Indiana among top states for cover crop adoption
The conservation survey, conducted between March and May, recorded 651,000 acres of corn and 916,000 acres of soybean covering the state.
Posey County led the state with about 87,000 acres under cover crops, followed by Gibson County with 70,000 acres and LaPorte County with 60,000 acres.
'Hoosier farmers are committed to preserving one of God's most (precious) gifts – Earth,' Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith said in a press release. 'Overwintering covers are just one tool that farmers use to preserve and enhance our farmland — ensuring they can pass down their property for generations. This is no easy task, and it can be costly. I applaud them for the extra effort.'
Farmers plant cover crops after the fall harvest to keep roots in the ground throughout the winter. They help build organic matter in the soil, improve overall soil health and reduce erosion. Some, such as legumes, also act as natural fertilizers. Cover crops have grown to cover more acreage in Indiana than any other commodity crop apart from corn and soybeans.
Acres of Living Green Cover Planted
The survey estimates that cover crops helped prevent 1.8 million tons of sediment from entering Indiana's waterways — enough to fill about 18,000 train freight cars. According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, constructing roads, buildings and the moving earth can cause sediment to enter waterways – making sediment the number one water quality pollutant in Indiana.
The survey also revealed that 70% of row crop acres were untilled — a method where crops are planted directly in residue of the previous crop. Additionally 18% had used reduced tillage over winter following the 2024 harvest.
Last year, Hoosier farmers broke the conservation record, planting 1.7 million acres under living cover.
The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, who assisted in conducting the survey, was among the many hit by federal funding freezes. The federal funding freezes left the Allen County district in turmoil – hurting operations and terminating an employee.
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Time Business News
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Tuesday Blessings: Uplifting Words to Inspire Your Week
Each new day is a gift—and Tuesday is no exception. Sandwiched between the buzz of Monday and the anticipation of midweek, Tuesday often gets overlooked. But it holds its own power, potential, and peace. Whether you're seeking motivation, peace, or a gentle reminder of God's presence, Tuesday blessings can help you realign with your purpose. In this post, we'll explore inspirational Tuesday blessings, powerful scriptures, prayers, and share how you can carry a thankful heart throughout the day. Tuesdays may seem uneventful, but they are filled with quiet strength. Here's why blessings on this day are meaningful: A Reset for the Week: If Monday was rough, Tuesday offers a second chance to begin again with grace. If Monday was rough, Tuesday offers a second chance to begin again with grace. Midweek Motivation: Tuesday blessings bring encouragement to stay focused and faithful. Tuesday blessings bring encouragement to stay focused and faithful. Spiritual Grounding: Starting your Tuesday with prayer or scripture strengthens your walk with God. Starting your Tuesday with prayer or scripture strengthens your walk with God. Opportunity for Gratitude: Blessings encourage a thankful mindset, which can transform your day. Here are some beautiful and uplifting Tuesday blessings to start your day with positivity and purpose: 'May your Tuesday be filled with the joy of the Lord, peace in your heart, and hope in every step you take.' 'On this Tuesday, may God's favor go before you. May your heart be light, your spirit strong, and your mind clear.' 'Happy Tuesday! May your burdens be lifted, your path be guided, and your heart be filled with gratitude.' 'God's love never fails. On this Tuesday, walk confidently in His promises.' 'May today be filled with unexpected blessings, answered prayers, and divine protection.' Let the Word of God bless your Tuesday and strengthen your spirit: 'But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…' Perfect for when Tuesday feels draining—remind yourself that strength comes from the Lord. 'Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God… will guard your hearts.' Let go of stress and allow God's peace to guard you. 'This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' No matter the challenges ahead, this day is a gift. 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…' An excellent verse for a hopeful and joyful Tuesday. Start your day by dedicating it to God with this simple yet powerful prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for this beautiful Tuesday. I praise You for waking me up and giving me another opportunity to walk in Your me today to be patient, kind, and faithful. Guide my steps, Lord, and keep me in Your will. May my words be a blessing to others and my actions reflect Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen. Speak these affirmations aloud or write them down to carry positive energy through your day: 'I am blessed, I am loved, and I am walking in God's purpose.' 'Today is a new opportunity to serve, grow, and give thanks.' 'God's mercy is new every morning—especially this one.' 'I have the strength to overcome and the peace to endure.' 'This Tuesday, I choose to focus on what matters and let go of what doesn't.' Want to bless someone else's Tuesday? Share one of these messages: To a Friend: 'Praying your Tuesday is filled with laughter, grace, and sweet moments of peace. God is with you!' 'Praying your Tuesday is filled with laughter, grace, and sweet moments of peace. God is with you!' To a Partner: 'Good morning, love. May your Tuesday be productive, peaceful, and touched by God's hand.' 'Good morning, love. May your Tuesday be productive, peaceful, and touched by God's hand.' To a Coworker: 'Wishing you clarity, calm, and confidence today. Happy Tuesday!' 'Wishing you clarity, calm, and confidence today. Happy Tuesday!' To a Parent: 'May your Tuesday be as strong and loving as you are. Praying for joy in every moment.' Looking for something sweet and short to brighten someone's day? 'Tuesday: Coffee, Christ, and Courage!' 'It's a beautiful day to trust God.' 'Tuesdays are for triumphs, not troubles.' 'A little prayer, a lot of faith—Tuesday made great.' 'Turn your 'I have to' into 'I get to.' Blessings flow from gratitude.' Day Theme Suggested Scripture Monday Motivation & Strength Joshua 1:9 Tuesday Hope & Renewal Isaiah 40:31 Wednesday Wisdom & Balance James 1:5 Thursday Thankfulness & Growth 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Friday Joy & Rest Psalm 16:11 Saturday Reflection & Family Proverbs 22:6 Sunday Worship & Praise Psalm 100:4 Want to post a Tuesday blessing on Instagram or Facebook? Here are caption ideas: 🌞 'Good morning and happy Tuesday! 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Yahoo
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Mercury retrograde begins today. Is it really that bad? An astrologer explains
Misunderstandings, travel disruptions, communication issues — these are all things commonly associated with Mercury retrograde, a period known to astrology lovers as a time of negativity and misfortune. The latest Mercury retrograde — one of three this year — started today, July 18, at 12:44 a.m. EST, and ends on Aug. 11, 2025 at 3:29 a.m. EST. You may have heard about this astrological phenomenon before — but what is it really? And what does it mean for your zodiac sign? We spoke to astrologer and media personality Nadiya Shah on everything you need to know. What exactly is Mercury retrograde? The term "retrograde" may be daunting, but Shah says it's a common occurrence. "Most planets go 'retrograde,'" Shah explains. "This is essentially an optical illusion, where a planet appears to be travelling backwards in the sky." According to the Farmer's Almanac, each planet in our solar system travels in the same direction in its journey around the sun, with none ever moving backwards. Yet, all of them appear to move backwards through the sky from time to time. For Mercury, this happens because the planet takes longer than Earth to orbit the sun. When the Earth overtakes Mercury, it appears to travel backward compared to the stars in the sky, which appear fixed in place. While all the planets in the solar system may appear to move backwards during certain times, Shah says that Mercury is "the most frequent of the major planets to go retrograde," with this occurring about three to four times a year. Why does Mercury retrograde have a reputation for causing chaos? Shah says that, astrologically speaking, Mercury rules communication, information and technology. "It governs perception, mental processes, movement and daily routines. So when it retrogrades, these areas are thought to be more prone to confusion, mistakes and challenges," she says. "When Mercury moves backwards, people might report more miscommunications, technology glitches, travel delays and general confusion, giving Mercury retrograde the reputation of chaos," says Shah. But it's not necessarily a negative period, she says. "From an astrological standpoint, the Mercury retrograde period can be interpreted as a time of reversal, review and reflection. While this can feel unsettling for some, it also presents an opportunity for introspection and course correction," she says. How does Mercury retrograde affect people? "According to astrological principles, Mercury retrograde extends far beyond a mere period of disruption," says Shah. She says that during its "pre-retrograde shadow" (also known as its "retroshade," the period before and after retrograde), Mercury begins to slow down, signalling a "shift in the energetic landscape," which you may have already felt in the days leading up to the actual retrograde. "The retrograde period itself is marked by a reversal in the planet's motion, which can lead to communication breakdowns, technological glitches and decision-making delays," she says. "We believe that in this phase, the universe invites us to revisit, rethink and recalibrate our plans, allowing for a more intentional path forward." "Finally, during the post-retrograde shadow phase, we are invited to incorporate the lessons and insights gained during the retrograde season into our daily lives," she says. "This is a time of renewed clarity, as the energetic dust settles and we are better equipped to navigate the road ahead." Is Mercury retrograde really that bad? Shah says the idea that "Mercury retrograde causes everything to go wrong" is a common misconception. "Mercury doesn't actually cause things to fall apart," she says. "But it can create communication, technology and travel-related challenges." "While Mercury retrograde can bring disruptions, it's not inherently a bad time," she says. "It's actually a good period for reflection, reviewing plans and making revisions. Embracing this energy can help us make positive changes." Who feels Mercury retrograde the most? According to Shah, zodiac signs ruled by the planet Mercury (Gemini and Virgo) are usually the signs that are "most impacted by Mercury retrograde periods." "However, the intensity of this energy can vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique birth chart and ability to navigate the challenges," she says. "Some people may be more resilient or adaptable to these shifts, while others may experience them more acutely." She says that how your sign feels Mercury's retrograde depends on where in the sky it takes place. "If Mercury is retrograde in a sign opposite yours, it is more likely to speak to repeating themes in love. In a different part of the sky, ... depending on the sign, it could bring career opportunities back around that you thought were gone." According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, when Mercury enters retrograde motion within the range of dates for a given astrological sign, it will have certain, differing effects. This time, the retrograde takes place from July 18 to Aug. 11, 2025, crossing into the date range for the signs Cancer (June 21-July 22) and Leo (July 23-Aug. 22). According to the Almanac, you should expect annoyances at home with baking, gardening and household duties under Cancer, the sign of home and family. Under Leo, the ambitious and performance-driven sign, you may want to avoid speculative investments — instead, analyze your investment portfolio and use your know-how and advisory skills to help your friends and associates. Mercury retrograde: Dos and don'ts "My personal experience with Mercury retrograde is that it is always reminding us not to take life too seriously," says Shah. "It's like the universe is giving us a gentle nudge to slow down and re-evaluate," she continues. "During this period, life is showing us what needs our attention right now, and what can wait for another day." She says that, in her experience, discernment has been key in figuring out what she should do during this period, and "what needs to be postponed." However, she does have some general advice for the retrograde period. "If possible, it's best to wait for a strong, stable Mercury before tackling major projects or decisions," she says. She explains that the idea that you should avoid making important decisions or signing contracts during Mercury retrograde "isn't entirely accurate." "While it's wise to be more cautious, you don't have to put your life on hold," she says. "The advice against signing contracts, finalizing deals or making big purchases during Mercury retrograde stems from Mercury's influence over details, agreements and information flow. Mistakes, omissions, or misunderstandings are more likely, so flexibility and careful review are essential to avoid future complications." She says that during this time, you can still make important decisions — just be prepared for potential delays or changes. "If your life is presenting you with things that can't be put off (travel, signing documents, buying a house) then by all means, dive in and get them done," she says. "After all, everything that's happening in your life is an opportunity for you to learn." "Trust your instincts and have faith that things will work out in your favour. Because even in its trickster ways, Mercury is guiding you towards greater love and wisdom." Don't fear Mercury retrograde Overall, Shah says that rather than viewing Mercury retrograde as something to be feared or avoided, we should see it as "a chance to gain valuable insights," and a time to "re-examine our choices and adjust our paths with greater clarity and intentionality." "I always emphasize the importance of trusting that the universe is always wise and loving, which helps reduce anxiety around Mercury retrograde's challenges," she says. "This mindset fosters openness to learning from the process, rather than resisting or fearing it." At the end of the day, she says to "expect the unexpected." "Remain flexible and adaptable, as plans may change or new challenges may arise ... Approach each day with an open mind." "The key is to be patient, introspective and adaptable during Mercury retrograde. Embracing the mystery, instead of avoiding it, will let the universe work its magic."
Yahoo
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Mercury retrograde in Leo is going after these 4 zodiac signs
Ahoy, star seeds! The second Mercury retrograde of 2025 is upon us, and this one is going down — or slowing down, in Leo, the sign of pick-me bombast, grand gestures, stage lights, and dramatic exits. When does Mercury go into retrograde? Our planet of the mind and the mouth, information and slander, connection and communion, stations retrograde on Friday, July 18th, 2025, at 12:45 AM EST at 15°34 of Leo. Mercury will remain in retrograde until August 11th at 3:29 a.m. when it will station direct at 4°14 Leo. The planet will clear its post-retrograde shadow, or retroshade, on August 25th. What happens during Mercury retrograde? Mercury is named for the trickster Roman god of thieves, messages and merchants — a wing-footed, loose-tongued psychopomp who escorted the dead to the underworld and carried messages near and far, high and low. In astrology, Mercury governs cognition and communication, how we gather, process and disperse knowledge, and exchange ideas with others. When a planet is retrograde, its energy works in the opposite direction, not necessarily against us, but certainly not as a trusted sidekick. Because Mercury governs the mind, its retrograde triggers challenges in organizing, expressing, and creating order. An astrological PSA: Planets do not ever move backward in space; they merely slow their proverbial rolls, a deceleration that looks like a reversal from our vantage here on beautiful, broken planet Earth. Retrogrades invite us to lean hard and clean into the prefix 're': reimagine, revise, repent, reflect, review, renew, reconcile, resolve, and reorganize so that when the planet moves forward, so, too, can we. This summons to reflect and restrain is especially arduous when Leo is holding court, as the sign is more interested in the expression than contemplation and more likely to roar than ruminate. Mercury in Leo Leo is the home of the ham, and Mercury is the planet of exchange. When these two energies meet, communication is a bold blend of gregariousness, galvanization, and self-aggrandizement. When Mercury is moving forward in Leo, the energy oscillates between precocious child star and coercive dictator, wherein charm and expertly timed tantrums are used to yield desired results. Yet, when Mercury retrogrades in Leo, we're asked to examine why and when we express to impress and how we can lead with listening and temper our tempers with compassion. At its brightest expression, Mercury in Leo is a lion-hearted, creative, and stalwart steward of the inner child. While words are a tripwire and tempers a flare gun during Mercury retrograde, channeling this fire into the healthy outlet of creative expression can be a beautiful redirect; think dancing over rage texting, painting over pontificating, and hugging yourself tightly versus hurling hurt at others. How often does Mercury go into retrograde? Mercury goes retrograde three to four times a year, typically for about three weeks. Mercury retrograde in July Common symptoms of Mercury's retrograde include travel delays, brain fog, unexpected or renewed conflict, sexts sent to the wrong recipient, general malaise, and frequent misunderstandings. In a recent episode of 'The Bear,' one character assures another, 'Honesty is sanity,' and never is the parable more applicable than during a Mercury retrograde. That being said, and if you'll excuse the platitude, timing is everything. In tandem, the ethos of this retrograde is to speak true but sit tight. Is there a Mercury retrograde right now? Because Mercury retrograde is going down — or back, as it were—in fixed sign, those with personal planets falling in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius will feel these effects most acutely — particularly those with planets or angles between 4 and 15 degrees. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Mercury's retrograde is hitting team Taurus in the trigger-rich realm of family origins. It would be easy, and in keeping with tradition, for you to meet challenging family dynamics with bitterness, stoicism, or seething resentment. However, Mercury retrograde presents an opportunity to defy expectations and revise strategy. The last thing they'll see coming and the quickest route to shock and awe? An apology. Allow me to clarify with the sage advice of author Mark Matthews, 'Apologizing does not always mean you're wrong and the other person is right. It just means you value your relationship more than your ego.' LEO (July 23 – August 22) Ahoy Leo! Mercury is retrograding in your first house, which represents the self. You may feel more like a dented tin cup than a shiny penny during this transit as the planet's backpedal makes you question your identity, usually unshakable confidence, and conversational prowess. However, it is precisely this kind of self-inquiry that can help you evolve in the way you communicate, teaching you to deepen your listening skills and approach each interaction as an opportunity to understand, rather than respond. SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) Merry retrograde parade to you, Scorpio. This one is rounding the backstroke bases in your tenth house of legacy and personal purpose. Where do you want to be, and are you making moves that support that course? As Mercury retrograde encourages us to review and revise, use this time to determine whether your idea of success is inborn or born of outside influence. Who are you trying to please, and does your ladder have a limit? AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) What messages, verbal, psychic, and physical, are you sending to your nearest and dearest, Aquarius? Further, what communicative currents are picking up on that you have thus far failed to address? Mercury retrograde is coming correct for your seventh house of trusted partnerships, a summons to review what you spew and meditate on how you reciprocate. You are not only capable but divinely designed to exchange with others in ways that serve your better angels and the principles of equality. Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
