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.
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