PURDUE EXTENSION MARTIN COUNTY BLAST 3-7-22
Celebrate Agriculture! Martin County Ag Day ALL ARE INVITED
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:
- Increased knowledge of agriculture and nutrition allows individuals to make informed personal choices about diet & health.
- Informed citizens will be able to participate in establishing the policies that will support a competitive agricultural industry in this country and abroad.
- 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
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 are invited! 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 what changes are coming!
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
6:30 PM
Community Learning Center, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2666 US HWY 50, Loogootee, IN
RSVP by Monday, April 11th 1 PM by calling 812-295-2412 or texting 812-887-2783.
Submit topics of choice or questions by Monday, April 11th at 1 pm.
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 poster 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 All previously used scorecards are outdated with the exception of some genealogy and some sewing scorecards.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!
Martin County 4-H Club Meetings
Dream Team Club – TBA
Horse & Pony Club – TBA
Jolly Juniors Club – TBA
Shooting Sports Club- TBA
Tractor Club – TBA
Jolly Jug Rox Club
Location: Hindostan Church Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:00 pm
Dates:
March: Tuesday 29
April: Monday 11, Monday 25
May: Tuesday 10, Wednesday 25
June: Monday 13, Monday 27
July: Tuesday 5
Jr. Leaders
Location: Community Learning Center, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds
Time: 2 pm
Date: Sunday, March 27
4-H Shooting Sports Instruction Certification Spring Workshop – REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!
Date: April 1-3, 2022
Registration Deadline: March 18, 2022
Cost: $150
Register online at http://inhea.com/
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! Priority deadline to express interest is March 22, 2022.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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: Register at https://yqcaprogram.org/ and log in using your 4HOnline email and password.
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.
2022 Martin County Youth TRIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE March 25
If you’d like to attend Round-up, 4-H Academy or one of the many other wonderful trips that are being offered, please fill out the trip application that is available online or by contacting the Extension Office. Return applications to the Martin County Extension Office by 3 PM on March 25th or email the application to heldd@purdue.edu , postal mail, or hand deliver 24/7 via the silver drop box at the Extension Office.
Based on the number of applicants, out of pocket cost for applicants will be determined as the 4-H Council will pay for as many as funds allow. The hope is for youth to attend with no out-of-pocket cost associated. A small deposit may be required and then reimbursed after attendance.
Please apply for trips that you wish to attend. If you have any questions call 812-295-2412. Applying for trips by the due date is necessary to coordinate, allocate funds & commit to busing from our area. Enrollment scholarships ($20 4-H enrollment fee) are available by requesting via e-mail to heldd@purdue.edu or text at 812-887-2783.
For a full description of trips please use this link https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/index.html
Trip applications can be pick up the Extension Office or accessed at:
https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/martin/2022/02/2022-4-h-trip-application.html
Junior Pork Day
When: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Where: Land O’ Lakes Inc. Center Lobby, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Dr, West Lafayette, IN
Registration fee $5
This program is being supported by the Indiana Swine Breed Associations, Indiana Pork Producers Assoc., NSR, NJSA, and the Purdue University Animal Sciences and 4-H Departments. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Dr. Brian Richert – Extension Swine Specialist at 765-494-4837, brichert@purdue.edu or Courtney Stierwalt -4-H Extension Specialist at dickerso@purdue.edu
Changing the common name of the non-native forest pest Lymantria dispar (Formerly “gypsy moth”)
In July 2021, the Entomological Society of America decertified “gypsy moth” as the official common name of the non-native forest pest Lymantria dispar in the United States. This decision set in motion a process to rename the species. While renaming species is not uncommon, this case is particularly noteworthy and complex due to L. dispar’s status as a high-profile pest with major research, regulatory, management, and public outreach activities. A decision is expected shortly on the proposed new common name, “spongy moth,” which derives from common names used in its native range and francophone Canada and refers to the sponge-like characteristics of L. dispar egg masses.
Invasive Species: Insects to Watch for This Summer
By Elizabeth Barnes
It can sometimes feel like the struggle with invasive species is never ending but equipping yourself with the right knowledge can go a long way to lessening their impact. Each species has its own quirks, but there are common themes that explain why these species are a problem, how to slow their spread, and how to manage them. This Invasive Species Awareness Week take a few minutes to read on and refresh your invasive insect knowledge!
What are invasive species?
When talking about invasive species, we tend to group organisms broadly into three categories: native, non-native, and invasive.
Natives species are ones that live in a given area because of non-human means. Generally, these insects, plants, and other organisms are tightly woven into the ecosystem. They may provide benefits to other organisms (e.g. native plants are a food source for beneficial insects) and, outside of outbreaks, their population size is kept from going out of control through the checks and balances of the ecosystem (e.g. predators that only eat certain types of insects).
Non-native species are those that were transported long distances by humans to a new area. They are separated from the ecosystem that they developed in and its checks and balances. Non-native species can have a positive, neutral, or negative impact on their surroundings, though they most commonly have either a neutral or negative impact.
Invasive species are a type of non-native species that were moved long distances by humans, escaped out of captivity or cultivation, established a reproducing population in the wild, and, importantly, cause harm to people and/or the environment. Therefore, the key trait that differentiates invasive species from other non-native ones is that they cause harm. For example, apple trees are not native to North America but even when they grow outside of cultivation they do not cause any significant harm to humans or the broader ecosystem. Apples are therefore simply referred to as a non-native species. In contrast, callery pear spreads aggressively in woodlands and pushes out other plants thereby causing harm to both people and the environment. Thus, callery pear is a non-native species that is invasive.
Why are invasive species a serious problem?
Invasive insects cause a wide range of problems for people and the environment: some expected and some surprising. For example, the loss of a yard tree to an invasive insect can cause a decrease in home value and a loss of food for beneficial insects. However, it can also lead to an increase in flooding because the roots no longer take up water during heavy rainfall and a decrease in bird population because of a reduction in the insects birds feed their chicks.
How are invasive insects spread?
Invasive insects primarily spread through people moving their food, shelter, or eggs. Organic matter, like leaves, soil, or wood can all provide invasive insects with food or shelter. Insects can stay hidden inside these materials and remain completely undetected by the person transporting them. Some invasive insects are also undiscerning about where they lay their eggs. Lawn chairs, trucks, and outdoor lightbulbs are all places where invasive insect eggs have been found. You can help prevent bringing these invasive insects to new areas by:
- Buying or cutting firewood near where you plan to burn it.
- Cleaning dirt off of shoes and equipment before going to a new area.
- Checking plants for insects when you receive them.
- Checking your outdoor equipment and vehicles before traveling to a new site.
- Checking your outdoor belongings before and after moving to a new area.
- Reporting them if you find them!
Insects to Watch Out For:
Spotted Lanternfly
Damage: Spotted lanternfly kills grapes and some small trees, weakens trees and shrubs, and creates a mess for businesses and homeowners alike. These insects drink the sap from over 100 different species of plants, but especially species like grapes, tree of heaven, black walnut, maples, and birches.
Signs: Spotted lanternfly damage is undistinctive but the insect itself stands out. In early summer, the nymphs are small with black and white spots. In mid to late summer they are nearly fuchsia with black and white spots. In late summer and fall, the adults are large (~1 inch) with black spotted forewings and flashy fuchsia, white, and black hind wings.
Management: In most cases, hold off on management until the lanternfly reaches your area. For plants, like grapes, that are highly susceptible to spotted lanternfly, best management practices often involve a combination of insecticides and trapping. Other plants can be protected using similar measures but these tactics may be unnecessary outside of outbreaks or special cases. However, spotted lanternfly management is a fast-changing field. The author highly recommends checking the Penn State Extension Spotted Lanternfly site for the latest suggestions.
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Damage: Asian longhorned beetle infestation is a death sentence for a tree. This insect kills a wide range of trees (e.g. maples, buckeyes, elms) by hollowing them out.
Signs: The adult beetle is very eye catching. It is about 1 inch long and has a blue-black body with white spots. Their antennae are longer than their bodies and are black and white striped. The beetles also leave behind distinctive signs of their presence in their host trees. Look for trees with perfectly round holes about the size of a pencil, “crater” shaped scars in bark, and piles of “saw dust” in the crooks of branches (image 2).
Treatments: Report any signs or sightings of this beetle! An eradication plan will be put into place if the beetle is found to prevent it from spreading further. These efforts have been highly successful in the past and have kept the beetle from destroying our urban and rural forests.
Emerald Ash Borer
Damage: Emerald ash borer only attacks ash trees. About 95-99% of trees that have been infested with this insect die with in 2-4 years.
Signs: Early warning signs of emerald ash borer infestation include dieback of the tree canopy and d-shaped exit holes in the tree bark. In later stages of attack, there is often a high amount of woodpecker activity around the trees and the bark may flake off revealing s-shaped patterns in the cambium.
Treatments: Insecticide treatments for emerald ash borer are highly effective and often cheaper than tree removal. If a tree has been killed by emerald ash borer, it is critical to have it removed by a certified arborist. These trees are highly unpredictable and have caused serious injury and death even in calm weather conditions.
Spongy Moth (Formerly Gypsy Moth)
Damage: The soon to be renamed spongy moth feeds on the leaves of trees, especially oak trees. In outbreak years, they can defoliate the trees in an entire neighborhood. Healthy, deciduous trees (those that drop their leaves in the fall) can usually recover from one year of defoliation. Stressed, evergreen, and/or previously defoliated trees may suffer dieback or death from spongy moth attack.
Signs: The egg and caterpillar stages are the most recognizable (image 4). Egg masses look like brown lumps covered in fuzz. They can be found on anything from a house to a car to a shovel. Caterpillars are fuzzy with two rows of blue and red dots on their backs.
Treatments: Management options range from egg scraping to arial sprays but all are most effective when done by an entire neighborhood.
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
Pictured from left to right are Haulk, George, Held, and Williams. The 2022 Martin County 4-H Livestock auction will be Tuesday, July 19th.
Martin County Farm Bureau Inc. is recognized as Outstanding Martin County 4-H Livestock buyer three consecutive years, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Dena Held, Martin County Extension Director, recently presented the award to President Paul George and Farm Bureau board members Jon Haulk and Jim Williams during a Farm Bureau Board meeting.
Pictured from left to right are Haulk, George, Held, and Williams. The 2022 Martin County 4-H Livestock auction will be Tuesday, July 19th.