Beef producers shouldn't overlook proper mineral intake as part of an overall feeding plan, according to a Purdue Extension specialist.
Ron Lemenager, a professor of animal sciences, said minerals are becoming a more important issue as feed options have changed.
"I think we pretty much had minerals taken care of when everyone was feeding corn and hay," Lemenager said. "But then it changed and we introduced by-products like distillers dried grains, corn gluten feed and soybean hulls which changes our supplementation strategy."
If minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese and selenium are out of balance, a cow could have problems with immune function, reproduction, digestion and metabolism, and onset of puberty, among other issues. <Read More>
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Upcoming Events - "Getting Started in Vegetable, Fruit, and Specialty Crop Production" Workshop at Hort Congress
Are you interested in growing and marketing fresh fruit, vegetables or other specialty crops locally but are unsure how to get started? Then plan to attend a special workshop specifically designed to meet the needs of beginning farmers. Workshop participants will learn what it takes to start and manage a successful specialty crop business. Extension specialists from Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison will discuss resource assessment, goal setting, financial planning and marketing options. Growers will also be on hand to share their experiences and answer questions about starting new specialty crop enterprises using a range of different production and direct marketing strategies.
This workshop is part of the Indiana Horticulture Congress, which will also include more advanced sessions featuring fruit and vegetable production, agritourism, wine and grapes, on-farm food safety, organics, and high tunnel management. Horticulture Congress is January 17-19 at the Wyndham Hotel in Indianapolis, with the "Getting Started" workshop being held January 17 from 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM EST. Registration to Hort Congress is required for attendance at the "Getting Started" workshop. Conference information and registration available here.
This workshop is part of the Indiana Horticulture Congress, which will also include more advanced sessions featuring fruit and vegetable production, agritourism, wine and grapes, on-farm food safety, organics, and high tunnel management. Horticulture Congress is January 17-19 at the Wyndham Hotel in Indianapolis, with the "Getting Started" workshop being held January 17 from 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM EST. Registration to Hort Congress is required for attendance at the "Getting Started" workshop. Conference information and registration available here.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Upcoming Events - Horticulture Congress Will Educate Fruit and Vegetable Growers
The approaching winter season is the perfect time for Indiana specialty crop growers to learn about industry "hot topics" from Purdue University experts.
The Indiana Horticulture Congress and Trade Show will take place Jan. 17-19 at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, 2554 Executive Drive, Indianapolis. The event includes networking functions and educational workshops dealing with issues such as beginning specialty crop farming, production practices, pest and disease control, marketing, food safety, labor, and production in high tunnels and greenhouses.
"The conference provides three days of educational material to increase the skill levels of fruit and vegetable growers in Indiana and surrounding states," said Jennifer Dennis, Purdue horticulture professor. "Attendees have the chance to learn about trends in the industry from Purdue University Extension educators and faculty."
The trade show is expanding this year to encompass more exhibitors attracted by larger attendance at the Congress, which has surpassed 800 the past two years.
Participants will be introduced to My Local Indiana, a new organization to help consumers find locally grown products while promoting Indiana farms, agritourism, wineries and farmers markets.
Attendees with private applicator permits, which allow growers to use restricted or state-limited herbicides, can participate in the Private Applicator Recertification Program. All permit holders must participate in three recertification programs within five years of receiving their permit. The program will be held 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.18. There is a $10 fee to receive credits.
Special events will include a silent auction to help support fruit and vegetable Extension activities, a screening of "The Greenhorns," a documentary about beginning farmers and an Indiana Wine Grape reception at which attendees can taste Indiana wines while browsing the trade show.
Apple cider producers can participate in the annual cider contest by submitting two, one-gallon jugs of cider by Wednesday morning of the conference. A consumer panel will judge the ciders, and awards will be given to the makers of the three best ciders in the state.
Registration is due Jan. 9. Hotel rooms should also be booked at the Wyndham by that date to receive special conference rates.
For more information or to register, visit http://www.inhortcongress.org
The Indiana Horticulture Congress and Trade Show will take place Jan. 17-19 at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, 2554 Executive Drive, Indianapolis. The event includes networking functions and educational workshops dealing with issues such as beginning specialty crop farming, production practices, pest and disease control, marketing, food safety, labor, and production in high tunnels and greenhouses.
"The conference provides three days of educational material to increase the skill levels of fruit and vegetable growers in Indiana and surrounding states," said Jennifer Dennis, Purdue horticulture professor. "Attendees have the chance to learn about trends in the industry from Purdue University Extension educators and faculty."
The trade show is expanding this year to encompass more exhibitors attracted by larger attendance at the Congress, which has surpassed 800 the past two years.
Participants will be introduced to My Local Indiana, a new organization to help consumers find locally grown products while promoting Indiana farms, agritourism, wineries and farmers markets.
Attendees with private applicator permits, which allow growers to use restricted or state-limited herbicides, can participate in the Private Applicator Recertification Program. All permit holders must participate in three recertification programs within five years of receiving their permit. The program will be held 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.18. There is a $10 fee to receive credits.
Special events will include a silent auction to help support fruit and vegetable Extension activities, a screening of "The Greenhorns," a documentary about beginning farmers and an Indiana Wine Grape reception at which attendees can taste Indiana wines while browsing the trade show.
Apple cider producers can participate in the annual cider contest by submitting two, one-gallon jugs of cider by Wednesday morning of the conference. A consumer panel will judge the ciders, and awards will be given to the makers of the three best ciders in the state.
Registration is due Jan. 9. Hotel rooms should also be booked at the Wyndham by that date to receive special conference rates.
For more information or to register, visit http://www.inhortcongress.org
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Upcoming Events - Conference to Focus on Midwestern Farm Women
The annual Midwest Women in Agriculture conference should help attendees develop new ideas and perspectives on agriculture to take home to their communities.
The conference will be Feb. 29 to March 1 at the Shipshewana Town Center, 760 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, Ind.
"We have returning speakers from last year's conference along with new, exciting speakers that should make for a fun time," said Purdue University Extension educator Elysia Berry, a conference organizer. "Attendees vary from those in agricultural professions to those who have been involved in farming their whole lives, to those just getting started, and there is much to learn for all."
One of this year's keynote speeches is aimed toward women who are searching for living their legacies. In her speech "Bury Me With My Pearls," professional speaker Jane Herlog uses a pearl analogy - cultured, uncultured and the power of the seed pearls - to empower women to handle business and personal challenges with grace and humor.
The other keynote speaker, Pam Boocher, senior marketing associate from Elanco, will explore the benefits of modern, efficient technology used in food production in her speech "What Consumers Want: Technology Fighting for a Change to Feed the World."
Other topics covered at the conference will include farm marketing, estate basics, grain bin safety, depression in women and couponing.
The conference fee is $80 for one day or $90 for both if registered before Feb. 15. After Feb. 15, the cost is $115 for one day or $140 for both days. The fee includes lunch on both days and dinner the first evening. Lodging is not included in the registration fee.
There will be a hotel room block available for conference attendees at Amish Country Inn, 800 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, 260-765-7688. To receive the conference rate, reservations must be made by Feb. 15.
To register or for more information, visit the Purdue University Women in Agriculture website.
The conference will be Feb. 29 to March 1 at the Shipshewana Town Center, 760 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, Ind.
"We have returning speakers from last year's conference along with new, exciting speakers that should make for a fun time," said Purdue University Extension educator Elysia Berry, a conference organizer. "Attendees vary from those in agricultural professions to those who have been involved in farming their whole lives, to those just getting started, and there is much to learn for all."
One of this year's keynote speeches is aimed toward women who are searching for living their legacies. In her speech "Bury Me With My Pearls," professional speaker Jane Herlog uses a pearl analogy - cultured, uncultured and the power of the seed pearls - to empower women to handle business and personal challenges with grace and humor.
The other keynote speaker, Pam Boocher, senior marketing associate from Elanco, will explore the benefits of modern, efficient technology used in food production in her speech "What Consumers Want: Technology Fighting for a Change to Feed the World."
Other topics covered at the conference will include farm marketing, estate basics, grain bin safety, depression in women and couponing.
The conference fee is $80 for one day or $90 for both if registered before Feb. 15. After Feb. 15, the cost is $115 for one day or $140 for both days. The fee includes lunch on both days and dinner the first evening. Lodging is not included in the registration fee.
There will be a hotel room block available for conference attendees at Amish Country Inn, 800 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, 260-765-7688. To receive the conference rate, reservations must be made by Feb. 15.
To register or for more information, visit the Purdue University Women in Agriculture website.
'Ugly is as Ugly Does' Applies to Insects
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| Spiny Katydid |
To many people, the term is an apt expression of their feelings regarding the appearance of insects. I haven’t done a formal survey on the subject, but in my experience people often express their feelings about insects using the words “ugly” and “gross” – especially if the encounter is up close and personal.
To many people, the term is an apt expression of their feelings regarding the appearance of insects. I haven’t done a formal survey on the subject, but in my experience people often express their feelings about insects using the words “ugly” and “gross” – especially if the encounter is up close and personal. <Read More>
Weekly Outlook - Continued Weakness in Crop Prices
Crop prices are heading to year-end on a weak note. Corn prices are near the level that existed in the first week of January and well below the late summer highs. Soybean prices are well below the level at the start of the year and at the lowest level since early October 2010. Prices of soft red winter wheat are at the lowest level since July 2010.
The USDA’s monthly report of U.S. and world supply and consumption prospects, released on December 9, underscores the reasons for the current price weakness. The 2011 U.S. corn and soybean crops were the smallest crops in three years and the wheat crop was the smallest in 5 years, but foreign production of these crops was record large. The foreign coarse grain crop exceeded the previous record crop of a year ago by 7 percent, foreign wheat production was up by 7.3 percent, and foreign soybean production was 2.4 percent larger than the previous crop. Production prospects also remain favorable for the current southern hemisphere crops. Combined wheat production in Australia and Argentina is expected to be only about 2.5 percent smaller than last year’s large output. Combined corn production in South Africa, Argentina, and Brazil is expected to be 11 percent larger than that of 2011, and South American soybean production is expected to increase by 1.5 percent. <Read More>
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Farm Tax Management Webinar Link Now Available
The link to the recorded version of the Income Tax Management for Farmers in 2011 webinar is now available. If you missed the live version or would like to view all or part of it again, it is available at https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/p78322489/. The program can be viewed on any computer with high-speed internet access. Reference material cited in the presentation is available for download at http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/extension/programs/tax_planning.asp.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Indiana Board of Animal Health Office Relocating to Indiana State Fairgrounds
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) central office will be moving to a new location at the Indiana State Fairgrounds the week of December 12. As a result, callers to the agency may experience some disruption to phone services on December 13 and 14.
After December 13, the agency’s new address will be:
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
Discovery Hall, Suite 100
1202 E 38th Street
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Indianapolis, IN 46205
1202 E 38th Street
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Indianapolis, IN 46205
All phone numbers will remain the same. Only the BOAH fax number will change to 317/974-2011.
BOAH will be occupying the newly renovated Discovery Hall, which has historically been known as the “4-H Girls Dorm.” The agency will be located on the building’s ground floor.
SW Indiana Corn & Soybean Plot Results Available
Results from corn and soybean test plots conducted in Posey and Gibson Counties are now available online.
You will find the Posey County corn and soybean test plot results, as well as an identically-planted corn plot in Gibson County. In addition, we have the Posey and Gibson County corn plot data combined, listing the average of both of these plots together.
The corn plot in Gibson County experienced a high incidence of green snap. Therefore, you will see a separate column in the Gibson corn plot results that shows the percentage of the plants that showed some damage. The Posey plot location did not experience damage from green snap.
Thanks again to all the cooperators, seed dealers, and Extension Educators who helped with these plots. See the last page on each of the results for a listing of the seed company contacts.
Anticipating Crop Prices in 2012
Crop prices during 2011 were influenced by a wide range of factors that resulted in extremely large trading ranges. The price patterns, however, were very different for corn, soybeans, and wheat. As the year ends, thoughts turn to likely price levels in 2012.
December 2011 corn futures started the year near $5.50, with the higher trend that began near $4.00 in July 2010 still in place. The trend continued, although erratically, reaching a peak near $7.80 in late August. Prices have declined sharply since then, with the December 2011 contract currently only about $.30 higher than at the start of the year.
January 2012 soybean futures started the year just below $13.00, with the higher trend that began near $9.50 in July 2010 still in place. The price of that contract traded between $12.50 and $14.00 through mid-August, peaked at $14.74 in late August and then plummeted to $11.00 in late November. That contract is currently trading near $11.40. <Read More>
In the Grow - Q & A
Rosie Lerner, Purdue Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist
Q. We are enclosing some pictures that we took of some of our trees, which have been attacked by disease. We were wondering if you could tell us what it is and how to treat it. I'm afraid it will spread to our other trees and eventually kill them. The types of trees are maple, apple, oak and poplar. We appreciate any help you can give us.
A. I have good news and bad news. Your trees have two types of growth showing in these photos. The good news is that neither spread to other healthy trees.
More good news is that the flatter, grey-green growth is a colony of lichens - harmless symbiotic (mutually beneficial) organisms composed of a combination of fungi and either algae or cyanobacteria. Together, they live as one organism and are only using the bark of your tree for anchorage; lichens are not parasites. More information on lichens can be found at http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/expert/Lichens.html.
Q. I've inherited a distressed Norfolk Island pine. It was in an office, which was very dry, and it had been neglected, even as to its watering. It now is in my living room, and I would like to do what I can to get it back to health. It is sparse from the middle on up. I have removed all of the dead branches. It measures approximately 48 inches from the top of the soil to the top of the branches and measures about 48 inches at its widest point. The pot that it is in is 12x16 inches and does not have any drain holes. It is not full but is very wide. Should I prune the tree? I have attached a picture. What is the best course of care?
A. Unlike many other plants the Norfolk Island pine is not able to replace the gaps in the middle. Any branch that has dropped needles or whole branches that have died will remain bare. So there is no way to prune it that would result in desirable regrowth.
The most immediate need is to repot into a container that allows excess water to drain away from the soil. However, given the bare areas in the middle, you might want to consider either starting over with a new plant or, if you really want to save this particular plant, you might try to root the cut top and discard the bottom. Norfolk Island pine cuttings can only be taken from the top of the central leader stem; cuttings from the lateral branches will not form a new leader.
More information on the care of this plant is at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/norfolkislandpine.html and on how to take cuttings at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-37web.html.
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Q. We are enclosing some pictures that we took of some of our trees, which have been attacked by disease. We were wondering if you could tell us what it is and how to treat it. I'm afraid it will spread to our other trees and eventually kill them. The types of trees are maple, apple, oak and poplar. We appreciate any help you can give us.
A. I have good news and bad news. Your trees have two types of growth showing in these photos. The good news is that neither spread to other healthy trees.
More good news is that the flatter, grey-green growth is a colony of lichens - harmless symbiotic (mutually beneficial) organisms composed of a combination of fungi and either algae or cyanobacteria. Together, they live as one organism and are only using the bark of your tree for anchorage; lichens are not parasites. More information on lichens can be found at http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/expert/Lichens.html.
Some not-so-good news is that the creamy-colored growth that protrudes a bit from the trunk is called shelf fungus and lives on old, usually decaying, trees. While this fungus does not cause disease itself, it is an indication of serious decay problems below and can further weaken the tree. The fungus is less serious than the principal cause or causes of decay. Affected branches can be pruned out, but there's nothing that can be done when the decay is on the main trunk. The tree can continue to live for quite a few more years, but eventually it will need to be removed.
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Q. I've inherited a distressed Norfolk Island pine. It was in an office, which was very dry, and it had been neglected, even as to its watering. It now is in my living room, and I would like to do what I can to get it back to health. It is sparse from the middle on up. I have removed all of the dead branches. It measures approximately 48 inches from the top of the soil to the top of the branches and measures about 48 inches at its widest point. The pot that it is in is 12x16 inches and does not have any drain holes. It is not full but is very wide. Should I prune the tree? I have attached a picture. What is the best course of care?
A. Unlike many other plants the Norfolk Island pine is not able to replace the gaps in the middle. Any branch that has dropped needles or whole branches that have died will remain bare. So there is no way to prune it that would result in desirable regrowth.
The most immediate need is to repot into a container that allows excess water to drain away from the soil. However, given the bare areas in the middle, you might want to consider either starting over with a new plant or, if you really want to save this particular plant, you might try to root the cut top and discard the bottom. Norfolk Island pine cuttings can only be taken from the top of the central leader stem; cuttings from the lateral branches will not form a new leader.
More information on the care of this plant is at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/norfolkislandpine.html and on how to take cuttings at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-37web.html.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Upcoming Events - Farm Tax Management Webinar
Farmers preparing for income tax season will have an additional resource to help them sort through tax codes and changes when Purdue Extension offers a free webinar Dec. 6.
Income Tax Management for Farmers in 2011 will run 8:00-10:00 AM CST and is open to interested farmers. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with presenters and ask questions.
"Farmers need to determine year-to-date receipts and expenses for 2011 while there is still time to make adjustments for the calendar year," said George Patrick, Purdue Extension agricultural economist. "The webinar also will address after-the-end-of-the-year tax alternatives."
Those who derive at least two-thirds of their gross income from farming can file their income taxes by March 1 without having to worry about making estimated tax payments, Patrick said.
He and David Frette, a certified public accountant who works largely with farmers, will lead the webinar.
Some topics include deferred income from sales, prepaid expenses, farm income averaging, crop insurance, casualty losses, self-employment tax updates and tax management.
To participate, go to https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/tax/ approximately 10-15 minutes prior to the start time and log in as "Guest". A high-speed internet connection is required.
**Note: For those unable to view the program live, it will be recorded for later viewing. The link to the recorded version will be posted on the Gazette as soon as it is available**
Income Tax Management for Farmers in 2011 will run 8:00-10:00 AM CST and is open to interested farmers. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with presenters and ask questions.
"Farmers need to determine year-to-date receipts and expenses for 2011 while there is still time to make adjustments for the calendar year," said George Patrick, Purdue Extension agricultural economist. "The webinar also will address after-the-end-of-the-year tax alternatives."
Those who derive at least two-thirds of their gross income from farming can file their income taxes by March 1 without having to worry about making estimated tax payments, Patrick said.
He and David Frette, a certified public accountant who works largely with farmers, will lead the webinar.
Some topics include deferred income from sales, prepaid expenses, farm income averaging, crop insurance, casualty losses, self-employment tax updates and tax management.
To participate, go to https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/tax/ approximately 10-15 minutes prior to the start time and log in as "Guest". A high-speed internet connection is required.
**Note: For those unable to view the program live, it will be recorded for later viewing. The link to the recorded version will be posted on the Gazette as soon as it is available**
Tips on Selection and Care of Real Christmas Trees
Coke vs. Pepsi, Leno vs. Letterman, Mac vs. PC, Purdue vs. IU.......real vs. artificial Christmas trees; No matter where you stand on these issues, debate over each usually stirs up controversy and can bring forth strong, unwavering, and sometimes hostile responses from otherwise rational individuals. With the holiday season upon us, the real vs. artificial debate will likely liven up once again.
Fans of real trees cite the fragrance, the tradition, and the environmental benefits of a real Christmas tree and the petroleum-consuming blandness of artificial trees. Artificial tree fans cite the easy, no mess set-up and take-down of an artificial Christmas tree and the dirty, dried-up needles stuck in the carpet that you get with a real tree.
Regardless of which side of the fence you find yourself with this issue, the fact is many families will head out over the next week in search of the perfect real Christmas tree and those real trees require a little extra effort and a little more attention. Below are links to two Purdue Extension publications that offer tips on selection and care of real Christmas trees to help ensure a happy and safe experience. And, in the spirit of the holiday season, may we all agree to disagree in the great Christmas tree debate.
Selecting an Indiana Grown Christmas Tree, FNR-422
Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real Christmas Trees, FNR 423
Fans of real trees cite the fragrance, the tradition, and the environmental benefits of a real Christmas tree and the petroleum-consuming blandness of artificial trees. Artificial tree fans cite the easy, no mess set-up and take-down of an artificial Christmas tree and the dirty, dried-up needles stuck in the carpet that you get with a real tree.
Regardless of which side of the fence you find yourself with this issue, the fact is many families will head out over the next week in search of the perfect real Christmas tree and those real trees require a little extra effort and a little more attention. Below are links to two Purdue Extension publications that offer tips on selection and care of real Christmas trees to help ensure a happy and safe experience. And, in the spirit of the holiday season, may we all agree to disagree in the great Christmas tree debate.
Selecting an Indiana Grown Christmas Tree, FNR-422
Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real Christmas Trees, FNR 423
Conservation Easements Offer Way to Keep Land for Farming
Landowners who want to ensure that their farmland will be farmed for generations to come can consider a conservation easement to limit its future development even if they later sell the land.
A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a land trust, a private, nonprofit organization that works to conserve the land. In this type of agreement, the landowner "gifts" the conservation easement to the land trust. The landowner, in turn, benefits from federal income tax deductions.
"Granting a conservation easement means the development rights for the land have been transferred, by a deed, to an organization qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, such as a land trust," said Gerry Harrison, Purdue Extension agricultural economist. "The organization holding the easement has the responsibility to see that the land is not developed for other than the landowner's retained purposes, such as agricultural production or perhaps some limited structures such as a homestead." <Read More>
A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a land trust, a private, nonprofit organization that works to conserve the land. In this type of agreement, the landowner "gifts" the conservation easement to the land trust. The landowner, in turn, benefits from federal income tax deductions.
"Granting a conservation easement means the development rights for the land have been transferred, by a deed, to an organization qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, such as a land trust," said Gerry Harrison, Purdue Extension agricultural economist. "The organization holding the easement has the responsibility to see that the land is not developed for other than the landowner's retained purposes, such as agricultural production or perhaps some limited structures such as a homestead." <Read More>
December Yard and Garden Calendar
HOME (Indoor plants and activities)
- Check houseplant leaves for brown, dry edges, which indicate too little relative humidity in the house. Increase humidity by running a humidifier, grouping plants or using pebble trays.
- Extend the lives of holiday plants, such as poinsettias and Christmas cactus, by placing them in a cool, brightly lit area that is free from warm or cold drafts.
- Prevent bark-splitting of young and thin-barked trees, such as fruit and maple trees. Wrap trunks with tree wrap, or paint trunks with white latex (not oil-based) paint, particularly on the south- and southwest-facing sides.
- Protect shrubs, such as junipers and arborvitae, from extensive snow loads by tying their stems together with twine. Carefully remove heavy snow loads with a broom to prevent limb breakage.
- To protect newly planted or tender perennials and bulbs, mulch with straw, chopped leaves or other organic material after plants become dormant.
- Store leftover garden chemicals where they will stay dry, unfrozen and out of the reach of children, pets and unsuspecting adults. <Read More>
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