

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Jasper, LaPorte counties now qualify for federal disaster loans

INDIANAPOLIS | The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared a natural disaster in two more of Indiana's 92 counties due to the lingering drought.

State calls for voluntary water conservation

As the drought continues, five Indiana government agencies are working to reduce Hoosiers’ consumption of water by at least 10 percent.

Gary urban garden growing despite drought

GARY | Despite soaring temperatures, a Gary urban farm is holding its own against the heat.

St. John asking residents to help reduce water use

ST. JOHN | Businesses already have been asked to reduce how often they water lawns, and town officials are hoping residents will cut back on sprinkling, too.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

FROM the FARM: Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup a satisfying easy summer recipe

Phil Potempa's weekly farm column recipe.

FROM the FARM: A reason to be thankful for this season's blueberries

Phil Potempa's weekly farm column recipe.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

State won't aid fireworks dealers

INDIANAPOLIS | Fireworks retailers whose Fourth of July sales have been a dud due to drought-induced local fireworks bans shouldn't look to state government to add some sparkle to their bottom line.

'Smart' plants adapt to survive dry conditions

No one's talking about giving intelligence tests, but researchers say they've shown that plants have smarts — the sort needed to help them survive dry times.