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Purdue Extension Martin County Blast December 12, 2022

 

 

Martin County Extension Board: Accepting New Member Nominations & Annual Meeting

The Martin County Extension Board is the advisory and advocacy body of the overall Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service in Martin County. The Board provides an organized way for the county to be represented by local people in its relationship with Extension.  It is an unincorporated association serving in advisory capacities by assisting with local program planning, implementation and evaluation; financial support and resource identification; advocacy for Extension; and personnel recommendation and assistance.

 

New member nominations are being sought for consideration at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be Thursday, January 26 at 6:00 pm, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, Community Learning Center, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN.  In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, a special highlight of an Extension Program and 4-H Club Charters from the United States Department of Agriculture through Purdue University will be presented to 4-H Club Leaders. All those interested in more information may contact the Martin County Extension Office.  RSVP’s by January 23rd is appreciated but not required. All are invited. 

 

February 7, 2023 trip to the Indiana Statehouse

All youth are invited to sign up to learn about their state government through a day full of civic engagement & leadership opportunities. Participants will tour the state house, meet representatives, and have the opportunity to serve as student pages! For more information, contact Dena Held and register for this event via 4HOnline, v2.4honline.com. 

Registration ends January 15.

Price is $15 to attend, with the Martin County 4-H Council paying on your behalf by simply letting Dena know you have registered!

More information can be found at https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/day-at-statehouse.html

4-H CAMP COUNSELOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN, FOR GRADES 9-12

 

WHAT:  4-H Camp Counselor Applications for Southern Indiana 4-H Camp

WHEN:  NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2023

WEBSITE FOR APPLICATION:  https://bit.ly/4HCampCounselorA2

DEADLINE:  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023 

Would you like to interact with other 4-H teens from the area, have three fun-filled days camping and be a positive role model to younger 4-H members?  Now is your opportunity.  Being a Camp Counselor is a fun, rewarding event. Camp is June 2, 3 & 4 2023 at Country Retreat Center, Underwood, Indiana.  Check out the Website listed above for a copy of the application, information of upcoming interviews and details on how to apply.  Application deadline is Wednesday, February 1, 2023 via 4-H Online. Interviews will be done via Zoom starting Tuesday, February 28, 2023 and will continue on Wednesday and Thursday March 1 and 2, 2023.  A Link to sign-up times will be sent once your application submission is complete.  Be sure to visit the bit link for any information you might need to take part in this exciting event.  

Adult Volunteer Enrollment and Certification

All adult volunteers must re-enroll to obtain certification for 2022-2023 programming season. Enrollment opened October 1, 2021. Please log onto http://v2.4honline.com and complete your profile. If you have any questions, please call 812-295-2412 or email heldd@purdue.edu

 

VOLUNTEER opportunities

Have you ever thought about a talent you have or a talent you want to develop alongside youth in the 4-H Program?  Purdue Extension & Martin County 4-H is seeking adults to work to MAKE THE BEST BETTER through 4-H programs. Contact Dena to explore how to work together in this way.  No matter how much time you have, volunteering with 4-H makes a difference by helping youth explore and discover the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. There are lots of ways to get involved! Currently, 4-H Club Leaders are needed for Shooting Sports and STEM/Robotics. Various content specialist and general volunteers are also needed.

 

Parents, family and adult friends of 4-H members are often a natural fit to help with programming and is one way to spending quality time with the youth in your lives!

 

4-h ENROLLMENT IS STILL OPEN, DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN

4-H began over 100 years ago, and has since grown into the largest youth development program in the nation. 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and caring adults. Backed by a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 adult volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni; 4-H delivers research-based programming around positive youth development. 4-H is delivered through America's 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension Service reaching every corner of our nation.

4-H can be found in all 92 counties in Indiana and is delivered through Purdue Extension. Community clubs, afterschool programs, school enrichment, camps/workshops, and special interest programs are all ways youth across Indiana can be involved with the 4-H program.

Enrollment may be completed by parents/guardians at v2.4honline.com. Mini 4-H includes youth in grades kindergarten, first and second. 4-H is for youth grades 3 through 12. 

 

4-H’ers Excel

  • Nearly 4x more likely to make contributions to their communities
  • About 2x more likely to be civically active
  • Nearly 2x more likely to participate in science programs during out-of-school time
  • Nearly 2x more likely to make healthier choices

 

2023 MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR – FRIDAY, JULY 7 TO TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

 

2023 INDIANA STATE FAIR – JULY 28 – AUGUST 20, 2023 Closed Monday & Tuesdays.

 

Dubois & Martin County 4-H Leader Training Series

All are invited to the following Professional Development 4-H Leader Training Series.  Current leaders and prospective new leaders are targeted, but anyone with an interest is welcome to attend! RSVP requested but not required: Dena Held at heldd@purdue.edu or 812-295-2412.    

 

Thursday, January 26, 2023 6 pm in conjunction with the Annual Extension Program. This special evening will also include awarding the Club Leaders the annual Club Charters. 

 

Thursday, February 23, 2023 6 pm

Thursday, March 9, 2023 6 pm

Thursday, March 30, 2023 6 pm

 

Location: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, Community Learning Center, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN

 

 

Cooking Around the World

Cook your way through the world with this 4-H virtual experience!!  This is a virtual cooking club that meets weekly on Saturdays for 6 weeks. Presenters will share step-by-step instructions on how to create a dish from various cultures around the world - all from the comfort of your own home!!  Registration is through 4-H Online and is due January 6.  Learn about new cultures as instructors lead participants through hands-on recipes that can be made in your own kitchen!! 

WHEN: Each Saturday from January 21 through February 25

TIME: 10:00 to 11:00 am CT

WHO:  Grades 3-12

WHERE: Zoom

COST:  $30.00

Register in 4-H Online by January 6.

Questions:  please Email Megan at mkron@purdue.edu

 

Thrivers Book Club for 4-H VOLUNTEERS

Join the 4-H volunteer book club, where we will explore the book “THRIVERS” by Michele Borba

WHEN:  Tuesdays, January 24 and 31 and February 7 and 14, 2023

TIME: 6:00 Central or 7:00 Eastern time

WHERE:  Zoom

Adults can register at https://tinyurl.com/4HThrivers 

This is a virtual 4-week book club for 4-H volunteers and adults that work with youth.  

 

TEXAS A & M HORSE JUDGING CLINIC IN INDIANA

January 21 and 22, 2023 at Hamilton Southwestern High School, 12499 Ohio Road, Fishers, IN  46037

 

Martin County 4-H Members who plan to attend, please register and let Dena know so that financial support from the Martin County 4-H Council can be provided up to the first six individuals confirming. 

 

The Young Ladies in Ag Forum

Where: Terre Haute Convention Center

When: February 22, 2023

Who: Young ladies in grades 8-12 & college age

Check-in: 1:00-1:30 PM EST

Program: 1:30-8:30 PM EST

Dinner included!

Topics include: Financial Strategies for Young Women, Networking and Exploring Jobs in the Agriculture World, Marketing Yourself, Building a Strong Resume

 

2022-2023 Indiana Beef Cattle Association (IBCA) and Purdue Area 3 Beef Meeting

When: Wednesday, January 11, 2023 7:00 pm ET

Where: The Village Inn, Hwy 57 South, Petersburg, IN

Why: The meetings will feature great food and valuable information on a variety of beef topics. IBCA will provide an update on current policy and programs. Purdue Department of Animal Science will provide the educational presentation.

The counties in this area are: Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick.

 

Heart of American Grazing Conference

When: February 20-21, 2023

Where: Ferdinand Community Center, Ferdinand, Indiana

Topics include: Bale grazing, soil science and health, the power of managed grazing, grazing options of ruminants, and shared experiences from seasoned grazers

Featured speakers: Dr. Greg Halich, University of Kentucky; Dr. Alan Franzluebbers, USDA-ARS North Carolina; Mr. Johnny Rogers, Coordinator, Amazing Grazing Project, North Carolina State University; and several local celebrities. For more information visit:   www.indianaforage.org

 

Managing for Today and Tomorrow: 

A Course Designed For Women, Assists with Farm Generational Transitions

 

There is no “one size” fits all solution when it comes to farm transitions. Developing a viable transition and succession plan is a major undertaking and can be challenging. However, it is completely necessary to have these plans in place to ensure the future success of the farm and its productivity. Women play a vital role in helping their families navigate the transition planning process and making these important decisions. Purdue Extension in cooperation with Annie’s Project is offering a five-session course where women can learn and be better equipped to plan and execute a successful farm transition. The “Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Farm Transition Planning” program, is a course designed by Annie’s Project and has been scheduled for this December virtually via zoom on December 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

A Course Designed For Women, Assists with Farm Generational Transitions

Women will learn about business, estate, retirement and succession planning from Purdue Extension specialists and area professionals. In addition to brief presentations, there will be discussions based on participant questions and follow-up activities for family members to complete at home.

“We’re happy to be a partner in bringing this valuable program to Indiana,” said Beth Vansickle, Purdue Extension Educator and program chair, “This farm transition course is an opportunity for women to meet with others who share similar issues and concerns. We limit the size of the class to make it comfortable for everyone to speak up and get questions answered.”

Annie’s Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks and resources. The organization provides agricultural risk management education programs for women involved in agriculture. Annie’s Project courses has successfully reached more than 18,000 women in 38 states and one U.S. territory. “This Farm Transition program emphasizes the role women play in helping transfer farms from one generation to the next,” said Beth Vansickle, Purdue Extension Educator. “Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Farm Transition Planning will empower women to take ownership of the future of their farms,” continues Vansickle “Farm Credit Mid-America is a statewide sponsor of this courses.”

 

For more information contact Jennifer Logue at 765-458-5055 or loguej@purdue.edu; Online registration is available at: tinyurl.com/M42AT by November 28th. If you require special accommodations, please contact Jennifer Logue by November 28th.

 

THE POWER OF NEGOTIATION AND COMMUNICATION

 Land Leasing Strategies for Midwestern Ag Women

WHAT:  A 4-part workshop for landowners and tenants.

WHEN:

  • 18
  • 25
  • 1
  • 8

Build your land management and leasing knowledge while networking with other women in agriculture at our upcoming workshop series, which will be held at LOCATION NAME IN CITY, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

“The Power of Negotiation and Communication: Land Leasing Strategies for Midwestern Ag Women” is a three-state collaboration of extension women in agriculture programs at Kansas State University, Purdue University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Sessions will be held simultaneously at multiple locations in Kansas, Indiana, and Nebraska.

These workshops will help raise your awareness of local land values and cash rental rates, along with the factors that influence them. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, you’ll learn more about the importance of having a written lease, what should be included in it and how to ensure it is equitable for both parties.

Participants will hear from keynote speakers who will be streamed live to dozens of workshop sites in all three states. Each site will also host local speakers and hands-on activities. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions of local extension experts while learning negotiating strategies and best practices to improve the landlord-tenant relationship.

You will leave with a greater understanding of conservation programs, including compliance requirements and voluntary programs that are available.

The workshop costs $50 per person and participants should plan to attend each session. A virtual option is available for those unable to attend a workshop site, although in-person attendance is highly encouraged to better network with other attendees and interact with speakers. Registration is required by Jan. 13.

Find more information and register at website.edu/lease23. This material is based upon work supported by USDA NIFA under Award Number 2021-70027-34694.

  

Beginning Farmer - How to Plan, Support and Grow your Farm

Are you a beginning farmer, and eager to enhance and improve your management practices? Are you interested in starting a farm, but unsure of how to get started or where you can find help? Purdue Extension’s online Beginning Farmer Workshop can help put you on a path to success! During the series (January 12 – March 9), you’ll learn about:

  • Assessing your farming assets
  • Addressing the realities of starting a farm
  • Defining realistic goals
  • Creating feasible plans to achieve your goals

Outside the weekly workshop sessions, you’ll complete individual work to give you a clear perspective on planning farm projects and moving forward with confidence! Program participants will have the opportunity to hear from Purdue Extension Educators on a range of topics including: asset mapping, goal setting, technical assistance, finding resources, and more.

The workshop includes 8 sessions held Thursdays from 7:00- 8:30pm EST

Session dates are below. Participants register for the entire program, not individual sessions. To learn more about the program, including registration and refund policies, visit https://cvent.me/XPZeGe

Pre-registration is required with payment due by January 10, 2022, 11:59 pm EST.

The program fee of $75 is payable by credit card on our secure server.

  • Session 1 –Orientation & Networking-1/12
  • Session 2 –Vision/Mission Statements -1/19
  • Session 3 –Biophysical Assets -1/26
  • Session 4 –Financial and Economic Assets - 2/2
  • Session 5 –Social Cultural Assets & Opportunities and Challenges To Your Farm - 2/9
  • Session 6: Setting Goals - 2/16
  • Session 7: Feasible Action Plans - 2/23

Week of 3 – no class Indiana Small Farms conference

  • Session 8: Forming Projects & Wrap-Up – 3/9

To further enhance the program there will be optional weekly discussion/information sessions – which will be held on evenings at 7pm EST Tuesdays starting 1/17.

If you require special accommodations to attend this event or have any questions about this event, please email Amy Thompson– afthompson@purdue.edu.

 

BOILER VET CAMP OPPORTUNITY

For those excited by science, who enjoy working with animals and would like to find out more about what it takes to become a veterinarian or veterinary technician, this program is just the ticket! Aspiring veterinary healthcare professionals will experience first-hand the fascinating world of veterinary medicine. 

 

The only camp of its kind in Indiana, Boiler Vet Camp gives want-to-be veterinarians or veterinary technicians the chance to live out their dreams. This camp is designed for students who are interested in becoming veterinary healthcare professionals and provides a preview into the real and vast fields of veterinary medicine. Students who attended a previous camp cannot repeat the same camp.

 

Through presentations, demonstrations, laboratories, visits and in-depth, hands-on activities, students will discover what modern veterinary medicine is all about. Students will gain personal experience of what it is like to attend vet school and what it takes to become a veterinarian or veterinary technician through this seven day on-campus experience at one of the premier veterinary schools in the country.

 

The Boiler Vet Camp application is now open and will remain open until February 1st at 11:59 p.m. EST. Boiler Vet Camp applicant decisions will be released at the end of February. Information will be sent via email to the email addresses listed in your application. Many partnering organizations have joined with the College of Veterinary Medicine to provide financial assistance for both camps. PARTIAL scholarships are available. Camp fees are all-inclusive for the hands-on in-residence camps.

SENIOR VET CAMP

 

The seven-day Senior Camp cost is $1600 and it is open to students entering 10th, 11th, 12th grades in Fall 2023 - Camp is scheduled for June 18- 24, 2023

JUNIOR VET CAMP

 

The seven-day Junior Camp cost $1100 and it is open to students entering 8th - 9th grades in Fall 2023 - Camp is currently scheduled for June 11 - 17, 2023. The minimum age required to attend Vet Camp is 12 years of age.

 

WHAT HOBBY POULTRY OWNERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PREVENTING AVIAN INFLUENZA

 

INDIANAPOLIS(16 February 2022)—Avian influenza can be devasting to all poultry—even small, hobby flocks. The virus can cause reduced egg production, general illness or even sudden death to chickens, turkeys and other poultry species. With cases cropping up in three states in the last week, hobby flock owners should take steps to keep their flocks safe.

Poultry owners should practice good biosecurity by blocking possible sources of the virus. This includes minimizing foot traffic from visitors into the chicken coops and pasture areas. The avian influenza (AI) virus (and other disease-causing agents) can be carried in on clothing and shoes. Avoid visiting other flocks and handling other people’s birds.

Anyone entering a chicken coop or pasture area should wear boot covers or shoes dedicated to that space only. Change shoes, boots or clothing after wearing them in public.

Equipment, such as feed buckets, hoses and waterers, can be contaminated. Therefore, equipment should be cleaned and disinfected before use—especially if it has contact with birds from outside the home flock. Vehicles can transport germs on tires, too.

Prevent contact with wild birds. Migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.) are known to carry AI without becoming ill or dying. Because they shed the virus in their droppings, bodies of water and other spaces where they congregate can pose a higher risk. Keeping poultry confined to a coop or a fenced space can help to reduce possible exposure.

Watch for signs of illness in your flock. Birds affected with HPAI may show one or more of the following signs: Sudden death without clinical signs

  1. Sudden death without clinical signs
  2. Lack of energy and appetite
  3. Decreased egg production
  4. Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
  5. Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
  6. Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
  7. Nasal discharge
  8. Coughing, sneezing
  9. Incoordination
  10. Diarrhea

 

At the first signs of any of these, call the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline:  866-536-7593.  Callers will be routed to a federal or state veterinarian in Indiana for case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Essential points to note about the current ongoing avian influenza situation:

  1. The food supply is safe. All shipments of poultry and eggs are tested to ensure the absence of avian influenza (AI) before moving into the food supply.
  2. No cases of human illness have been reported for the strains of HPAI that are currently circulating in the United States; however, poultry owners should practice good hygiene/handwashing after handling birds.

Learn more about biosecurity practices and keeping poultry safe online at:  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/defend-the-flock-program

SITUATION UPDATES & NOTIFICATIONS

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH has established a webpage to provide situation updates, as needed, regarding avian influenza: www.in.gov/boah/species-information/avianbirds/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/  . A link on that page will allow anyone to sign up to receive email and/or text notices when updates are posted. Please subscribe and/or encourage others to do so.

The Board of Animal Health may be found online at: www.in.gov/boah; on social media at:  www.facebook.com\INBOAH and Twitter at:  @INBOAH.

Contact Denise Derrer at 317-544-2414 or via email: animalhealth@boah.in.gov 

 

 

Indiana 4-H’er shares her story

Madelyn Zimmerman, from Milford, Indiana, began her 4-H story in the third grade with a limited agriculture background. Now, 12 years later, Zimmerman is the 2021 4-H Youth in Action Pillar Award for Agriculture winner, Indiana’s first, and a passionate advocate for agriculture education and inclusion.

“That first year of 4-H, I immediately fell in love with the people, the opportunities and the cute, fluffy cows,” Zimmerman reflected.  On average, she completed 15 projects each year, ranging from cooking and sewing to photography and pigs. Her real passion was in her established cattle business. Zimmerman raised cattle to sell to other 4-H’ers to show at fairs or to customers for consumption. In 2013 and only in the 6th grade, Zimmerman faced a devastating disease in the herd, forcing her to cull most of the herd.  “This was a difficult period for me at home and school. I was the only agriculture kid at school and I felt like I didn’t fit in because no one understood what I was going through. However, it pushed me to reach out to others at school that needed someone and eventually I invited them to my house to learn about agriculture and encouraged them to join 4-H.”

Zimmerman persevered through her experience to find a new passion, educating others about agriculture. She started her own animal leasing business where she taught other youth how to care for an animal from choosing one at birth to everyday feeding. Kids would join her after school to take care of the animal and then go on to show the animal at the county fair.

She also was one of the first members to join Poss-ABILITIES, a Purdue Extension Kosciusko County 4-H start-up program that partners 4-H members with youth with disabilities, making it possible for all youth to show livestock.

“The three words that describe my 4-H experience are dedication, perseverance and adaptability. Because of 4-H, I learned how to adapt from experiences, good and bad. Through the bad ones, I learned how to take that experience, adapt and change it so I don’t feel bad next time and then share that lesson with others. I wouldn’t know how to do that without 4-H.”

Looking forward, Zimmerman is excited to share her story and connect with youth nationwide through her new role as a 4-H Youth in Action Award winner, sponsored by Bayer. Additionally, she continues to share her 4-H story with those in her Indiana community by encouraging involvement in 4-H and Extension leadership programs.

“Purdue Extension and Indiana 4-H are focused on bringing their programs to the next generations. I remember at the start of my 4-H career, the barns were full of livestock. By my tenth year, the barns were emptier, but the robotics, Legos and healthy living projects had taken over.”

“One of the many reasons I love 4-H is the community. In 4-H, there is a place for everyone – all ages and all backgrounds.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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