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Purdue Extension Martin County Blast February 13, 2023

 

MARTIN COUNTY AG DAY SATURDAY MARCH 18, 2023 - COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

Calling all 4-H Members to help with Ag Day!  Would you be able to help at Martin County Ag Day?  All enrolled 4-H members, 3-12 graders, help is needed!  Please call 812-295-2412 to sign up and report at 7:30 am on the 18th at the Community Building.

 

CELEBRATE MARTIN COUNTY AG DAY MARCH 18, 2023

WHERE:  Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN

TIME:  8:00 am to 11:00 am EST

 

Door prizes – Petting Farm – Vendor’s – Celebrate Ag – Breakfast Tickets

 

Why celebrate Ag Day?  Because all Americans need to understand the value of agriculture in their daily lives.  Here are just some of the key reasons why it’s important to recognize and 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.

 

Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Program information

 

The Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Program training replaces the YQCA program. Youth in grades 3-12 showing Beef, Dairy, Poultry, Sheep, Goats, Swine, or Rabbits at the Martin County 4-H Fair and/or the Indiana State Fair are required to complete this training by July 1st to be able to exhibit.  

 

Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Training core components, program goals and expectations emphasize the importance of care, safety, and youth as industry ambassadors. The goal of the Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Training program is to help youth understand their responsibility in increasing consumer confidence, animal stewardship, and overall gaining and applying pertinent information and credibility, relating to food systems. The curriculum is relevant and timely with an emphasis on assisting youth in making their best livestock practices even better.

 

Cornerstone beliefs of the training include:

  1. Animals from youth livestock programs are treated with the utmost care.
  2. Youth livestock exhibitors are contributing to a safe, wholesome food supply.
  3. Youth livestock exhibitors are prepared to be ambassadors for animal agriculture.

 

Martin County training dates are: 

 

Monday, May 1, 2023               4 PM

 

Thursday, June 15, 2023           2 PM

 

Thursday, June 15, 2023           4 PM

 

Registration is due two days prior to class by calling 812-295-2412. The training cost is $3 and payment by cash or check will be accepted at the door.

 

Indiana 4-H will accept online YQCA certifications for 2023. If you choose to complete the YQCA option (still required for most national shows, especially swine), you will register for the online course at https://yqcaprogram.org/. The cost of the online YQCA course is $12. After completing the course, you must email your certificate to the Dena at heldd@purdue.edu or bring a copy to the Extension Office. 

 

2023 AREA 3 LIVESTOCK CLINIC

Join us to learn about 4-H livestock projects and how to improve your showmanship skills and husbandry practices!

WHEN:  Saturday, February 25, 2023

TIME:     9:00 am to 3:00 pm

WHERE:  Warrick County 4-H Center – Alcoa Building

COST:  $5.00 per member (No cost for Warrick County 4-Hers)

RSVP:  Call or Text: Elizabeth Butcher – 812-202-5552 or Jessie Hope – 812-686-5155

LUNCH: Fazolis - Spaghetti, Fettuccini and Breadsticks

Topics include: 

Networking:  Meet fellow 4-Hers from across Area 3

Stock Selection:  Learn what to look for in stock when selecting your show animals.

Nutrition/Animal Health:  An industry expert will discuss the most important things to focus on when feeding livestock.

Showmanship Techniques:  Everything you need to know to be successful in the show ring

 

NOTE:  If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Wendy Cuiksa at 812-462-3371 prior to the workshop.

Lawrence County 4-h Rabbit Renegades Open Rabbit Show MARCH 10 & 11, 2023

WHERE:  Lawrence County Expo Hall 

COST:  $4 pre-registration per rabbit per show

REGISTRATION:  Email to tnisley@comcast.com 

INFORMATION:  Please contact Keri Barker: Phone:  812-276-1428  Email:  kbarker185@msn.com 

This is for Single All Breeds O/Y on 3-10-23 and Triple All Breeds O/Y on 3/11/23  

Unlimited Specialties

There will be a silent auction and concessions. This show helps support the Lawrence County 4-H Rabbit Club 

 

AREA 9 LIVESTOCK JUDGING INVITATIONAL CONTEST APRIL 18, 2023

WHERE:  Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds

TIME:  10:00 am EST

REGISTRATION:  9:30 am to 10:00 am EST

COST:  $10.00 Per youth participant

FOR INFORMATION:  Contact Ashlee Davis – davi1730@purdue.edu or Mercedes Brunton – brunton@purdue.edu

 

Junior Pork Day at Purdue: Saturday, March 4, 2023

Location:          Land O’ Lakes, Inc. Center Lobby (New Animal Sciences Meats Lab), Purdue University, 720 University Clinic Drive (off Harrison St.), West Lafayette, IN 47907

Registration Time: 8:30 am EST

Registration Fee:   $5.00 

 

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 765-494-8435, dickerso@purdue.edu

 

 

 

HORSE CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS - SPRING 2023 DATES

4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology Contest – March 25th at Purdue University, West Lafayette

4-H Horse Communications Contest- April 13th held Virtually

4-H and FFA Horse Judging- May 6th at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds

 

 

Upcoming sessions of the 4-H VOLUNTEER Leader Training Series

All are invited to the following Professional Development 4-H Volunteer Leader Training Series.  Current leaders and prospective new leaders are targeted, ANYONE AND EVERYONE with an interest is welcome to attend! RSVP requested but not required: Dena Held at heldd@purdue.edu or 812-295-2412. Each session is stand alone, so attend one, some or all!

 

Thursday, February 23, 2023 6 pm – 4-H Club Charters for Horse & Pony Club, Tractor Club and Jr. Leaders Club will be presented

 

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

 

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 All Terrain Vehicle Program, 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!

 

MARTIN COUNTY SEEKS ATV LEADERS: TRAINING APRIL 1ST  

The 2023 4-H ATV safety skills assessment training will occur Saturday, April 1 at the Putnam County 4-H Fairgrounds. Pre-registration is required through 4-H Online. The $25.00 registration fee includes training materials and lunch. 4-H adult volunteers will be reimbursed their Indiana OHV/ORV safety certification fee. Indiana 4-H skills assessment and Indiana OHV/ORV certifications do not require renewal. The training flyer is attached and available on the 4-H ATV Safety web page.  

PURDUE FAST START FOR HIGH SCHOOL 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! 

 

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

 

MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR 2023 4-H Related Schedule of Activities

*More activities to be added/subject to change*

 

Wednesday- Friday, April 26-April 28

8:00 am – 4:00 pm                    4-H Swine tags to be picked up 

 

Friday, April 28

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    Martin County 4-H Animal tagging day for cattle, sheep & goats

(No new livestock tags will be distributed after April 28)

Thursday, May 11

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm                    4-H Poultry Bleed & 4-H Rabbit Tattooing

 

Monday, May 15

All 4-H project drop/add on v2.4honline.com

All 4-H animals must be identified on v2.4honline.com

Equine Health forms & applicable leases are due

June 1-June 20

All 4-H exhibits for the fair must be entered on FairEntry.com

                                                            

Saturday, June 10

9:00 am                                    4-H Tractor Contest – All Disciplines

 

Tuesday, June 27

6:00 pm                                    Set up at 4-H Fairgrounds for all 4-Hers, Leaders & Volunteers – check in & out at the tree

 

Thursday, June 29

3:30 pm                                    4-H Fashion Revue Judging, at the Community Learning Center

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    Static Project Exhibit Check-In Judging at the Community Building

                                                 Includes Mini 4-H exhibits (excludes 4-H foods, 4-H garden and 4-H floriculture)

 

Saturday, July 1

                                                All livestock purebred animal registration papers due

Quality Assurance training certificates for cattle, swine, sheep, goat, rabbit & poultry exhibitors are due

Health forms for felines & poultry are due

 

Wednesday, July 5

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    4-H floriculture, 4-H foods & 4-H garden projects exhibit check in 

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    All Open Class Exhibits Check-In

 

Thursday, July 6

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    4-H Livestock Check-In

 

Friday, July 7

6:00 pm -7:30 pm                     4-H Horse & Pony Check-In Option 1

 

Friday, July 7

3:00 pm                                    4-H Cat Show in The Emergency Management Building

5:00 pm                                    Community Building and vendors Opens

6:30 pm                                    Queen Contest, 4-H Fashion Revue & Mini Sewing Modeling

 

Saturday, July 8

6:30 am – 7:00 am                    4-H Horse & Pony Check-In Option 2

9:00 am                                    Community Building Opens

9:00 am                                    4-H Beef & Dairy Show

9:00 am                                    4-H Horse & Pony Show

1:00 pm                                    4-H Rabbit Show

5:30 pm                                    4-H Poultry Show

 

Sunday, July 9

1:00 pm                                    Community Building Opens

6:00 pm                                    4-H Goat & Sheep Show

 

Monday, July 10

5:00pm                                    Community Building Opens

5:00 pm                                    Oreo stacking and watermelon seed contest by Martin County 4-H Jr. Leaders

6:00pm                                    4-H Swine Show

 

Tuesday, July 11

5:00 pm                                    Community Building Opens 

5:15 pm - 6:00 pm                    4-H Projects released & 4-H gratitude station Opens

5:30 pm                                    4-H Supreme Showmanship

7:00 pm                                    4-H Ten year and Last Year Member Recognition

7:00 pm – 745 pm                     4-H Projects released & 4-H gratitude station Opens

7:15 pm                                    4-H Livestock Auction

 

Wednesday, July 12

6:30 pm                                    Clean up *All 4-H members & 4-H volunteers/leaders*

 

Monday, July 17 to Friday, July 21

8:00 am – 3:00 pm                    Static projects (except foods) for the Indiana State Fair are to be provided to the Extension Office or as individually scheduled by calling 812-295-2412. 

Tuesday, August 1

4:00 pm to 4:30 pm                   Foods projects for the Indiana State Fair are to be provided to the Extension Office or as individually scheduled by calling 812-295-2412.

 



FRUIT PRUNING WORKSHOP MARCH 1, 2023

Join Purdue Extension Specialists for demonstrations of pruning grapes, apples, peaches and brambles and learn best management practices with hands-on experience. Learn the first step in balancing grape vines through dormant pruning and gain experience pruning apples on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks for a bountiful harvest.

Space is limited.  This is a free workshop but registration is required.

WHEN:  Wednesday, March 1, 2023

TIME:   1:00 TO 4:00 pm

WHERE:  Meigs Horticulture Research Farm, 9101 South 100 East, Lafayette, IN  47909.

REGISTER:  by Monday, February 27, 2023 at:  https://bit.ly/2023fruitpruning

Need accommodations or questions:  Karen Mitchell at:  mitcheka@purdue.edu

Snow / Rain Date will be Wednesday, March 8, 1:00 to 4:00pm

 

AGRICULTURE WINTER WORKSHOPS – MONDAY NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY

Purdue Extension Gibson County will host Winter Workshops again this year at Gibson Southern High School. Workshops will be each Monday in February located in the cafeteria and will all start at 6pm CST/7PM EST. Workshops will cover a variety of topics relevant to local farmers, provide opportunity for discussion and continued learning.

Feb 20th – Digital Agriculture – Drones, Data & So Much More by Mark Carter – PARP & Meal

Feb 27th – Weather, Climate & Soil Health by Hans Schmitz

Everyone is welcome to attend, no RSVP necessary. Call 812-385-3491 with questions or accommodation requests.

PRESSURE CANNING CLASS

When: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 12-4 PM ET

Where: VU Shircliff Humanities Bldg, Room A204 (130 E. Harrison St. Vincennes, IN)

What:

  • learn canning basics, food safety guidelines for home canning, where to find resources
  • course includes lecture, handouts and hands-on practice in the kitchen
  • participants will take home their own sample of home-canned product that they make

Cost: $25 or $40 for two people registering at the same time

Register by sending the following information to Purdue Extension – Knox County 4259 N. Purdue Rd., Vincennes, IN 47591. Make check payable to Purdue Education Fund. Sponsorships are available; inquire at 812-882-3509

If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend this program, please contact Tonya at 812-882-3509 at least 10 business days prior to the event.

 

SRATEGIES FOR ESTATE PLANNING

Are you wondering where to begin when it comes to estate planning?  If so, you’re not alone.

Learn more about estate planning goals, the difference between wills and trusts, advance directives and their importance, and organizing your important documents.

 

WHEN: February 23, 2023

TIME:  6:30 to 7:30 pm

WHERE:  Owen County Purdue Extension Office

CONTACT PERSON:  Jamie Jo Lowder, Health and Human Sciences Extension Educator/ lowderO@purdue.edu / 812-829-5020

More details available at:  https://extension.purdue.edu/events/county/owen/2023/02/strategies-for-estate-planning.html

 

SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE WITH CANCER FROM NEAR OR AFAR WEBINAR

WHEN:  March 9, 2023

TIME:  9:00 AM ET

Learn more or register at:  https://bit.ly/Caring23

For further information, please contact Tonya at 812-882-3509

DIGITAL READY BUSINESS

The Purdue Extension Digital Ready Businesses program is designed to help small businesses learn to leverage online tools and services to grow their business. Workshops are designed to take about an hour and include a presentation from a trained Extension educator, activities, handouts and more.  Register for one or more of these virtual workshops to take advantage of digital tools to grow your business.

**If your business is in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Delaware, Huntington, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Lawrence, Montgomery, Morgan, Noble, Steuben, Vanderburgh, Wabash, Wells, or Whitley County, there is no charge for the workshops, grants received by the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) and by AT&T have covered the program fees.

Topic and upcoming session dates 

  1. Claim Your Online Turf, January 24
  2. Website Basics, January 26
  3. Grow Your Virtual Customers, January 31
  4. Search Engine Optimization, February 2
  5. Email Analytics & Marketing, February 7
  6. Podcasting 101, February 9
  7. How to Blog Successfully, February 14
  8. Introduction to Social Media Platforms, February 16
  9. Social Media Plan & Content, February 21
  10. Social Media Analytics & Marketing, February 23
  11. Digital Storefront Tuesday, February 28

Question:  Contact Daniel Walker at walke422@purdue.edu and visit  www.cdext.purdue.edu/dr

FRIEND OF EXTENSION AWARDED TO LIFELONG FOUNTAIN COUNTY VOLUNTEER

Adapted from: https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2022/12/friend-of-extension-awarded-to-lifelong-fountain-county-volunteer.html

For 54 years, Carolyn Davis of Fountain County has dedicated skills and heart to the Indiana 4-H youth development program as a volunteer. Davis is Purdue Extension’s 2022 Friend of Extension award winner, presented at the annual Purdue Extension Professional Development Conference in December.

A 4-H’er herself, Davis’ enrollment in 4-H cooking and sewing projects inspired her to earn a home economics teaching degree from Purdue University. She proceeded to become the Family and Consumer Science teacher at Covington High School and immediately also became a Fountain County 4-H volunteer.

Adam Tyler, Purdue Extension Fountain County director and 4-H and agriculture and natural resources educator, feels fortunate to have Davis as a volunteer in the county. He’s witnessed Davis’ impact on youth through the clubs she’s led, as a judge at county fairs and the Indiana State Fair, and as a helper at 4-H camps at Purdue.

“Carolyn is so kind to everyone she meets and to see her enthusiasm along with the dedication she puts forth each and every day is a gift. I’ve experienced the honor of seeing multiple generations come forward with excitement to tell her thank you,” added Tyler.

Davis served as Indiana 4-H Round-Up Dean of Women for 40 years, just recently turning over this responsibility. Davis has also been an invaluable member of the team of adults supporting and chaperoning youth attendees at 4-H Academy for the last several years. Her positive attitude, friendly manner, and sense of humor have endeared her to both youth and adults.

Tyler says whether it’s in the classroom or 4-H, Davis is always putting the kids’ needs first, making her a “true friend of Extension!”

 

UNEXPECTED PLANTS AND ANIMALS OF INDIANA – BATS

Adapted from:

https://ag.purdue.edu/news/2023/01/unexpected-plants-and-animals-of-indiana-indiana-bats.html?fbclid=IwAR0THzJa9yg

 

Despite their name, Indiana bats are found in more than 20 states. The species was first found in southern Indiana’s Wyandotte Caves where they live in close, social groups. During the winter, up to 500 bats can huddle for warmth underground within a single square foot. Their scientific name, Myotis sodalis, is actually Latin for “mouse ear companion.” While that companionship has helped Indiana bats survive for generations, it is now facilitating the spread of a deadly disease that is devastating their population.

First documented in 2006, white-nose syndrome spreads rapidly. It has killed millions of North American bats over the past decade. Named after a powdery white fungus that grows on the hairless parts of bats, white-nose syndrome spreads on surfaces and through bat-to-bat contact.

“Bats spend a lot of time sleeping and really shut down when they hibernate in caves,” said Patrick Zollner, professor of quantitative ecology. During hibernation, bats lower their body temperature and metabolic rate, increasing their susceptibility to white-nose syndrome.

The fungus causes behavior changes in bats that make them more active than usual, burning the fat they need to survive and killing the vast majority of those infected.

“One reason bat populations are so sensitive is they are not prolific breeders like other small mammals,” said Zollner. Indiana bats give birth to a single pup each summer, making it hard for their numbers to rebound.

Though the effects of the population decline are visible, specifics are hard to determine. This fall, Sally Martinez, a graduate student in Zollner’s lab, began work to unravel the impact.

“The Indiana DNR has a massive amount of data, before and after the outbreak began,” Zollner explained. “Sally is diving in and analyzing that data to answer what the consequences of losing so many bats in Indiana are and if other bats are taking over those spots.”

“It can be hard to manage bat populations, said Martinez, "but the more information we have, the easier it is to conserve them.”

Bats often face an uphill battle when it comes to securing support for conservation efforts.

 

FREE INVASIVE PLANT LANDOWNER SITE VISITS

A program of The Daviess, Dubois and Martin County Soil and Water Conservation Districts:

 

Do you want to learn more about invasive species on your property?  Have an Invasive Species Specialist come to your property and identify invasive species that are taking up residence?  We can help you learn to identify, prioritize, and control problematic invasive plants.  You can even receive an invasive management plan customized to your property.  We can also refer landowners to state and federal programs for invasive control cost-share assistance.  Help raise awareness about invasive species in your county. 

This Service is available in Daviess, Dubois, and Martin Counties.  Contact Emily Finch, Invasive Species Specialist at 812-482-1171 Extension #3, or Email at: Emily.Finch@in.nacdnet.net

This Program is provided by the Daviess, Dubois and Martin County Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  With funding from a Clean Water Indiana Grant.

 

CREEPING CHARLIE IN THE GARDEN – IN THE GROW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Adapted from:  https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/creeping-charlie-in-the-garden/

By: Rosie Lerner

 

 

Q: I can control creeping charlie in my yard. How can I safely control/stop creeping charlie in the garden?

A:I share this never-ending challenge to keep creeping Charlie (also known as ground ivy) out of my garden beds. Creeping Charlie is an herbaceous perennial that spreads by seed as well as horizontal, above-ground stems called stolons or runners. These runners are easy to hand pull, especially after rain or irrigation but the plant will produce new runners. You have to keep pulling throughout the season.  Digging up the mother plants is more effective, but tedious. It’s especially important to prevent seed formation by keeping them pulled when flowering.  A layer of mulch 2-3 inches deep will help discourage the plants, but likely won’t be completely effective.

 Any herbicide that would effectively control creeping Charlie would be risky to use around your garden plants. Springtime during active growth is when this weed is most vulnerable to herbicide but this is also when your desirable plants would be most susceptible to damage. Some have found some success with very careful spot application of broad-leaved herbicide in the fall, when desirable plants are a little less susceptible and the creeping Charlie is still actively growing.  Using a wick application method can help keep the herbicide from reaching desirable plants but is tedious in a garden setting. Be sure the herbicide product is labeled for controlling creeping Charlie (ground ivy) because not all broad-leaved weed killers are effective on this species. Read and follow all label directions. Any spray that contacts your desirable plants could damage or kill them. So, I’ll repeat, using herbicide around your garden plants can be risky and is not the best approach for most gardeners.

More information including photos to help identify this pesky weed at https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/article/spotlight-on-weeds-ground-ivy-creeping-charlie-glechoma-hederacea/.

 

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY LEADS SERIES OF WEBINARS FOR BACKYARD POULTRY OWNERS

Adapted from:
https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/uk-leads-series-webinars-backyard-poultry-owners

 

 

 

Backyard chicken flocks are popular in urban and suburban communities throughout the country. Most owners raise them for eggs, meat, controlling pests and sometimes, just as pets. Preparation is essential for a thriving backyard flock. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is leading a series of webinars throughout the coming year on various aspects of raising backyard poultry. 

In conjunction with the Universities of Wisconsin, Florida, Minnesota, The Ohio State University and Utah State University, UK will host 10 Zoom sessions in 2023 on everything from reproductive issues to managing poultry flocks on pasture. 

“Backyard poultry has gotten really big recently and UK is taking the lead on providing science-based information to small and backyard chicken producers through our website, Facebook page and our monthly webinars,” said Jacqueline Jacob, an extension project manager in the UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences who puts together the yearly event. 

Chickens were not considered livestock by American farmers in the early 1900s; eggs were regarded as a delicacy, and chicken meat was served only on special occasions. The U.S. government appealed to backyard chickens after the start of the First World War, though. Foraging chickens produced their own food, composted kitchen scraps, controlled harmful garden insects, tilled soil and ultimately increased the availability of food supplies to send to troops in Europe.  

Following World War II, this mentality faded as people moved to the suburbs, and backyard chickens were replaced by industrial poultry. 

While Jacob does not have specific numbers for backyard flocks, she said suburban poultry has made a comeback over the past several years, and skyrocketed when COVID-19 hit. With schools closed and workers laid off, furloughed or working remotely, many Americans saw starting a backyard flock as a rewarding project for the weeks or months of confinement at home. 

“Chickens are beneficial for several reasons,” said Jess Slade, native plants curator at The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, who purchased her backyard flock at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “They produce colorful eggs with rich, orange yolks that beat any grocery store egg in flavor and beauty. I currently have a flock of eight chickens of various breeds and they are a delight to watch and care for – plus the eggs make great gifts for friends and neighbors.” 

Aside from fresh daily eggs, meat and a great source of garden compost, poultry can also be an excellent educational tool for children. 

“Taking care of your own chickens is a great learning tool,” Jacob said. “Children learn about respect for life, general biology, caring for one another and responsibility. Some families consider their flocks ‘Chicken TV.’ They sit and watch their chickens’ daily activities and have a blast doing it.” 

For more information call: Jacqueline Jacob, jpja@uky.edu

To see all webinars, visit https://poultry.extension.org/webinars

 

 

DID YOU KNOW? PURDUE EXTENSION WORKS

 

Purdue Extension works with residents to build vibrant communities, strong families and profitable businesses.  Purdue Extension provides programing to residents in the following 4 areas:

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

Our vision:  We will be a leader in providing relevant, high-impact education programs that transform the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities in Indiana and the world.

 

Make a difference today:  You can Help!  For in person donations to Martin County Extension, please contact: Dena Held at heldd@purdue.edu or visit us at 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN.

To make a donation on line visit: https://bit.ly/donationextensionmartincounty

 

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