The Purdue Extension Martin County weekly column is provided to help all learn
about programs & opportunities. We highlight events from Purdue University & Extension
where we hope you will choose to be part of Extension….. where there is Opportunity4All!
MARTIN COUNTY 4-H TURKEY DINNER & 2023 4-H ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Save the date: Sunday, November 5, 2023
Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center, Community Building
2024 Martin County 4-H Fair
The fair dates are July 11-16, 2024- Thursday to Tuesday
It's Okay to Not Be Okay Program: A Guide to Coping and Managing Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Not only is it okay to not feel 'okay,' it is essential. An abnormal emotional response to an abnormal situation IS normal.
Join Kelsey Neuhoff, Licensed Social Worker, as she discusses healthy ways to cope and manage stress, anxiety and depression.
When: Thursday, September 14, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. EST
Where: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center, Community Building
Meal will be provided.
To register for this free event, call 812-996-2352 or visit mhhcc.org
Registration Deadline: September 7, 2023
Registration for this event is limited and for those 16 years of age and older.
MARTIN COUNTY PESTICIDE APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION COURSE
Save the date: Monday, November 6, 2023 10 am – 12 Noon EST
Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center, Community Building
STOCKMANSHIP with CURT PATE
From Ryegate, Montana. 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.
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
JAY COUNTY FALL CLASSIC OPEN BEEF SHOW
WHEN: Saturday, September 9, 2023
WHERE: Jay County Fairgrounds, 806 East Votaw Street, Portland, IN 47371
TIMES: Check in: 8:00 to 10:00 AM & Show Time: 12:00 Noon
For more information contact: Nancy Snyder - 260-703-0627 or Mark Valentine – 260-251-8066
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 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!
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!
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING IN 4-H
Adapted from https://4-h.org/about/impact-areas/equity-and-inclusion/
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging must be more than words to be effective in addressing the widening opportunity gap affecting young people. Lack of access to positive relationships and the sense of belonging young people need to thrive through challenge is negatively affecting them in various ways, including a teen mental health crisis that encompasses loneliness, depression and anxiety. For more than 100 years, 4-H has given youth voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. Today, 4-H strives to reflect America and celebrate the diverse population from all beliefs and backgrounds.
How 4-H is making an impact: Research shows that two key elements help young people thrive in life: a sense of belonging, and a caring adult beyond a parent or guardian. Through positive youth development (PYD), 4-H educators throughout the Cooperative Extension System provide hands-on learning experiences that cultivate inclusion, diversity and belonging. From youth-led summits that promote best practices about inclusion to trainings providing guidance for 4-H professionals and volunteers, 4-H is creating with care adults. 4-H camp programs give nearly half a million youth the opportunity to participate research-backed, positive youth development.
One such program is the National Program True Leaders in Equity Institute. This training and leadership opportunity challenges participants to work together to ideate and champion equity-related projects that will grow 4-H in their communities. True Leaders in Equity Institute produces a well-trained cadre of youth who function as ambassadors within a growing network of change agents in the 4-H system. To continue to grow the critical work being done in local communities every day, 4-H is also working to build a True Leaders in Equity Hub to maximize reach and develop an opportunity for all youth to participate in DEI activities. 4-H will train a DEI Ambassador Corps of teen leaders from all over the country with the goal of reaching 1,000 communities by 2025. To learn move visit: https://4-h.org/programs/true-leaders-in-equity/
REMOTE WORK PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE COURSE
To help entrepreneurs, freelancers and employees enhance their remote work skills, the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) and Purdue Extension have partnered to offer the Remote Work Professional Certificate course. Grant funding allows Indiana participants to complete the certificate for $50 compared to its regular price of $199.
The Remote Work Professional Certificate course equips individuals with the skills needed to excel in a remote work environment. The course covers topics such as time management, communication, collaboration and strategies for staying focused and productive while working from home. Participants will learn about the latest tools and technologies that are essential for remote work success.
“Remote work is the future of work, and we are thrilled to offer this course to help individuals thrive in this new environment,” said Emily Del Real, PCRD engagement specialist. “With grant funding, we are able to make this course accessible, regardless of financial circumstances.”
The online certificate course consists of nine self-paced core modules and four interactive workshops. The modules will cover how to set up a virtual office and communicate professionally, as well as understanding task management and project tracking, the legal precautions of working online, problem solving, and remote professional development. Participants will need reliable access to broadband, a web camera and microphone, and basic computer proficiency. Program coaches will be available throughout the course to answer questions and guide participants through the modules.
To register for the online course and take advantage of the grant funding program, visit https://pcrd.purdue.edu/remoteworkcertificate/ and enter discount code RBDG_Grant22.
About the Purdue Center for Regional Development
The Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) seeks to pioneer new ideas and strategies that contribute to regional collaboration, innovation and prosperity. Founded in 2005, the center partners with public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to identify and enhance the key drivers of innovation in regions across Indiana, the U.S. and beyond. These drivers include a vibrant and inclusive civic leadership, a commitment to collaboration and the application of advanced data support systems to promote sound decision-making and the pursuit of economic development investments that build on the competitive assets of regions. Learn more at https://pcrd.purdue.edu/.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING SERIES PROGRAM
The seven-week program is designed for local leaders, government officials, NGOs, and community members interested in living and leading sustainably. It meets online once a week and incorporates live presentations, activities, and group discussions. Weekly assignments, including online videos and homework, supplement the live sessions.
The program begins on September 13 and takes place on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm EST through October 25.
Please contact Steve Yoder at yoder46@purdue.edu or visit bit.ly/45pLZkn
Register here: bit.ly/456D080
2024 Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy
Learn to be a Leader in Watershed Management & sign up now to improve your watershed management skills. If you’re interested in water quality and watersheds, consider applying for the 2024 Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy.
The Academy, organized by Purdue University with support from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and other Indiana conservation agencies and organizations, gives participants the chance to:
Enrollment deadline: November 3, 2023
Web site: For the online application and information about the Academy, visit https://engineering.purdue.edu/watersheds/academy.html
Format: The program includes three face-to-face group sessions, plus distance learning and online networking (approximately 2 hrs/week). The Academy will run from January to May, 2024, with workshops on January 3-4, March 27-28, and May 22, 2024.
Recognition: Participants who complete all requirements earn a Purdue University Continuing Education Professional Certificate in Watershed Management.
For more information, please contact Sara Peel, speel@purdue.edu, or see the Academy Website https://engineering.purdue.edu/watersheds/academy.html to fill out the registration application.
USDA CLIMATE SMART PROJECT
Climate-Smart Grasslands – the Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets
Farms implement up to six specific practices, each of which has previously documented potential increase soil organic carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and enhance system resilience, all while making a positive contribution to profitability, drought resiliency, soil and water quality, and habitat for at-risk grassland birds and pollinators. For more information contact Abby Heidenreich at aheidnr@purdue.edu
INDIANA ORGANIC GRAIN FARMER MEETING
SAVE THE DATE: February 28, 2024
Beck Agricultural Center
West Lafayette, IN
The Indiana Organic Grain Farmer meeting increases participant understanding of organic transition, certification and cropping systems through peer learning and networking. This annual event includes education and workshops on transitioning to organic grain, breakout sessions, farmer panels, networking time and an industry trade show.
For more information contact: Ashley Adair - Extension Organic Agriculture Specialist Email: holmes9@purdue.edu
PURDUE EXTENSION: FARM STRESS TEAM
You can’t take care of your farm, your livestock or your family if you don’t first take care of yourself.
The Purdue Farm Stress team is part of a 12-state collaborative effort that was awarded the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network grant administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The goal is to create/expand stress management and mental health resources and services to agricultural producers/stakeholders in the North Central region. Listen to the podcast! Tools For Today’s Farmer. Featuring interviews with leaders in the agriculture industry. Find it anywhere you listen to podcasts or simply google search “Tools for Today’s Farmer Podcast”
Check the website for more resources and information: Extension.purdue.edu/farmstress
HOW CAN YOU INCREASE PURDUE EXTENSION OUTREACH?
Purdue Extension provides research-based practical education applied to the problems of families, communities, agriculture, business and industry.
More information can be picked up at the Martin County Purdue Extension Office located at: 2666 US HWY 50, Loogootee, or talk to us at 812-295-2412.
ONCE UPON A GARDEN FALL SEMINAR
You’re Invited! Make plans to attend the Fall Seminar “Once Upon A Garden” hosted by the Gibson County Master Gardener Association with 4 Guest Speakers plus several vendor booths.
Join us October 21st, 2023 at the Toyota Event Center in Princeton, Indiana.
Doors open at 8 am Central Time, Seminar starts at 9 am.
Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/once-upon-a-garden-gibson-county-master-gardeners-seminar-tickets-536141913897
FACILITATIVE LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
This three-day workshop is for both new and experienced leaders, managers, facilitators and graduate students who would like to develop or improve their facilitation skills. Participants will practice leadership strategies using tools, techniques, verbal skills necessary to lead group discussions, reach consensus and set outcome-based goals. Each participant will plan and lead a 45-minute small group facilitation and receive feedback from instructors and colleagues.
When: OCTOBER 2-4, 2023
REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 18, Workshop size is limited
COST: $625 and includes lunch and materials
LEARN MORE AT EXTENSION.PURDUE.EDU/CDEXT
SUPPLY CHAIN PRESSURE IS EASING, AND SO IS INFLATION
By Larry DeBoer
From:
https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2023/08/supply-chain-pressure-is-easing-and-so-is-funding.html
Inflation is falling, and we’re not in recession. How can that be?
The 12-month inflation rate began to rise in early 2021 and peaked at 8.9 percent in June 2022. Since then it’s fallen to 3.3 percent. Not so low as we (or the Federal Reserve) would like, but definite progress.
That’s what the Federal Reserve’s policymakers had in mind when they began to raise the federal funds interest rate in March 2022. That interest rate was near zero; now it’s 5.3 percent. Other interest rates have followed. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage is up from 4.2 percent in March 2022 to 7 percent now.
Higher interest rates are supposed to slow the economy. Fewer homes are built. Fewer construction workers are hired. Workers cut back on their spending, which reduces sales for businesses. Businesses buy less equipment, both because it’s expensive to borrow and because consumers don’t want to buy the added goods that the equipment will produce. Sales decrease, unemployment rises, and recession threatens. Declining sales mean businesses can’t raise prices so much, so inflation decreases.
That hasn’t happened. The economy has slowed, some. Home construction and sales are down. Business equipment purchases are growing more slowly. Job openings have fallen from 12 million to 9.6 million. But the number of unemployed people has not increased, remaining just under 6 million. The unemployment rate remains in the mid-3 percent range. After a year and a half of interest rate increases, we are most definitely not in recession.
The Federal Reserve fights inflation on the “demand-side” of the economy. Make borrowing more expensive, cut consumer and business spending, reduce the demand for goods and services, cause inflation to fall. Output and employment growth slows or turns downward.
Inflation is falling but output and employment continue to grow. That’s what happens when the “supply-side” of the economy is improving.
The pandemic wreaked havoc with the world’s supply chains. There were shortages of construction materials. Computer chips could not be had. Oil prices spiked. Transportation costs increased. Labor became scarce as older employees retired. Prices went up because of higher production costs and the scarcity of goods.
Researchers at the New York Federal Reserve Bank wanted a way to keep track of supply troubles, so early last year they released the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index. You can find it on their website, at newyorkfed.org. Click on “Economic Research.” The index combines measures of ocean shipping costs, air freight costs, and surveys of business managers on delivery times and backlogs. Many of these measures are published by private companies for a fee, so are unavailable to most of us. The New York Fed publishes the index monthly, but also calculated figures all the way back to 1997, so we can get a sense of what’s normal and what is extraordinary over 26 years.
Normal supply conditions are measured at zero on the index. Negative numbers mean less supply pressure – lower transportation costs, fewer shortages and delays. Positive numbers mean more supply pressure. The index averaged near zero in 2019. It rose to 3.1 in April 2020, dropped for a while, then spiked to a 26-year high of 4.3 in December 2021. That’s when inflation was rising, just before the Fed began raising interest rates.
Then the index began to fall, fast, dropping past zero in February this year, to -0.9 in July. That’s a drop of more than 5 points, by far the biggest reduction since 1997. Supply pressures have eased in the last year-and-a-half.
Ocean shipping costs must have fallen, air freight rates must have dropped, and delivery backlogs must have cleared up. The costs of doing business have stopped rising so fast. There is less need to pass higher costs to consumers in higher prices, and in some industries, competition may force price reductions.
Inflation is falling, and we’re not in recession. How can that be? Because inflation isn’t falling solely due to restricted demand. It’s also falling because of more abundant supply. The lingering effects of the pandemic on supply conditions have faded.
That’s a reason why, just possibly, we may get inflation back down to where we want it, without need of a recession.