MEET & GREET PROGRAM IN MARTIN COUNTY: Assistant Director of Extension & 4-H Youth Development Program Leader to visit in June
All are invited to attend a local program with Dr. Casey Mull. Topics for the program will include an overview of 4-H Opportunities 4 All; 4-H Visioning & Connections through Conversation. Members of the State of Indiana 4-H Ambassador Team as well as entertainment from 4-H Performing Arts will be included in the evening.
When: June 28, 2022 at 7:30 pm EST
Where: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, Community Building, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, Indiana
Please RSVP by June 24 by emailing heldd@purdue.edu or call/text 812-887-2783.
Prepare for the 4-H Fair!
It is time to enter 4-H exhibits for the Martin County Fair! You must go online and log into Fair Entry using your 4honline credentials. Go to Fairentry.com, then “find your fair,” then “Indiana,” then “2022 Martin County 4-H Fair.” ALL PROJECTS, including mini, must be entered by June 25. Call us at 812-295-2412 and we are happy to help.
2022 Fair entry opened June 1st
6-1-2022 – 6-25-2022
Fair Entry must be completed for all exhibits (Mini & Regular 4-H) of the Martin 4-H County Fair
7-1-2022
All 4-H Exhibitors involved in livestock projects must have completed YQCA and submitted certificates – visit yqcaprogram.org to locate the best class option.
7-1-2022 All Exhibitors showing registered/purebred animals must submit registration papers
Poster Boards & Sleeves available
Poster boards and sleeves are available for purchase at the Martin County Extension Office. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm. After hour appointments are available by scheduling.
Foam poster boards: $4 per board
Plastic poster board sleeves: $1 per sleeve
Plastic salon print sleeves: $1 per sleeve
2022 Martin County 4-H Summer Dates
Saturday, June 11
9 am - Ag Tractor, Lawn & Garden & Zero Turn County Contest
Monday, July 11
3:30 pm – Fashion Revue Event –The public is invited
6:00 pm – Set up at Fairgrounds for all 4-Hers, Leaders & Volunteers
Tuesday, July 12
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm All Static Project Exhibits Check-In Judging at the Community Building Includes Mini 4-H exhibits, all 4-H perishable and non-perishable projects.
Wednesday, July 13
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm All Open Class Project Exhibit Check-In
Thursday, July 14
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Livestock Check-In
Friday, July 15
6:00 pm -7:30 pm Horse & Pony Check-In
MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR JULY 15-19
Friday, July 15
3 pm – Cat Show at Emergency Management Building
5 pm – Community Building and vendors open
5 pm – Sign up for Silent Auction items
5 – 7 pm – Antique Tractor Show
6 – 9 pm – Carnival Games
6:30 pm – Queen Contest, Fashion Revue, Mini Sewing Members
30 min after Queen Contest – Zephyr Van Moor
Saturday, July 16
9 am – Community Building opens
9 am – Beef & Dairy Show
9 am – Horse & Pony Show (horses released after show)
10 am – Mud Volleyball Contest
1 pm – Rabbit Show
5 pm – Sign up for Silent Auction items
5:30 pm – Poultry Show
6 – 9 pm – Carnival Games
Sunday, July 17
1 pm – Community Building opens
2 pm – Farm Bureau Games
2:30 pm – Corn Hole registration
3:30 pm – Kiddie Tractor Pull registration
3:30 pm – Corn Hole Tournament
4 pm – Shooting Sports Demonstration
4 pm – Shoals Robotics
4:30 pm – Kiddie Tractor Pull
5 pm – Gospel Signing
5 pm – Sign up for Silent Auction items
6 pm – Baby Show
6 pm – Sheep & Goat Show
6 – 9 pm – Carnival Games
6 pm – Emergency Services Showcase
Monday, July 18
5 pm – Community Building opens
5 pm – Oreo stacking and watermelon seed contest
5 pm – Sign up for Silent Auction items
5:30 – Cowabunga
6 pm – Pie Baking Contest
6 pm – Swine Show
Tuesday, July 19
5 pm – Community Building opens
5 pm – Sign up for Silent Auction items
5:30 pm – Supreme Showmanship
7 pm – 10 year and Last Year Member Recognition
7:30 pm – Livestock Auction
The Martin County 4-H Junior Leader members Head up Fairs Cares Program
Help the local food banks at the 4-H Fair, July 15-19. For every 5 pounds of non-perishable food items, one state fair ticket will be given ($14 per ticket value). The tickets are limited, but the need for food is not. Please come out and support the food banks. Cash donations for Fairs Cares Program will also be accepted.
2022 Martin County 4-H point sheets due 7-25-22
all 4-H Members are encouraged to submit an achievement point sheet every year of 4-H to work towards Fall Achievement Award recognition!
The 2022 Point Sheet is available at: https://extension.purdue.edu/county/martin/_docs/pointsheet2022-final.pdf or from the Extension Office.
The deadline date to provide the point sheet is July 25, 2022 and may be provided hardcopy to the Extension Office or emailed to tompkia@purdue.edu. If e-mailing, please ask for confirmation to assure receipt.
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!
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
Date Day of the Week Time Location
6-12-22 Sunday 6:00 pm St. Martin’s Hall
7-2-22 Saturday 10:00 am St. Martin’s Hall
7-10-22 Sunday 6:00 pm Loogootee City Park
7-11-22 Monday 5:30 pm Martin County 4-H
(Records signing during fair set-up) Fairgrounds
Horse & Pony Club
Upcoming meetings dates TBA
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:
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:
June: Monday June 20
July: Tuesday July 5
Questions: Call Leader Kathy Lingenfelter at 812-709-1424
Jr. Leaders Club
June 6, 2022 7 pm at the Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds / Community Learning Center
Tractor Club
The 2022 Martin County 4-H Tractor Contest will be Saturday, June 11th 9:00 am at the Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds for all three Tractor Events: Ag Tractor, Lawn & Garden & Zero Turn.
The 2022 Area III 4-H Tractor Contest will be Saturday, June 25th at Warrick County Fairgrounds for all three Tractor Events: Ag Tractor, Lawn & Garden & Zero Turn. Exhibitors must qualify at the county level to progress to the Area Contest. (Rain date: June 26, 2022.)
The 2022 Indiana 4-H Tractor Contest is scheduled for Wednesday, August 10th for all three Tractor Events: Ag Tractor, Lawn & Garden & Zero Turn. Exhibitors must qualify at the area level to progress to the State Contest.
Martin County 4-H Cat Project Workshop
Learn about cat resources, prepare for exhibition, and have fun!
When: Monday, June 20 5:15 pm
Where: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, Emergency Management Building
Who: Youth participating in the 2022 4-H Cat project and all youth interested in exploring the cat project! Parents/mentors are welcome to attend.
Cost: Free
Questions: Contact Martin County 4-H Cat Department Superintendent Taylor Smith at 812-899-2294 (text or voice) or the Extension Office.
Statement on Status of Commingling Poultry Events in Indiana from the Indiana Board of Health
(5 May 2022)
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) continues to monitor the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) situation closely, nationally and within the state. Currently, BOAH has not determined a need to cancel events where poultry are commingled, including fairs, exhibitions, and sales.
Based upon standards established by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the majority of Indiana counties continue to hold a HPAI-free status. To stay consistent with those standards, poultry owners outside of designated control areas may continue their normal course of business without additional restrictions.
Current and past HPAI events have lacked evidence that small, hobby flocks have contributed to the spread of the virus.
BOAH staff regularly attend swap meets and sales to enforce state animal health regulations. Poultry brought into Indiana must have a certificate of veterinary inspection or records to prove participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan, which certifies flocks as free of avian influenza.
BOAH continues to encourage all poultry owners, regardless of flock size, to maintain high levels of biosecurity. Anyone who sees clinical signs consistent with HPAI should call:
Updates on the HPAI situation in Indiana are available online at: www.in.gov/boah
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.
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.
Indiana State Fair Vet Camps
Vet Camp is an experience for future veterinarians in grades 6th thru 8th or 9th through 12th to provide an opportunity to be the doctor for the day. Youth are invited to spend time learning about animals in a fun way from current veterinary students from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Learn about the educational pathway to veterinary school and how you can prepare for what awaits you as a veterinarian. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to investigate being a veterinarian.
Hands-on sessions include:
Explore blood and placing catheters in animal models
Practice surgery skills by suturing up simulated incisions
Opportunity to look at radiographs (x-rays) to learn what is inside of patients.
What: Junior Vet Camp (grades 6-8) or Senior Vet Camp (grades 9-12)
When: Session are between July 30 – Aug 20
Cost: $40, participants will receive a t-shirt, two admission tickets, and parking pass.
For more information: Stephanie DeCamp 317-927-7566
Pre-registration required.
OISC Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal
The Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep Project is designed to collect and dispose of suspended, canceled, banned, useable, opened, unopened or just unwanted pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, miticides, etc.) and is being sponsored by the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). This disposal service is free of charge up to 250 pounds per participant. Over 250 pounds there will be a $2.00 per pound charge. This is a great opportunity for you to legally dispose of unwanted products at little or no cost. Visit oisc.purdue.edu to complete the Clean Sweep Participant Form or email cleansweep@groups.purdue.edu to have a participant form emailed.
Dates/Locations
9 am – 3 pm local time
Aug 16: Ceres Solutions Wabash County, Wabash, IN
Aug 17: Bartholomew County Solid Waste District, Columbus, IN
Aug 18: Daviess County Highway Department, Montgomery, IN
Aug 23: Davis Purdue Agricultural Center Randolph County, Farmland, IN
Aug 24: Co-Alliance Porter County, Valparaiso, IN
Aug 25: Hendricks County Fairgrounds, Danville, IN
Managing Farm Risk Webinar Series
Join an experienced team of Extension educators, specialists, faculty, and a lawyer as we present the Managing Farm Risk Webinar Series. This series will encompass techniques and tips to mitigate, transfer, and avoid risks in production, marketing, financial, legal, human resources, and social media.
When: Wednesdays, May 25 – June 29, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register at: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5w1ImQNzKc3JFxY
Purdue Fast Start for Indiana Students
One way to earn admission into Purdue University is through Fast Start. Indiana Students can take the Modern States online courses for free. Those who pass a minimum of five corresponding College Board CLEP exams and meet Purdue’s standard admission requirements are assured admission to Purdue and designated Klinsky Scholars. CLEP testing centers are now open along with online options. The Purdue Extension Martin County office staff are available to help local students access this opportunity!
Dr. Temple Grandin: In Person Program in Daviess County
When: Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Where: Washington High School, 608 E Walnut St, Washington, IN
Daviess-Martin Special Education Cooperative & the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Presenting Two Workshops:
The Importance of Good Stockmanship: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
This presentation is free and is geared toward members of Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, and others involved in the livestock industry. Temp will share her experience and expertise in livestock handling and management. No cost to attend.
Developing Different Kinds of Minds 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
This workshop is geared for school personnel, early childhood educators, adult providers, others involved in supporting someone on the autism spectrum, family members, and those who are neurodiverse. Temple will discuss her experiences, and her perspectives on leading a meaningful life. There is a nominal cost for this presentation for non-Washington School District Employees of $15 USD.
For more details, visit: https://iidc.indiana.edu/irca/news-and-events/temple-grandin.html
Sponsored and hosted by the Daviess-Martin Special Education Cooperative & the Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Conserve the Soil, Conserve the Climate
By: Dr. Jeffrey Dukes, Beth Hall, Melissa Widhalm, Hans Schmitz, and Austin Pearson
Agriculture is part of the solution when it comes to combating climate change, and it all starts with soils. Why? Out of all agricultural practices, soil management is the main contributor of greenhouse gas emissions (68%), such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Your approach to soil management will have a significant effect on the amount of carbon that is either stored in the ground or released to the atmosphere.
For years the most prevalent soil management practices involved conventional tillage, which has provided benefits in fighting weed pressure and increasing seedbed preparation. However, those years of soil management relying on conventional tillage have also contributed to soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, as this practice disturbs soil aggregates, exposes soil organic matter to degradation, and enhances CO2 emissions. In search of soil health benefits, many agricultural producers are now looking at other options to manage soils through conservation tillage.
As a concept, conservation tillage has been around a while and involves any tillage practice that leaves 30 percent or more of crop residue on the soil’s surface. No-till, strip-till, and ridge-till are just a few examples. Many agricultural producers have incorporated these methods as an effective way to protect soil against water and wind erosion. Other benefits of conservation tillage include, enhanced water quality and water conservation, less fuel consumption, lower labor costs, and improved soil structure. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, just over one-quarter of all U.S. cropland acres are in no-till and another quarter report using other conservation tillage practices. The highest adoption rates are found across the Corn Belt.
It’s the soil structure improvements that make conservation tillage a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Improving soil structure reduces CO2 emissions by slowing microbial decomposition of SOC. This means more carbon is locked into the soil and kept out of the atmosphere where it would otherwise contribute to warming temperatures. Recent research suggests that no-till farming has the potential to sequester from 0 to 0.4 metric tons (MT) per acre per year, depending on climate and soil type. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, converting all U.S. cropland acres into no-till would store 123 million MT of carbon per year, equivalent to about 2% of all U.S. CO2 emissions in 2019.
Converting to a conservation tillage system may seem like a no-brainer, but there are drawbacks such as increased chemical costs for pest management and susceptibility to cool and wet soils in the spring. Some producers are apprehensive due to the steep learning curves that exist with implementing conservation practices, the social stigma when fields don’t appear ‘clean’, and the often-required redesign of their conventional management practices. Another concern producers face is the fear they won’t compete with yields from a conventional system, thus reducing their farm’s profitability.
However, under certain weather and climate patterns, conservation tillage can actually help protect yields. A recent Purdue University study compared tillage practices on mollisol soils and their profitability under current and future weather and climate patterns. The research shows there is already an economic incentive for agricultural operations to adopt some form of conservation tillage, and the economics are enhanced in a changed climate.
So, should you continue conventional tillage practices or should you migrate to a conservation tillage system? The answer is probably different for each of you. If you are considering adopting a conservation tillage system there are many valuable resources available through Purdue University Extension, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, your peers, and consultants.
Farming a Better Climate is written in collaboration by the Purdue Extension, the Indiana State Climate Office, and the Purdue Climate Change Research Center. If you have questions about this series, please contact in-sco@purdue.edu.