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Purdue Extension Martin County Blast March 21, 2022

PURDUE EXTENSION MARTIN COUNTY BLAST 3-21-22

2022 4-H PROGRAM & HANDBOOK UPDATE LEARNING WORKSHOP

All are invited to this opportunity to review, connect and have fun together around the subject of 4-H! All members, parents, stakeholders, and leaders, are invited to attend!  If you’ve never been in 4-H, this is chance to connect and learn!  If you have been involved in 4-H, here is a chance to know changes adopted! 
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
6:30 PM
Community Learning Center, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds
RSVP by Monday, April 11th 1 PM by calling 812-295-2412, texting 812-887-2783, or emailing heldd@purdue.edu. 
Submit topics of choice or questions by Monday, April 11th at 1 pm by calling, texting, or emailing. 

2022 Martin County 4-H Handbook

Available at https://bit.ly/martin4h22handbook

Printed copies are available by contacting the Extension Office. 

4-H Static Project Scorecards: Major Changes for Simplification!

All 2022 4-H scorecards have been reviewed, updated, and posted to the Indiana 4-H Youth Development web site.  Visit at:  https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/index.html

Scorecards are located on individual project pages.  A general scorecard is available on the full project listing page. All previously used scorecards are outdated with the exception of some genealogy and some sewing scorecards. 

All 4-H leaders, members and families are encouraged to become familiar with scorecards as you work to create 4-H exhibits for the 2022 Martin County 4-H Fair and the Indiana State Fair!

Project drop / add deadline

All 4-H members must assure the projects chosen for the 4-H year is as they desire as soon as possible on v2.4honline.com. The deadline for project exhibition drop/add listing is May 15, 2022.


Martin County 4-H Club Meetings

Every 4-H member is invited to all Club Meetings and members are encouraged to be members of multiple clubs.

Dream Team Club – TBA

Horse & Pony Club

Location: Horse Barn

Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds

2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN

CALL OUT MEETING:

Date: Thursday, March 31st at 5:30 pm

NO HORSES at this meeting

Date: Thursday, April 14 at 6:30 pm

Horses welcome with approved horse health certificates and MUST be signed by a licenses Veterinary.  Health certificates may be accessed at:

https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/_docs/projects/horse/horse-vaccination-form.pdf

Or hard copy picked up at the Extension Office.

4-H members do NOT need to have a horse to participate in the Horse & Pony Club! New in 2022: 4-H members who DO NOT have their own horse are offered a Mentor Showmanship class. 

Jolly Jug Rox Club

Location: Hindostan Church Fellowship Hall

Time: 6:00 pm

Upcoming Dates:

April: Monday April 11 & Monday April 25

May: Tuesday May 10 & Wednesday May 25

June: Monday June 13 & Monday June 27

July: Tuesday July 5

Jolly Juniors Club

Location: Truelove Church

South on Highway 231

1195 Truelove Church Rd, Loogootee, IN

Time: 6:00 pm

Upcoming Dates:

April: Monday April 4 & Monday April 18

May: Monday May 9 & Thursday May 26  

June: Monday June 6 & Monday June 20  

July: Tuesday July 5

Questions: Call Leader Kathy Lingenfelter at 812-709-1424

Jr. Leaders

Location: Community Learning Center, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds

Time:  2 pm

Date: Sunday, March 27

Shooting Sports Club- TBA

Tractor Club – TBA

Volunteer with 4-H Robotics Club or Jr. Leaders? 

The Robotics 4-H Club & Jr. Leaders are in search of new volunteer leaders. Express interest by talking with Dena Held or any of the other 4-H Leaders and help make positive 4-H experiences with and for youth!

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.

6:30 – 7:30 pm EST                                       

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!

 

  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/

 


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. 

 

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:  More details to be released soon on how to register as a platform change is underway.   

 In person Knox County Opportunities:

April 12 6:00 pm EST at VU Ag Center

April 24 3:00 pm EST at Knox County Fairgrounds

May 17 6:00 pm EST at VU Ag Center

 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. 

 

Rabbit Tattooing & Poultry Testing
Friday, May 13th
6 pm – 7:30 pm
**Tentative due to potential biosecurity precautions**
Location: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds

 

Equine Wednesday Webinars
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

 

Small Animal Discovery Day
When: April 9, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Noble County Fairgrounds
Test your knowledge with our interactive competition. Learn something new with our special guest speakers. Registration Deadline:  April 1, 2022 at: https://bit.ly/smallanimalday
Cost: $5, lunch included.

 

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

 


4-H Challenges Youth To Submit Their Best Shot

This latest photography challenge, sponsored by Minnesota 4-H, is open to youth across the Midwest. Youth are encouraged to use their photography skills and creativity to capture their best shot.

Youth as young as kindergarten are welcome to join the challenge. This is a great first experience for people who are new to 4-H. Learn more and register for the “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” photo contest on the Minnesota 4-H photography webpage: "Hit me with your best shot" 4-H photo contest | UMN Extension

“Photography is about capturing a moment in time,” said Julia Nilles, a 4-H’er from Lincoln County, Minn. and past challenge participant. “I love that 4-H photo challenges give me a reason to go out and take pictures of things. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, so by having a reason to go take more photos, I can improve my photography skills.”

Once registered for the challenge, youth can experiment with photography elements to create stunning photographs. On-demand lessons are available on the Minnesota 4-H photography project page, including how angles, light and composition to enhance your photography. 

Youth may submit their favorite photo (with no or minimal editing) with up to three sentences of why it’s special to them. Deadline to submit an image is 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2022. Volunteer 4-H photography judges will review all submissions, provide feedback and select the top images for special awards. All submissions will be entered into a prize drawing. Submitted images will be featured in a digital slideshow shared with participants and posted on Minnesota 4-H’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

4-H photography is a youth development offering of the University of Minnesota Extension. Learn more at: https://z.umn.edu/4h-photography.

For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extnews@umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

 


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! Will be held at 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

All classes and materials are free and registration is required. Program open to all. Class size is limited.

 Register here: https://bit.ly/FamilyTable2022

 


 

Independent Professional Seed Association Scholarships

The Independent Professional Seed Association is pleased to announce the opening of the scholarship period for the 2022/2023 school year. Working with the IPSA Education Committee, the IPSA Board will award ten $2,000 scholarships to students studying in the field of agriculture.

Both high school seniors and active college students majoring in Agriculture are encouraged to apply.  The IPSA Board of Directors encourages all members to send this application to customers and friends, your local

high school FFA chapters and, 4-H Clubs.  We believe this scholarship process is a benefit to all IPSA Member Companies.

After the success of the online application, the IPSA Education Committee has once again worked to make this a smooth process by employing an online application via SurveyMonkey. Send all applicants to this apply here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022IPSAScholar

 

Backyard Poultry Biosecurity Webinar
April 14th at 12:00 pm Eastern
Register at: tinyurl.com/WIAPoultry

With the 2022 outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in southern Indiana, it has reminded livestock producers about the importance of biosecurity. Please join Jean Doerflein Wilson, Director Animal Disease Traceability and Avian Health Specialist with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, for this webinar on backyard poultry biosecurity.
This webinar is free and a recording will be shared with registered participants.
Questions? Contact smith535@purdue.edu

 

Grass to Gardens Program to be offered Virtually Wednesdays starting March 30

Start a community garden with Purdue Extension! From improving access to fruits and vegetables to educating people on how food is grown, community gardens offer many benefits to the city or town you call home.  Learn about the different types of community-based gardens and start from the ground up during the upcoming Grass to Garden Program. This program is a 4-part series that will take place on Wednesdays beginning March 30 from 6-9 pm EST, finishing after April 20.

This virtual program costs $50, registering at this link https://web.cvent.com/event/b87604c9-b4e6-491a-84ee-d63f8d576b84/summary?locale=en-US&tm=9eq7ZvqFAONqYQ55Nd8gGVp7P6TRPSEXmcDBHp9_8qg

Registration ends March 29.

 

New and improved cherry flavor courtesy of the petunia flower

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — That cherry flavor you enjoy in candy and soda is likely a combination of aromatic and flavor compounds discovered through the study of plants in laboratories far from cherry trees. It and the sweet scent of your almond extract may actually be courtesy of a petunia flower.

Some flavors and aromas are more elusive than others, and a team of Purdue University researchers recently found the molecular recipe for one of the most coveted compounds by the flavor industry: benzaldehyde. It may not sound tasty, but it is key to some of the most popular flavors including cherry, almond and raspberry. It is second only to vanillin in terms of economic value to the food industry.

“Benzaldehyde is what gives that pleasant almond-like scent and is part of the aroma of many fruits,” said Natalia Dudareva, Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry in Purdue’s College of Agriculture, who led the team. “That scent attracts pollinators and, in addition to those fruits, it is found in other plants, including petunias.”

Biochemists track down the molecular recipes, called biosynthetic pathways, that make these compounds and allow them to be bottled into different flavors for the products we enjoy. When steps in the molecular recipe are missing, chemicals outside of the natural processes are used in commercial production, she explained.

“When chemical reactions are added in to fill the gaps, it can be a problem,” said Dudareva, who also is director of Purdue’s Center for Plant Biology.  “It is much better and safer to use an entirely natural pathway to a flavor compound, but it is difficult to discover all of the steps. Benzaldehyde has an especially puzzling biosynthetic pathway, and it wasn’t completely revealed until now.”

Dudareva and her team studied the scent of petunia flowers to discover the molecular recipe for benzaldehyde. The work is detailed in a paper in Nature Communications, and a patent on the process is pending.

“The goal is to have the natural process found in plants, and this discovery makes that possible for a very important flavor compound,” Dudareva said. “The alternative to synthesis is truly extracting a compound from plants, but only 1.5% of the benzaldehyde in worldwide production is obtained this way.”

The biosynthetic pathway will likely be genetically transferred to yeast or other microbes to incorporate it into the fermentation process widely used in food and beverage production, she said.

The team found that synthesis of benzaldehyde in petunia petals involves an enzyme consisting of two subunits that must combine in equal amounts to activate, said Xing-Qi Huang, an author of the paper and postdoctoral researcher in Dudareva’s lab.

“The gene directly responsible and enzyme needed for benzaldehyde synthesis were a mystery,” he said. “We tried newer techniques, but it took a classical approach to reveal it.”

This was because of the enzyme’s uncommon need for two subunits to function, or heterodimeric structure, he said.

Because of this, earlier analysis methods looking for a single component appeared to fail.

“We estimate the size of the protein we are hunting in addition to other things we have learned about the pathway,” he said. “We weren’t finding a good indication of a single protein within that estimate. However, we noticed the presence of two components of half the size of our estimate, and we thought maybe there are two subunits.”

Further proteomic and genetic testing confirmed their idea and revealed the genes involved. Their work found the protein subunits have an interesting structure, as well. They form what is called the Rossmann fold, named after the late Purdue professor and renowned structural biologist Michael Rossmann.

“Purdue is all over the petunia,” Dudareva said. “This discovery is the most recent. We now have mapped out almost all of the genes and pathways responsible for petunia scent compounds. To also see within it proteins that embody a structure discovered by and named after a fellow faculty member adds a special connection. It is beautiful.”

In addition to Dudareva and Huang, Renqiuguo Li and Jianxin Fu participated in the research and are co-authors of the paper.

The National Science Foundation (IOS-1655438) and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Hatch Project number 17784) funded this research.

Writer: Elizabeth K. Gardner; 765-441-2024; ekgardner@purdue.edu

Sources: Natalia Dudareva; dudareva@purdue.edu

Xing-Qi Huang; huan1377@purdue.edu 

 

 

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