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Purdue Extension Martin County Blast February 14, 2022

Purdue University, Indiana Counties and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution

 

2022 Martin County 4-H Handbook 
Check out the handbook online at https://bit.ly/martin4h22handbook
Printed copies are available by contacting the Extension Office. 

 

Martin County 4-H Club Meetings

Dream Team Club – TBA

Horse & Pony Club – TBA

 

Jolly Jug Rox Club

Location: Hindostan Church Fellowship Hall

Time: 6:00 pm

Dates:

March: Monday 7, Tuesday 29

April: Monday 11, Monday 25

May: Tuesday 10, Wednesday 25

June: Monday 13, Monday 27

July: Tuesday 5

 

Jolly Juniors Club – TBA

Shooting Sports Club- TBA

Tractor Club – TBA

 

Volunteer with 4-H Robotics Club? 

The Robotics 4-H Club is in search of new volunteer leaders. Express interest by talking with Dena Held and help make positive 4-H experiences with and for youth!

 

Martin County 2022 Program Involvement and Empowerment
A Leadership Development Series Exploring the Essentials Elements of Positive Youth Development & Overview of the 2022 4-H Club Member Project Guidelines

March 1, 8, 10, 15 6:00 pm EST

Attend one or all sessions. 

Community Learning Center, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN

Submit topics of choice or questions ahead of time to heldd@purdue.edu

Open at all! Geared for high school youth, adult leaders, parents, and mentors.

 

Virtual 4-H Volunteer Café Series 2.0 Program
Learn how to creative a positive environment and inclusive experience in all 4-H mission areas.

All sessions 6:30 – 7:30 pm EST                  

March 8 – Civic Engagement

April 19 – “Clubs can be fun”

Register for the free, virtual sessions at https://bit.ly/VolCafe2021  Please call 812-295-2412 if you need any assistance in gaining access the sessions.

 

Communication and Expressive Arts 2022 Opportunities

A benefactor wants you to do 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 of the following things to let YOU… Martin County youth… have FUN! Priority deadline to express interest is March 22, 2022. 

 

  1. State 4-H Band Workshop, June 18-20, 2022 at Purdue University Campus

Open to all high school age youth. Participants perform to over 500 people. (Youth pays $50 deposit to Martin County CES Ed Fund and once attends Band Workshop, will be reimbursed the $50) Full registration fee & 4-H enrollment will be paid by the benefactor! If other expenses are needed to be paid for you to attend, please discuss with Dena Held. Deadline to apply April 1, 2022.

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/band.html

 

  1. State 4-H Chorus Workshop, June 18-21, 2022 at Purdue University Campus

Open to all high school age youth. Participants perform to over 500 people. (Youth pays $50 deposit to Martin County CES Ed Fund and once attends Chorus Workshop, will be reimbursed the $50) Full registration fee & 4-H enrollment will be paid by the benefactor! If other expenses are needed to be paid for you to attend, please discuss with Dena Held. Deadline to apply April 1, 2022.

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/chorus.html

 

  1. Martin County Performing Arts Contest, April 21, 2022 at 6:30 pm

For youth 3-12 grades $20 enrollment fee will be paid & you perform April 21 at the Martin County Performing Arts contest.

https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/4-h-project-performing-arts.html

 

  1. Communication & Expressive Project

For youth 3-12 grades Participate in Martin County 4-H Club activities and exhibit a project (or projects) under the Communication and Expressive Arts. $20 enrollment fee will be paid & you may attend club meetings, participate in activities, and exhibit at the Martin County 4-H Fair. https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/

 

BE a Camp Counselor! Deadline to Apply EXTENDED to March 4th - ALL INDIANA YOUTH MY APPLY

All Indiana youth freshman to senior grades, are invited to apply to be a camp counselor at the Daviess, Dubois, Martin, Perry, & Pike 4-H Camp!  Camp is June 13, 14 & 15, 2022 at Santa Claus Campground, Santa Claus, Indiana!

Being a camp counselor provides a variety of benefits, including:  It is FUN!

Invaluable skill-building

New friends

Great skill building for scholarships, employment & college!

A resume builder

A break from the normal

Mentor younger youth

Surrounding yourself with positivity

No prior camp or camp counselor experience required

No out of pocket camp counselor financial cost: your expenses are paid for by sponsors and/or other ways on your behalf.

More Fun!

Beautiful camp facilities

Steps to be a camp counselor:

  1. Enroll in 4-H. If you have not enrolled in 4--H, visit https://in.4honline.com/ and reenroll for the current If you need help paying the $20 enrollment fee please email heldd@purdue.edu or call 812-295-2412.
  2. Complete        the camp counselor application at https://v2.4honline.com which says “Camp Counselor Daviess Dubois, Martin, Perry & Pike” under the events tab on your 4honline profile.
  3. Complete your enrollment & application no later than Friday, March 4, 2022.
  4. Focus on being the best in your camp counselor role!
  5. Commit, attend & display the competencies needed and also taught at the camp counselor trainings.

 

2022 4-H Camp for Campers! SAVE THE DATE!

Youth in grades 3, 4, 5, & 6 are encouraged to hold the following dates for 2022 4-H Camp!  June 13, 14 & 15, 2022.   

 

Indiana 4-H & Martin County 4-H Animal Details & Forms

Everyone interested may access 4-H animal details at https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/animal-identification.html to learn more and access forms for the 4-H year. The Purdue Extension Martin County Office is happy to help with access points and can print forms upon your request. 

 

4-H Livestock Identification Day

Thursday, April 28th

6 pm – 7:30 pm     

Location: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds   

Livestock tagging for all livestock species and types of animals needing tagged MUST report to the 4-H Fairgrounds between 6 pm – 7:30 pm for tagging.   This includes: Beef and Dairy Cattle, Goats & Sheep. (exceptions as found at:    https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/animal-identification.html )

Swine: Tags will be distributed for you to apply at home for biosecurity reasons.  You must complete a swine tag request form with animal information prior to tag distribution.

Tags issued are for 2022 exhibition year.  

Any arrangements for other accommodations must be completed PRIOR to April 28th as new identification tags will NOT be distributed after April 28th for those animals requiring tagging. 

The tagging deadline is April 28, 2022. 

 

Rabbit Tattooing & Poultry Testing   

Friday, May 13th

6 pm – 7:30 pm

**Tentative due to potential biosecurity precautions**

Location: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds

 

Animal ID on 4honline Deadline May 16th

4-H members must identify all Beef and Dairy Cattle, Goats, Horses, Llamas, Sheep and Swine in the 4-H Online system by May 15th (May 16 for 2022 only) to be eligible for exhibition at the Martin County 4-H Fair and/or The Indiana State Fair 4-H Animal Shows. 

 

DNA Collection for Indiana State Fair Exhibition Deadline May 16th

Beef and Dairy Cattle, Meat Goats, Sheep and Swine must submit DNA hair samples by May 15th (May 16 for 2022 only) to the Extension Office to be eligible for Indiana State Fair 4-H Animal Shows.  

 

Verification of Livestock Breed Status Deadline July 1st

Livestock who are purebred or have other registration papers with exhibitors who wish to show in those respective classes need to provide the properly registered papers by July 1, 2022 to the Extension Office. 

 

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Martin County Program Deadline for Livestock Exhibitors July 1st

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national multi-species quality assurance program for youth ages 8 to 21 with a focus on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development. All youth who exhibit livestock are required to be certified annually. Certification can be obtained at an in-person class or via the online modules. 

In Person Martin County Opportunities: 

When: Monday, April 25, 2022 or Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 4 PM.

Where: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds / Community Learning Center, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee. 

Details:  Space is limited and registration is required. If there are no registrants 48 hours before classes, the class will be cancelled.  For more info contact Dena Held heldd@purdue.edu

How to register:  Register at https://yqcaprogram.org/ and log in using your 4HOnline email and password.

 All youth in Indiana exhibiting an animal (Swine, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits, and Poultry) at a county or state fair must have completed a Quality Assurance Certification, by July 1, 2021 for Martin County exhibitors. 

 

Equine Wednesday Webinars
March 9 – Health and Vaccinations, Dr. Amanda Farr

April 20 – Trailer Safety, Dr. Robin Ridgeway

All sessions begin at 7:00 pm EST. Sessions are free and available through Zoom. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/3vxtxn88

 

ISPA NPIP BLOOD TESTING SCHOOL

The ISPA is pleased to announce that we are hosting two in person classes this year to certify a new group of Indiana certified Blood Testers!  The dates for the two classes are as follows:

Thursday, April 7, 2022, 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at SIPAC (Dubois, IN)

Saturday, April 23, 2022, 8:30 a.m. – Noon at Purdue University (Creighton Hall)

 The Registration Fee is $50 for the class, and we will offer an optional Blood Testing Kit (Bleeder and Loop, Plastic Test Plate and laminated How-To document) for $25.

The school teaches participants how to recognize Pullorum-Typhoid through the plate test screening process.  Participants will have the opportunity to practice the plate test, through a simulated lab that demonstrates a negative, weak positive and positive test result.  In addition, the course will provide an introduction to biosecurity, ways to prevent poultry disease, and best practices poultry care for backyard enthusiasts.  In order to complete the course, participants will take a short open book multiple-choice test, where the questions are all pulled from material covered during the course.  Instructors for the course include Purdue University Avian Pathology Professors, staff and residents, Board of Animal Health Veterinarians, and ISPA staff.  All participants will receive a binder of materials, NPIP Blood Tester ID Card, a pad of VS Form 9-2 (Flock Selecting and Testing Reports), and other items.  

Registration to attend either of these classes is now open on our website at https://www.inpoultry.com/classroombts

 

BLOOD TESTER RECERTIFICATION

Blood Tester certification is good for three years, those seeking to renew their Blood Tester Recertification can do so online by completing a registration form and taking the recertification exam online.  Blood Tester Recertification costs $25.  Those that complete the process will receive a new Blood Tester ID Card and flash drive with poultry information.  Website for Blood Tester Recertification: https://www.inpoultry.com/bloodtesterrecertification  

Indiana State Poultry Association may be reached at:

Indiana State Poultry Association

Purdue University, ANSC

270 South Russell Street

West Lafayette, IN 47907

BLOOD TESTING SCHOOL QUESTIONS: 765-496-3594

OFFICE PHONE: 765-494-8517

EMAIL: ispa@purdue.edu

WEBSITE: www.INpoultry.com

 

Poultry Workshop

There will be a free 4-H Poultry Workshop at the Vanderburgh 4-H Center Banquet Hall on Saturday March 12th, 9am-11am CST Everyone is welcome. Learn about breeds for home needs and showing, proper care and nutrition, showmanship and what is needed to show at the fair. The workshop will be given by Matt McCammon – Vanderburgh County Poultry Judge, Master Exhibitor and Master Breeder

 

Forage Forum Fridays

Join Purdue Extension as they host Forage Forum Fridays on Fridays at Noon EST for great in-depth forage topics!

Feb 25, 2022: Livestock Production Labeling 

If you have never registered for the Forage Forum Friday series, visit: https://tinyurl.com/ExtFFF

 

Martin County Purdue Extension Giving Link
Purdue Extension works with residents to build vibrant communities, strong families and profitable businesses by providing programming to residents in the following four areas:

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Community Development
  • Health and Human Sciences
  • 4-H Youth Development

If you would like to help make a difference and further programming in Martin County, you may now make donations online to Purdue Extension Martin County at:

https://bit.ly/donationextensionmartincounty

 

ServSafe Manager Class and Certification Exam
The ServSafe Class and Certification Exam fulfills Indiana requirements to become a “Certified Food Protection Manager” (formerly called Certified Food Handlers). Exams are available in a variety of languages and classes are offered in English and Spanish in our area.

The class and proctored examinations are offered at a variety of dates and locations. Training with Exam or Exam Only options for those who self-study are available. For a list of upcoming class dates visit:  www.purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

 

Celebrate Agriculture!  Martin County Ag Day 

March 19, 2022 8:00 am - 11:00 am EST Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds

All Americans need to understand the value of agriculture in their daily lives. Below are just some of the key reasons why it's important to recognize & celebrate Ag Day each year:

  1. Increased knowledge of agriculture and nutrition allows individuals to make informed personal choices about diet & health.
  2. Informed citizens will be able to participate in establishing the policies that will support a competitive agricultural industry in this country and abroad.
  3. Employment opportunities exist across the board in agriculture. Here are few Ag Careers:
  • Agribusiness Management & Marketing
  • Invasive Plant Management
  • Agricultural Research & Engineering
  • Food Science Processing
  • retailing
  • Banking
  • Education & Extension
  • Landscape
  • Architecture
  • Urban planning
  • Farm planning
  • Energy

 

THE FAMILY TABLE PURDUE EXTENSION PROGRAM IN MARTIN COUNTY MAY 2022

Save the date for a great opportunity for the first 15 adults registered.  (Kids may attend with the registered adult.)  The Family Table is a Purdue Extension Health & Human Science Program where healthy food preparation and nutrition is taught and demonstrated. Weekly meal kits are provided for cooking skill practices at home! St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Parish Center- Lower Level, 409 E Church Street, Loogootee

Dates: 

  • Wednesday, May 11th at 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday, May 18th at 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday, May 25th  at 5:30 pm

 

Purdue Extension’s D-I-Y Lawncare Program Gives Residents the Skills Needed to Create Their Dream Lawn  

Make your lawn the talk of the neighborhood with Purdue Extension’s DIY Lawncare program! Do you want to learn how to have a greener, healthier lawn? Join us for this series where you will receive the skills and knowledge on the turf management basics needed to lay the groundwork for creating, establishing, maintaining your lawn.  

 DIY Lawncare is a four-week course designed for homeowners, property renters, and homeowner associations. Session topics include: Basics of Taking Care of Lawns; Lawn Pests and Problems; Weed Identification and Management; Seeding Establishment and Lawn Renovation.  

 Whether new or experienced, understanding the basics of turf management will help you create a lawn that others will look at with envy! 

 Purdue Extension-Howard, Tipton, Cass, Fulton, Miami, Grant, Clinton, Carroll and Wabash Counties are pleased to be offering this virtual series of classes March 14th, 16th, 21st and 23rd from 11 am to 1pm each day.  The class will be live and there will be opportunity for question and answer.  These sessions will also be recorded and made available to all those who register for viewing at their leisure up to 60 days.

 The cost to attend this program is $10 per person, which includes supporting materials and resources for all sessions. We recommend registering early.  Registration ends March 7th.  Register at https://cvent.me/VyqwAn 

 For more information contact Kelsey Holt at 574-967-3538 or email at kelseyholt@purdue.edu. More information on this program is available at https://extension.purdue.edu/county/carroll/ 

 

How do birds that stay north survive Indiana’s winter?

Story by Chad Campbell

 Many birds choose to fly the coop before winter arrives in Indiana, but to some the cold is like water off a duck’s back.

“We have a rich group of birds that spend the winter here in Indiana,” said John “Barny” Dunning, professor of wildlife ecology. “The basic biology of a bird makes them well-adapted to dealing with the cold.”

Feathers are excellent insulators, hence the use of down feathers in vests and pillows. When birds fluff up their feathers, they trap a layer of air close to their skin. Their body heat warms the pocket of air and the structure of their feathers prevents air from escaping into the cold.

The only places where a bird’s skin is directly exposed to the cold are the areas without feathers. These would be the bill, eyes and legs.

“That is why when birds sleep on a cold day, most of them will have their heads tucked under their wings and their feet tucked into the feathers on their belly,” Dunning explained.

Winter winds can complicate the task, but most songbirds do not have issues finding a haven where the wind is blocked.

“They will look for a conifer tree, bushes next to a building or any structure that blocks the wind. But even if the wind blows their feathers off to the side, there can still be enough air trapped to dramatically reduce a bird’s energy needs.”

Like warmth, food can be scarce in the winter. “In the summer, birds like cardinals feed mostly on insects,” said Dunning. “If they are raising young, birds need a good source of protein. In the winter, cardinals and sparrows shift almost entirely to seeds since insects are hard to find. Birdfeeders become an important supplemental food source.”

Diving ducks and loons that feed on fish can be cut off from their food source when water freezes over. To keep the water open as long as possible, waterfowl may swim along the perimeter of the ice, delaying the freeze with their movements. Geese are not dependent on entering the water for food, but they rest in the water for safety. Feral dogs, foxes and coyotes can attack birds on the ice, but they will not venture into the water.

Many of Indiana’s birds, like geese, are partially migratory, basing their travels on the weather. While sandhill cranes used to be fully migratory, they have adapted their strategy as Indiana’s winters have become less severe. “Some spend the winter with us and move south to find open water if there is a sharp change in temperature,” Dunning explained. “When the weather eases, they move back up.”

For Canadian birds, Indiana’s winter is comparatively mild. Some, like Golden-crowned Kinglets, travel south to spend their winter in the Hoosier state despite being among the smallest birds in North America. These tough little birds demonstrate how Indiana takes a wide variety of birds under its wings in the winter.

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