The Indiana Packers Corporation will suspend operations Monday at its Delphi processing facility, according to a letter sent to farmers Friday.

Tyson Foods is temporarily closing its pork processing facility in Indiana after employees there tested positive for the coronavirus. The shutdown will be felt throughout the agricultural industry in the state.

After enduring trade disputes and worker shortages, U.S. hog farmers were poised to finally hit it big this year. Instead, restaurant closures due to the coronavirus have contributed to an estimated $5 billion in losses for the industry.

The Purdue Student Farm usually sells its produce to Purdue food services, but the farm found itself without customers after on-campus classes were canceled and most students returned home amid the pandemic.

The start of the planting season looks much better than last year's wet spring, but grain prices have fallen during the coronavirus pandemic.

The national Ag Economy Barometer saw sharp declines in current and future expectations tracking with other industries feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agricultural economists say there is potential for record high year for corn yields this year, but that may not be good news for farmers.

Many have worried if COVID 19 can impact animals. Indiana State Veterinarian Bret Marsh says that has not been confirmed.

The legislative push comes at a time when Indiana farmers say profit margins are tight and health care costs are challenging.

WFYI's Taylor Bennett spoke with Biodynamic Ventures President and CEO John Bales about his ambition to make Indiana the country's foremost grower and processor of hemp.