4-H GUIDES NEEDED!
Calling 4-H members who want to help guide newer members during static project check-in! The check-in times are on Thursday, June 29th & Wednesday, July 5th, with guides needing to arrive at 5 pm. Let Dena or Michelle know at 812-295-2412 that you want to be a Martin County 4-H Guide!
2023 MARTIN COUNTY 4-H HANDBOOKS ARE AVAILABLE
You may request a copy of the 4-H Handbook from your club leader, Extension Office, search Purdue Extension Martin County 4-H Handbook 2023 on the internet or use the provided link to access on the website.
4-H SCORECARDS ARE AVAILABLE
Are you new to 4-H or a seasoned 4-Her? Either way, reviewing the score cards for projects can help youth decide on how to best set up project exhibits and understand how judging is completed. PROJECT SCORECARDS can be located at: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/index.html. It is a great way to work to prepare your exhibit!
4-H TRACTOR CLUB
The State Tractor Contest is Wednesday, August 9th at The Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana. Only Area qualifiers may proceed to compete at State Contest.
Jr. Leaders 4-H Club Activities
Jr. Leaders is for 4-H Members in grades 7-12. All are invited to join in for the fun, leadership building, community minded club. Members may join in at any time!
Fairs Cares Food Drive now through end of Martin County 4-H Fair.
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. Looking to help with the 4-H Fair and have some ideas? Join one of the committees. Wonder how we can continue to bring fun and learning to youth through 4-H all year long? Do you have ideas? NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO GET INVOLVED!
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!
pie baking contest
Participate in this year’s pie baking contest at the Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds on July 10th. Bring 2 covered pies to the Community Building on Monday July 10th between 3 – 5:30 pm. One pie will be judged and the other pie will be auctioned off or sold by the slice. Pie judging will start at 5:40pm. A silent auction of the pies will last until 6:00pm. Auction winners will be announced at 6:10pm. All proceeds go to the Martin County 4-H Council. A registration form can be picked up at the Extension office Monday – Friday 8 to 4 pm and must be completed and returned by July 7th. Entry fee is $5.00 per pie. Pies will be judged on crust texture, crust flavor, taste of filling and appearance.
MARTIN COUNTY GOSPEL SING
WHEN: Sunday, July 9, 2023
WHERE: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN
TIME: 6:00 pm
Bring your own lawn chairs
2023 MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR – FRIDAY, JULY 7 TO TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023
2023 INDIANA STATE FAIR – JULY 28 – AUGUST 20, 2023 Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
ATTENTION MINI SEWING 4-HER
You are invited!!!
WHAT: FASHION REVIEW
WHEN: Friday, July 7, 2023 During the Martin County Queen Contest
TIME: Please be at the Martin County Fairgrounds FREE Stage ready to model at 6:15 pm.
As a Mini Sewing 4-Her, we want to recognize you at the Martin County Queen Contest!! We encourage you to wear a 4-H t-shirt when modeling. When you are in grades 3-12, you can add Fashion Revue as a project and model your garment you constructed. Also participating in the Fashion Revue in grades 3-12 will give you more points on your yearly point sheet.
CONTACT: Martin County Extension Office: 812-295-2412 for the needed forms which can be returned on Thursday, June 29 during project check-in OR contact Elizabeth White, Fashion Revue Superintendent 812-709-1368
MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR 2023 4-H Related Schedule of Activities
*More activities to be added/subject to change*
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
3:00 pm 4-H Cat Show in The Emergency Management Building, Judge, Ann Miller
5:00 pm Silent Auction
5:00 pm Woods on Wheels
5:00 pm 4-H Community Building and Vendors Opens
6:00 pm – 9:00 Carnival Games & Inflatables
6:30 pm Queen Contest
6:30 pm 4-H Fashion Revue & Mini Sewing Modeling
Saturday, July 8
8:00 am 4-H Community Building Opens
8:00 am Silent Auction
8:00 am Pop Up Market
8:00 am – 1:00 pm Zephyr Van Moor at the Pop
9:00 am 4-H Beef & Dairy Show – Judge, Rodney Klein
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Cruze in Car Show
1:00 pm 4-H Rabbit Show – Judge, Davonne Long
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm 4-H Horse & Pony Check-In Option 1
5:00 pm Woods on Wheels
5:00 – 8:00 pm Health Fair
5:30 pm 4-H Poultry Show – Judge, Jason Branson
6:00 – 8:00 pm Carnival Games and Inflatables
6:30 – 7:00 pm No Fences Garth Brooks Tribute
Sunday, July 9
10:00 am – 11:00 am 4-H Horse & Pony Check-In Option 2
1:00 pm 4-H Horse & Pony Show - Judge, Elaine Spaetti
1:00 pm 4-H Community Building Opens
1:00 pm Silent Auction
2:00 pm Farm Bureau Games
3:00 pm Corn Hole Tournament
4:00 pm Kiddie Tractor Pull
6:00 pm 4-H Goat & Sheep Show – Judge, Kylie Schakel
6:00 pm Baby Show
6:00 pm Gospel Singing
6:00 – 7:00 pm Ice Cream Making Contest
6:00 – 8:00 pm Carnival Games & Inflatables
Monday, July 10
5:00 pm 4-H Community Building Opens
5:00 pm Silent Auction
5:00 pm Oreo stacking and watermelon seed contest by Martin County 4-H Jr. Leaders
5:30 pm Face Painting
5:30 pm Pie Baking Contest
5:30 pm Lego with Shoals Robotix
5:30 pm Story Time with Loogootee Library
6:00 pm Animal Tales
6:00pm 4-H Swine Show – Judge, Rodney Klein
7:00 – 9:00 pm Rodeo
Tuesday, July 11
5:00 pm 4-H 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 – Brea Knittel & Evan McClain
7:00 pm 4-H Ten year and Last Year Member Recognition
7:00 pm Silent Auction is Released
7:00 pm – 7:45 pm 4-H Projects released
7:00 pm 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 & garden) for the Indiana State Fair are to be provided to the Extension Office or as individually scheduled by calling 812-295-2412.
Monday, July 31 *****SCHEDULE UPDATED*****
8:00 am to 9:30 am Foods & garden projects for the Indiana State Fair are to be provided to the Extension Office or as individually scheduled by calling 812-295-2412.
INDIANA STATE FAIR 2023 ENTRY BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILBLE
Books are now live at the following address:
https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/state-fair/competitions--contests
POND WORKSHOP
WHEN: June 29, 2023
TIME: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Sugar Creek Sporting Clays & Hunting Preserve
2285 Bono Road, Mitchell, IN 47445
RSVP: 812-279-8117 EXT #3
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:
SPEAKERS:
Bring a Chair and a light supper will be provided. DOOR PRIZES!
INDIANA 4-H PROGRAMS LEAD TO POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
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.
In Indiana, 4-H can be found in all 92 counties 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. The impact of 4-H for life skill development providing college & career pathways is proven. Volunteer leadership in 4-H provides a part of the critical competencies required for 4-H programming. Thank you to all volunteers!
We invite all youth, kindergarten to twelfth grade, to join 4-H! The program provides opportunity for all!
THE MARTIN COUNTY 4-H JUNIOR LEADER MEMBERS HEAD UP FAIRS CARES PROGRAM
Help the local food banks at the 4-H Fair, July 7-11. 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.
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!
STOCKMANSHIP with CURT PATE
WHERE: Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center, Dubois, IN
WHEN: Friday, September 29, 2023 – Beef Focused Program
Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Sheep & Goat Focused Program
DETAILS AVAILABLE AT:
www.indianaforage.org – www.indianasheep.com – www.indianabeef.org
From Ryegate, MT. Curt Pate uses his personal experience incorporating effective stockmanship principles, supports a “for profit” mindset and focuses on highlighting the increased economic benefits of handling stock correctly. In addition, Curt recognizes the growing public scrutiny surrounding livestock production and the impact that improved livestock handling practices create for the sustainability of the cattle industry.
PURDUE SMALL FARM EDUCATION FIELD DAY 2023
https://vegcropshotline.org/article/small-farm-education-field-day-register-now/
WHEN: July 27, 2023
WHERE: Purdue Student Farm, (https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/studentfarm/
1491 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette, IN 47906
REGISTRATION: Open Now at: https://cvent.me/ewWN3b & purdue.ag/SWPAC_register
TIME: Registration 8:00 to 9:00 am EST
DEMONSTRATIONS: 9:00 – 12:00 noon EST
Food trucks will be on site for those who would like to purchase lunch after demonstrations end.
QUESTIONS: Petrus Langenhoven at 765-496-7955 or Lori Jolly-Brown at 765-494-1296
Visit the website listed above for description of demonstrations.
We are excited to announce that the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center Field Day is scheduled for June 28, 2023, at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC), 4669 N. Purdue Rd. Vincennes, IN.
Purdue researchers and NRCS representatives will present their current research and demonstration projects in fruit and vegetable production conducted at SWPAC. The topics include a cover crop demonstration, high tunnel tomato cultivar evaluation, high tunnel tomato and cucumber disease and insect management, benefits of companion plants, strawberry production, irrigation management, weed management in organic sweet potato, soil health and pepper production, the effect of cover crops on pest and beneficial insects in watermelon production and more! Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from fruit and vegetable production experts.
ATTENTION 4-H’ERS, FAMILIES AND VOLUNTEERS.
4-H'ers, families, and volunteers: we need your input! Click on the above link and complete this survey to tell us about your 4-H priorities & experience. Your answers will help us submit a strong
Lilly Endowment, Inc. funding proposal that has the potential to benefit every IN 4-H'er.
In this on demand webinar, hosted by Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA), presenter LeAnne Barta of Indiana Lyme Connect shares strategies for preventing tick bites and discuss the ticks found in Indiana, their life stages, and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Visit this website to watch: https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/be-tick-aware-lyme-disease-prevention-strategies-webinar/
HEAT STRESS AND DROUGHT CONSIDERATION FOR CORN
https://ag.purdue.edu/news/department/agronomy/kernel-news/2022/06/heat-stress-drought-consider.html?
By: Shaun Casteel
Max air temperatures for central and southern Indiana averaged 89- and 90-degrees F, respectively for the week of June 12th, 2022 which measured 10% above the 30-year average. In addition, air temperatures of 96-degrees F and above were observed during the week and record max air temperatures for this point in the season were observed in multiple locations across Indiana. Unfortunately, similar high temperatures are expected for the week of June 20th, combined with minimal chances for precipitation. Therefore, as high temperatures continue to persist and soils begin to dry out, this begs the question of what will happen to the corn crop? And, should I be concerned?
The good news is that corn originated from a tropical grass and has been observed to withstand temperatures upwards of 112-degrees F for short periods, with plant growth typically decreasing when temperatures exceed 95-degrees F (Thomison, 2016). Therefore, temperatures in the mid-90s during the afternoon typically do not impact corn photosynthetic capacity and yield if soil moisture is adequate. Overall, young corn in the vegetative growth stages is fairly tolerant to high temperatures and drought conditions. In addition, dry soil conditions early in the season can encourage deeper rooting of corn which will likely assist the corn plant with moisture access later in the season if the dry conditions persist. Deeper root systems allow the plant to access greater volumes of soil for increased moisture access.
The combination of hot, sunny days and increased drought stress in corn can limit the total water uptake of growing plants, thus resulting in reduced photosynthesis. Symptoms of drought stress include leaf rolling which is due to plants closing leaf stomates to limit the transpiration of moisture through the plants (Nielsen, 2020a). Although the attempt to limit transpiration of moisture can help a stressed corn plant, closed stomates can reduce plant photosynthesis due to reduced carbon dioxide accumulation (Nielsen, 2020). The earlier leaf rolling occurs in the day and the longer the duration of leaf rolling is observed, the more stress the plant is under, and the more potential yield loss can occur. Yield loss estimates have been previously quantified when drought stress and leaf rolling occur for four consecutive days or more (Table 1). Significant drought stress during vegetative growth can impact plant development and size and ear size potential (potential kernel number per row is more sensitive to environmental stress than kernel row number per ear). In addition, since dry soil conditions limit water uptake of a corn plant, these conditions can also limit nutrient uptake. For example, potassium deficiency is often observed under drought stress conditions.
As corn approaches maximum height and pollination, this is when the risk of yield loss due to heat and drought stress is the greatest. Corn water use increases from emergence to approximately the V15 growth stage where water use peaks through silking and pollination and until the R2 growth stage (blister) before decreasing (Table 2). Corn needs approximately 0.33 inches per day of water during peak demand and temperature, humidity level, and cloud cover can impact the total amount of daily water lost (Lee, 2022). Significant heat and water stress that occurs 7-10 days ahead of silking and throughout pollination can result in delayed silk emergence, reduced silk elongation, and silk desiccation. Once the tassel has emerged and pollen shed has begun, a corn plant will only shed pollen for approximately 7 days. Therefore, delayed silk emergence can cause poor synchrony of pollen shed with silk emergence and elongation, thus reducing kernel number and yield. In addition, extreme heat stress (> 100-degrees F) can kill pollen. However, pollen shed does not occur on one single day and peak pollen shed typically occurs in the morning when temperatures are lower (Nielsen, 2020b). The good news is that the corn crop in Indiana typically reaches 50% silking by mid-July, which means there is still time for the temperature to decrease and precipitation to increase during this critical time period.
Overall, corn is fairly tolerant to heat and drought conditions during early vegetative growth. However, if the heat and drought continue to persist and severe plant stress is observed, plant photosynthetic capacity and yield can be lost. Where heat and drought stress can become a significant problem is during pollination and silking. Therefore, it will be important to continue to monitor the weather and the corn crop throughout Indiana the next few weeks and maybe try out a few “rain dances” as we begin to approach some of the most critical growth stages in the life cycle of the corn plant.
EARLY SOYBEAN PLANTING YEARS: DROUGHT-STRICKEN OR BIN-BUSTING YIELDS? https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/newsletters/pestandcrop/article/early-soybean-planting-years-drought-stricken-or-bin-busting-yields/?_
By: Shaun Casteel
Indiana soybean planting in 2023 is following the same track as 1988 and 2018, which could be devastating or bin busting! As you may or may not recall, 1988 was one of the worst droughts we have experienced. Indiana soybeans yielded 27.5 bu/ac, which was 11.5 bu less (30% reduction) than the trend yield (39 bu/ac). The only year with a faster pace was another drought year—2012. Late season rains saved the 2012 crop and Indiana yielded 44.0 bu/ac (5.8 bu below yield trend, ~12% reduction). Soybeans were planted at a fast pace in 1991 due to dry and drought conditions, but the yields were nearly unaffected (3% less than trend).
Indiana has had six years that soybean planting progress was substantially faster than the five-year average (Figure 1). Three of those years were drought years (1988, 1991, 2012) while the other years (2018, 2020, 2021) were yield-breaking years!
Timely planting of soybean (some may call it “early planting”) is the foundation for building great yield potential of soybean. Soybean usually develop more trifoliate nodes (and thereby, mainstem pods later in the season) with plants that have shorter internodes and more reproductive branches. These soybeans usually intercept more sunlight, accumulate more thermal energy, close the row earlier in the season, and extend reproduction duration. All of these physiological effects provide promise of high yields, which seem to match the advanced planting progress of 2018, 2020, and 2021. In fact, Indiana soybean yield record was surpassed with each of these early planting years (57.0, 57,5, and 59.5 bu/ac, respectively).
Soybeans are rated 70% good to excellent as of May 30th, which speak to the number of timely planted fields that were able to get well established (i.e., plant population and root system). These soybeans will continue to root deep with benefits for later season water needs during seed fill. A few of the early (~early to mid-April) and later planted (~late May) fields have or will be struggling with adequate stand establishment and early season development. These fields will be more prone to negative yield effects as the return of rain is delayed. At this point, we have a lot of season left to make up for shortfalls in soil moisture.
BEING ACTIVE – RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
https://www.eatgathergo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/21-PNEP-4084_Logo_Update_to_PDFs_BEING-ACTIVE_Lesson07
Since stress is here to stay, everyone (adults and children) needs to develop methods to relax. Relaxation is needed to lower blood pressure, respiration, and pulse rate, as well as release muscle tension, and ease emotional strain. Deep breathing techniques and exercise help you feel successful and in control. Try to practice deep breathing once a day and build up to 5-10 minutes a day. There are many variations of deep breathing. They all involve breathing slowly and deeply and can all be done sitting in a chair. Include your children in your deep breathing sessions. It will help them relax, too.
Ocean Breath:
For thousands of years the ocean has breathed against the shores of country after country. Learn this breath while seated in a comfortable cross-legged position on the floor or seated in a chair with your feet on the floor. Inhale and exhale deeply through the mouth. On the exhales, begin to tone the back of the throat, slightly constricting the passage of air. Imagine that you are fogging up a pair of glasses. Once you are comfortable with the exhale, begin to apply the same toning of the throat to the inhales. This is where the name of the breath comes from: it sounds like the ocean. (It also sounds like Darth Vader.)
Snake Breath:
When they are coiled and resting, snakes look around calmly, and when they move, they are slow and smooth. Sit up tall. Take a deep breath in, filling up your whole body. Pause and breathe out slowly and smoothly making a hissing sound for as long as you can. Repeat for 3-5 rounds, feeling yourself slow down and become calmer each time.
Elephant Breath:
Elephants shower themselves with their own trunks. Choose something to shower yourself with — sparkles, love, laughter, strength. Stand with your feet wide part. Link your hands and dangle your arms in front of you like an elephant trunk. Inhale through your nose as you raise your arms high above your head and lean back. Exhale though your mouth as you swing your arms down through your legs. Repeat for 3 rounds.
Bunny Breath:
Bunnies are very alert. Keep yourself awake and alert with this cleansing breath. Sit on your shins with your back straight, shoulders wide and chest lifted (or sit cross legged or in a chair if that feels better). Keeping your chin down, take three big sniffs, one right after the other. Then exhale on a long release, as though you are sighing out through your nostrils. Repeat for 5 to 7 rounds