Agriculture and Natural Resources

Our ANR programs are the link between research-based information from Purdue University and Howard County. ANR Extension Educators provide a range of services to farmers, home horticulturists, and other community members. See the list of available programs we can bring to you or your organization.  Please contact us if you are interested!

 

Howard County Master Gardeners 

Did you know the Master Gardener Program began in the state of Washington in 1972 in response to overwhelming demand from home gardeners seeking information from their local Extension Service?  Indiana's program started in 1978, and currently, over 50 counties have Master Gardener Programs.  The Purdue University Master Gardener Program is part of the Extension Service and has over 2,600 active Master Gardener members who volunteer more than 134,000 hours each year! Become a Master Gardener today!

 

Howard County Community Garden

Our local community garden is open to everyone — and there are plenty of ways to get involved! The garden serves two main purposes: providing fresh produce to local organizations that feed those in need, and hosting free public seminars for community members to learn and grow together.
We grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that go directly to local food banks, soup kitchens, and shelters. Your participation — whether planting, watering, or harvesting — makes a real difference in fighting food insecurity right here in our neighborhood.
The garden also serves as a hands-on learning space for all ages. Our free public seminars cover topics like composting, water conservation, seasonal planting, and sustainable gardening. Led by local volunteers and educators, these sessions are a great way to build new skills and connect with your neighbors.
Whether you have a green thumb or are just getting started, there’s a place for you here. Come join us and help grow a stronger, healthier community — one garden bed at a time.

 

Contact Us

Mathias Ingle

ANR Extension Educator Howard County

120 E. Mulberry St. Suite 105

Kokomo, IN 46901

 

Office: 765-456-2313

Direct: 765-456-2318

Email: rmingle@purdue.edu

Programs we offer to you!

The Purdue Extension Chicken Embryology program is a hands-on, 21-day science initiative for youth to study chick development. It involves incubating, monitoring, and hatching eggs, teaching embryology, and developing life skills in biology, math, and animal care.

Do you have an insect that needs identified, a plant that is taking over the front yard, or a tree that doesn't look healthy?  Bring it into our office or give us a call. 

Purdue's Farm Stress team is a mix of Health & Human Science educators and Agriculture & Natural Resource educators that have put together some tools, resources, and programs that help farmers adhere to the day-to-day stresses of operating an agricultural business.  Discover more at their website, Tools for Today's Farmer: Navigating Uncertain Times.

You can also listen to Tools for Today's Farmers on Spotify.

For more information about PARP and to find PARP events around the state, visit the Purdue Pesticide Programs website.

Take a look at additional leasing options that might interest land owners including how to incorporate conservation into a lease, pasture leases, and hunting leases.  These options might enhance leases you currently have in place or give you some basic ideas that you can use to obtain an additional income source. 

Purdue Extension invites you and your family to attend Farm Shield: Protecting Your Legacy from Life’s Uncertainties. Farm Shield offers practical tools and expert insights for navigating the complex challenges of succession, estate planning, and risk management.