Purdue Extension Martin County Blast October 2. 2023
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!
DEDIDICATED TEXT NUMBER FOR PURDUE EXTENSION MARTIN COUNTY
You now have an option to text with Extension staff. Text 812-653-2089 to reach Purdue Extension Martin County.
All are invited to send a text with your name and in return a full detailed contact card will be texted back for you to save in your device contacts. The contact card will include helpful links will be easy for you to save in your contacts for future use. Then, going forward, you may text as a straight communication option for your Purdue Extension needs!
Adult Volunteer Enrollment for the new program year
Thank you to each and every Extension/4-H volunteer for all you do! Here is to a great new year.
All adult volunteers must re-enroll to obtain volunteer certification for 2023-2024 programming season at http://v2.4honline.com. Please complete your re-enrollment this month.
On the home page choose:
Purdue Extension/Indiana 4-H
Enroll Now
Follow the questions, answer & confirm/choose/next to move forward as options appear. At the end, please submit your enrollment and complete the 3 training modules. Your request for enrollment review cannot be completed until training is completed.
If you have any questions, please call or email heldd@purdue.edu.
TWENTY DAYS OF TERRIFIC: INDIANA 4-H ENROLLMENT IN MARTIN COUNTY
4-H is open to all youth in grades 3 to grade 12 ($20 enrollment fee) and Mini 4-H is open to grades Kindergarten through 2nd (no enrollment fee.)
Here is the great opportunity: Enroll from October 1st to October 20th and the $20 enrollment fee is paid by the Martin County 4-H Council.
How to enroll? enroll at v2.4honline.com starting October 1st. The 4-H Program year runs from October 1st to September 30th annually. Enroll early to take advantage of all the projects, trips, and experiences Indiana 4-H offers!
calling all 4-H members: become an Indiana Broadband Influencer
Do you want to help bring broadband to every person in Indiana?
Indiana will be receiving an $870 million dollars to bring broadband to areas where connectivity is low or non-existent. The FCC will use the map https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home to determine what areas will be prioritized. Our job is to make sure that the map is correct.
Will you help correct that important map? If you choose to report your help, you will receive a broadband influencer pin and enter your essay in the contest to win an iPad.
Go to https://connectingindiana.com/ enter your address and answer the questions. It is a good idea to take a screenshot of your results, especially if you are unserved.
Then verify your address at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home. If it is incorrect, or if the information about your speed is incorrect, please submit a challenge. If you do need to issue a challenge, it helps to have multiple screenshots of speed tests over time to upload.
Next, write one paragraph explaining why ensuring that everyone in your community has broadband internet will help your community and make it a better place to live.
Once you have done these three things, go to 4-H Online and register for the Indiana Broadband Influencer event. You will find instructions attached. Then, just wait for your pin. They will be sent after the first of the year, so make sure you do this early.
4-H UAV DRONE EXPLORATION
Come spend a day filled with activities and speakers all about drones.
For: Youth in Grades 3 – 12
Where: Dubois County 4-H Fairgrounds
When: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm EST.
Limited participant spots, register early!
Register: Enroll in 4-H and then sign up for this program on 4-H online at v2.4honline.com
MARTIN COUNTY 4-H TURKEY DINNER
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center, Community Building
2023 4-H FALL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Sunday, November 5, 2023 12 noon EST to 12:30 pm EST
Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center, Community Building
2024 martin county 4-h fair
July 11-16, 2024
INDIANA 4-H PROGRAMS LEAD TO POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
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. In 105 4-H programs held across 46 Indiana counties, areas, multi-county collaborations, statewide, and virtually, there were 1,784 youth (grades 4-12) who completed Common Measures 2.0 post-surveys. Over half (59.1%) reported they were female. For grade levels, 12th grade had the largest percentage (14.4%), followed by 5th grade (14.0%), and 4th grade (13.5%). The largest number were 11 years old (15.4%), age 10 (13.6%), and age 13 (11.2%). Two-thirds (67.9%) reported their race as White or Caucasian. Program evaluation efforts focused on core concepts: 4-H experience, universal skills, including personal mindset, social and leadership, animal science, civic engagement, healthy living, science and engineering, and college and career readiness. Focusing on the 4-H experience, 485 youth in 14 programs reported (4-point scale) that 4-H is a place where they feel safe (3.80), they learn about ways to help their community (3.77), it’s okay for them to make mistakes (3.76), and adults care about them (3.76).
For universal skills, 249 youth in 16 programs reported (4-point scale): I am willing to work hard on something difficult (3.68), I try to learn from my mistakes (3.56), I treat others the way I want to be treated (3.55), and I like to learn new things (3.50). In animal science, 82 youth in three programs reported (3-point scale) that they learned the right way to store and handle feed (2.49), they practice safe animal handling (2.48), and they learned about housing/shelter for their animal (2.45). Youth reported aspirations toward animal science, showing they would like a career caring for animals (2.35), raising animals (2.33), and training animals (2.14). Looking at civic engagement, 138 youth in 10 programs reported that they (99.3%) like helping people in their community, they (92.0%) had met community leaders because of 4-H, they (87.7%) had encouraged others to volunteer in the community, they (92.6%) feel a responsibility to help their community, and they (97.1%) were inspired by 4-H to volunteer in their community. In healthy living, 169 youth in 16 programs reported they (98.4%) learned about healthy food choices at 4-H, they (71.0%) have given their family ideas for healthy meals or snacks, they (83.3%) encourage friends to be active with them, and they (70.0%) talked about ways to be active at 4-H.
With science and engineering, 341 youth in 30 programs (4-point scale) reported learning about robotics (3.22), engineering (3.19), and animal science (3.17). Youth expressed positive attitudes about science, with nearly all (96.8%) reporting that they like science. Most (86.0%) responded that they would like a job that uses science. Focusing on college and career readiness, 388 youth (grades 8-12) in 16 programs reported (4-point scale) that it is important to be trusted by an employer (3.99), arrive to work on time (3.97), do their job well (3.96), and show respect for others (3.93). Youth reported that 4-H helped them to think about the amount of education they might need in the future (98.7%), identify things they are good at (95.7%), and explore future career options (92.4%). In current 4-H activity, youth reported spending less than one hour to five or more hours each week on 4-H activities.
For past 4-H involvement, youth reported they are in, or have been in, a 4-H Club (67.6%), participated in county-level competitive events (54.7%), and attended 4-H camp or another overnight 4-H experience (42.1%). Just 21.4% of youth reported that this was their first 4-H event. Looking ahead to future 4-H participation, youth were interested in activities with animals, will not participate/am not active in 4-H, becoming a teacher, Bringing World-Class Education to Rural and Urban Communities 21 leader, counselor, or volunteer, advancing grade levels for participation, attending meetings/having in-person meetings, and projects/fair activities. Indiana 4-H contributed to positive youth development, to growth in personal and social skills, to gains in knowledge and skills, and to positive attitudes through civic engagement, healthy living, animal science, science and engineering, and college and career readiness programs.”
What Makes 4-H Different from other Youth Serving Organizations?
4-H is a part of the community. A club becomes involved with improving economic and social conditions where the members live. They learn how to be good citizens by taking community responsibility.
4-H is “learning by doing.” It’s an action program. Participants watch others, they study, they experiment, but they “do and practice” themselves. People remember 20 percent of what they are told, 30 percent of what they see, 50 percent of what they hear, 70 percent of what they say, and 90 percent of what they do and think. 4-H offers much DOING AND THINKING!
4-H is Inclusive. Youth of all races, places of residence, socioeconomic situations, and educational backgrounds are welcome. Youth may become 4-H members when they enter the third grade. They may continue membership until they complete the 12th grade. Maximum 4-H membership is 10 years. It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.
4-H is real life experience. It is learning how to do jobs and how to make decisions similar to those that are important in adult life.
4-H can be a family affair. There is a place for all family members if they want to participate. Sometimes you can reach and teach others: friends, parents, brothers, and sisters through the 4-H members.
4-H is adaptable. Programs can and should be “tailored” to fit any individual, any home, or any community. You can help your club adapt the program so that everyone gains from the experience.
4-H is decision making. Learning to stand on one’s own feet and learning to work with a group are important. Early practice in making both personal and group decisions builds for the future. You help members find possible answers. You encourage them to explore and decide which path they will follow.
4-H provides for ownership. Making, buying, and selling are included. Each project “belongs” to the member.
4-H is based on science and fact. The resources of Purdue University, our Indiana land-grant college, are used consistently in developing and implementing projects and activities.
WHAT ARE THE 4-H Delivery Methods?
Youth can participate in 4-H in a variety of ways, below is a list of ways.
Organized 4-H Community Club - Club members meet as a group on a regular schedule under the direction of an approved adult volunteer with a planned program. Clubs typically have elected youth officers and a set of rules approved by membership to govern the club, or for very young groups, other developmentally appropriate structures and operating processes. Community clubs typically meet in the evenings or on weekends and offer self-chosen, multiple learning experiences and activities.
Organized 4-H Afterschool Club - Club members meet as a group on a regular schedule under the direction of an approved adult volunteer with a planned program. 4-H after-school clubs are organized within after-school programs administered by cooperative Extension staff or other organizations (i.e. other youth development organizations, housing authorities, faith-based groups). They meet the above definition of a 4-H Club, and the young people and adult staff identify themselves as 4-H members and volunteers. They may have officers and elements of a club structure.
Special Interest or Short-Term Program - Special interest and short-term programs include groups of youth meeting for a special learning experience that involves direct teaching by Extension staff or trained volunteers, including teachers.
4-H SPARK Clubs – provide six hours of instruction on a specific topic of interest to the youth and adult volunteers. SPARK club audiences are typically new to the 4-H program. The SPARK club topic is designed to “spark” an interest in further 4-H participation.
Overnight Experience - Youth taking part in an Extension-planned educational experience that takes place over multiple days away from home.
Day Camping Program - Day camps consist of multiple-day programs with youth returning home each evening.
School Enrichment - School-aged youth receive a well-planned sequence of learning experiences during regular school hours.
4-H Projects: A 4-H project is one of the areas where learning-by-doing takes place. As members gain experience, the scope of their projects may be increased and/or they may choose to take on additional projects.
Characteristics of a 4-H Project include:
- Planned work in a subject area of interest to the 4-H members.
- Guided by a volunteer, or other caring adult.
- Aimed at planned objectives that can be attained and measured.
- Summarized by some form of record keeping.
4-H Activities Presentations - opportunities for youth to organize their thoughts and present them to their peers and adults.
Workshops – planned educational program on a specific topic.
Showmanship – youth demonstrate their knowledge about a specific subject or project area, typically in the areas of livestock.
Record Keeping – written document outlining the knowledge that the member has gained in the 4-H experience, including the financial revenue and expenses.
Community Service – opportunities for 4-H members to give back to their communities individually or as a group.
Career Development Events – individuals or teams compete to evaluate specific subject matter areas Fair Exhibits – youth display a product that demonstrates the knowledge they have gained during their 4-H experience.
Multi-county, State and National – wide variety of 4-H opportunities that are available for youth beyond the county borders at the area, state, and national levels. Some of these include camps, workshops, conferences, etc.
4-H Recognition Scholarships and awards – recognition given to 4-H members for their accomplishments during their 4-H tenure
Judging may be through the Danish system or placing. In the Danish system, individual entries are classified as Blue (top), Red (average), or White (below average) based on criteria established for the category. The Placing system is where individual entries are ranked from top to bottom as compared to all other entries in the category
Conference/open/interview judging – youth are present while the adult judges or evaluates their entries. Youth will typically be asked by the judge to explain how the entry was completed and what was learned during the process.
JUNIOR AND SENIOR BOILER VET CAMP
Applications will be accepted for the 2024 Junior & Senior Boiler Vet Camp until February 1st, 2024.
The Junior Camp will run from June 2-8 and Senior Camp will run from June 9-15.
The only camp of its kind in Indiana, Boiler Vet Camp gives want-to-be veterinarians or veterinary nurses 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 nurse through this seven day on-campus experience at one of the premier veterinary schools in the country. Students entering 8th and 9th grades are eligible to attend Junior Camp and students entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades are eligible to attend the Senior Camp. The minimum age required to attend Vet Camp is 12 years of age.
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.
Learn more and apply now at https://purdue.vet/boilervetcamp.
92nd IBEP PERFORMANCE TESTED BULL SALE & SPRINGVILLE FEEDER AUCION HEIFER & COW SALE
More bull for your buck – performance tested; ranch ready
When: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Where: Springville, Indiana - Visitors are welcome at any time
For more information: Indiana Beef Evaluation Program,1117 State Road 458, Bedford, IN 47421 (812) 249-4330
Visit: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/ansc/idep/2023-summer-test.html
MARTIN COUNTY PESTICIDE APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION COURSE
Monday, November 6, 2023 10 am – 12 Noon EST
Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center, Community Building
RSVP by calling 812-295-2412, texting 812-653-2089, or e-mailing heldd@purdue.edu.
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.
Working Together for Program Excellence: Indiana Watershed Leadership is a program of Purdue University. The program draws on expertise and resources at Purdue and collaborates with Indiana's major conservation agencies. Support was previously provided by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management through section 319 of the Clean Water Act. A diverse Steering Committee and project team representing a dozen different agencies and organizations is involved in developing and teaching the academy.
Application and Fee Information: The registration fee is $1300, reduced to $800 for non-profit employees or board members, county employees, SWCD board members, students or self-funded attendees. Limited scholarships of $400 are available for applicants that do not work for a funded project or an agency. Registration Fees cover all workshop materials as well as food and lodging for the in-person workshops. Single rooms are available at an additional charge. See information at the end of the application. The registration is payable by December 4, 2022. Accepted applicants will receive information on how to submit payment to Purdue University.
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:
- Engage with watershed topics covering leadership principles, watershed science, organization and communication, technology and GIS, stakeholder involvement techniques and policy skills
- Meet, learn from, and engage with others who work in watershed management
- Interact with topic experts
- Gain strategies, skills, and resources for successful watershed management
- Earn a Professional Certificate in Watershed Management
For the online application and information about the Academy, visit https://engineering.purdue.edu/watersheds/academy.html
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.
In-depth Training to Strengthen Watershed Leadership: Developing and coordinating a local watershed organization can be a daunting task, especially if you are the person responsible for leading the process. If you would like to build your capacity for successful watershed management, we encourage you to enroll in the Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy. The Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy is designed for anyone with watershed management responsibilities or interests
Recognition: Participants who complete all requirements earn a Purdue University Continuing Education Professional Certificate in Watershed Management.
Applications are due by Friday, November 3, 2023
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.”
Resources for Farm Families:
Need help and don’t know where to start:
Call: 211 OR www.211.org
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call: 988 OR https://988lifeline.org/
Be Well Indiana
Call: 211 OR 1-866-211-9966 OR https//www.in.gov/bewellindiana/
Concern Line for Farmers (Hosted by Iowa)
Call: 1-800-477-1985
Farm Aide Hotline
Call: 1-800-327-6243
Strong Couples Project (Partnership with IL)
At: go.illinois.edu/StrongCouples
Check the website for more resources and information: Extension.purdue.edu/farmstress
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
INDIANA ORGANIC GRAIN FARMER MEETING
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
2024 Indiana Small Farm Conference
WHEN: Thursday, February 29, 2024 – March 1, 2024
WHERE: Hendricks County Fairgrounds, Danville, Indiana
The Indiana Small Farm Conference is a unique space to learn new techniques, see what works, and network with others. Over 400 attendees, 40 + exhibitors and a vendor trade show along with several national speakers.
To learn more about the conference and the work that the Purdue team does to make your small farming program work. Contact Information: Amy Thompson, afthompson@purdue.edu
If you are interested in being a show vendor, contact: Phil Cox at cox119@purdue.edu
FREE SOIL SAMPLING TO HOOSIER FARMERS
From: https://www.in.gov/isda/divisions/soil-conservation/indiana-soil-sampling-program/
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is seeking applicants for a new soil sampling program. The program called, Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling program, is free to applicants. This seeks to encourage famers to include soil sampling in their plans for nutrient management.
This program will provide soil sampling and analysis at no cost to the producer along with lab recommendations for nutrient applications based on yield goals and soil test results.
Producers will work with ISDA staff to coordinate soil sampling and to provide the best available information for the most accurate recommendations. Soil sampling will take place prior to fertilizer application.
Samples will be submitted to contracted labs for routine soil fertility testing.
This program includes row crop fields, pastures, and specialty crops located within Indiana’s portion of the Mississippi River Basin.
Participating growers will be prioritized by:
- Fields that have never been sampled before, or
- Fields that haven’t been sampled regularly (i.e., not sampled within the last 3-4 years), and
- New program enrollments.
Further prioritization may be implemented based on interest in the program.
Producers can register via the online form, by reaching out to their Resource Specialist, by reaching out to the Program Manager at soilsampling@isda.in.gov or 317-605-0701.
REGISTRATION FORM CAN BE FOUND AT: https://in.accessgov.com/isda/Forms/Edit/soil-conservation/5d381020-354a-43a8-89cd-0a9ce90081e7/2
PLAN TO ATTEND YOUR AREA BEEF MEETING
The IBCA area meetings are open to all beef producers and feature great food, valuable information on beef issues, policies, programs, and fellowship. There will also be updates on current news& events from Indiana Beef Cattle Association and Indiana Beef Council, Indiana State Board of Animal Health, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Purdue University Ext
* Indicates an election to be held for Area Director.
If you want an opportunity to be more involved in the beef industry within Indiana, we encourage you to run for an Area Director position! If you would like more information of what the role entails, please Contact Brian Shuter bshuter@indianabeef.org or call our office! (317)293-2333
Please check the schedule for your area and mark your calendar now!
Area 1: Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 6:00 pm; South East Purdue Ag Center (SEPAC), Butlerville
RSVP to Jennings County Extension office at 812-352-3033 by 11/30/23.
Current IBCA Director: Vacant
Area 2: Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Noon; Pewter Hall, Brownstown
RSVP to the Lawrence County Extension Office at 812-275-4623 by 12/1/23.
Current IBCA Director: Steve Ritter
Area 3: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 7:00 pm. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT; The Village Inn, Petersburg
RSVP to the Gibson County Extension office at 812-385-3491 by 12/6/23.
Current IBCA Director: Mick Douglas
Area 5: Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:30 pm; Harmony Community Center, Brazil
RSVP to Owen County Extension office at 812-829-5020 by 12/4/23.
Current IBCA Director: J.D. Faulk
Area 6: Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 6:30 pm;
Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield
RSVP to Hancock County Extension office at 317-462-1113 by 12/4/23.
Current IBCA Director: Deryl Hunt
Area 7: Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 6:30 pm; Willie & Red’s Buffet, Hagerstown
RSVP to the Madison Co. Extension Office at 765-641-9514 by 12/7/23.
Current IBCA Director: Dan Chesnut
Area 8: Monday, December 18, 2023 at 6pm; The Peoples Winery, Logansport
RSVP to the Cass Co. Extension Office at 574-753-7750 by 12/11/23.
Current IBCA Director: David Helms
Area 9: Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 pm.; McGraw’s Steakhouse, West Lafayette
RSVP to at the Fountain County Extension office at 765-793-2297 by 12/4/23.
Current IBCA Director: Dr. Dave Dixon
Area 10: Tuesday December 12, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 pm CT; Christo’s Banquet Center, Plymouth
RSVP to Kosciusko Co. Extension at 574-372-2340 by 12/5/2023.
Current IBCA Director: Bob Dragani
Area 11: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 6:30 pm.; Whitley Co. Ag Museum, Columbia City
RSVP to the Whitley County Extension office at 260-244-7615 by 12/6/23.
Current IBCA Director: Jacob Pettigrew
OCTOBER FAVORED TO BE WETTER THAN NORMAL
Adapted from: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/newsletters/pestandcrop/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/PC_2023_27.pdf
By Beth Hall
To say the last few months have been dry is a bit of an understatement. Since August 1st, only a sliver of Newton and Benton counties (northwest Indiana) and the tiniest speck of Warrick County (southwest Indiana) have had above-normal precipitation. Most of western Indiana has been near (but below) normal, while the rest of the state has seen less than 75% of normal amounts Normal amounts are approximately the 30-year average from 1991-2020. Since September 1st, the story gets even drier. It is rather shocking to see most of the state has received less than 25% of the normal amount of precipitation typical during that period. This has led to most of Indiana now being classified in Moderate Drought (D1) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
How long is this expected to go on? The 7-day forecast has most all of Indiana dry (except for northeast Indiana that might get a very small amount). Fortunately, this dry pattern then move out of the area within the next 6-10 day, with near normal to above normal precipitation patterns following. In fact, the national Climate Prediction Center is slightly favoring above-normal precipitation for October. This is not very strong confidence, but certainly better than the dry pattern seen lately! Unfortunately, the various climate outlook models that offer these probabilities were all over the place for the 3-month period of October-November-December, providing no precipitation guidance over this longer period. This is likely due to it being a transition season (from summer to winter) but also with a strong El Niño pattern moving in. El Niños and La Niñas tend to have weaker climate correlations in the Midwest than other parts of the U.S. and the fall season tends to be the most difficult season for those global oceanic patterns to predict any strong guidance. Climate scientists are still waiting a bit longer to get a better understanding of how strong this winter’s El Niño will be before predicting what this upcoming winter may be like.
While the dry pattern will start shifting away from the region, there are strong probabilities that above-normal temperatures will move in over the next 2 weeks. This should not mean triple-digit heat waves, but may make us wonder what happened to the start of autumn. Do not worry. Those fall colors are already developing. We may have to keep enjoying them without a coat on for a while, though! Accumulated modified growing degree-day temperatures since April 15th now range from around 2600 units (northern Indiana) to over 3400 units (southern Indiana). Most of Indiana has accumulated less modified growing degree days compared to the 1991-2020 period by up to 175 units.
2023 National 4-H Week Proclamation
Martin County, Indiana
Celebrating Opportunity 4 All
WHEREAS, The Martin County Commissioners are proud to reflect upon and share regarding the 4-H Youth Development Program of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service providing experience-based education to young people throughout the Hoosier State; and
WHEREAS, This program, which seeks to provide a learning experience for the whole child, including head, heart, hands, and health, helps young Hoosiers to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes to enable them to become self-directed, productive, and contributing members of our society; and
WHEREAS, Its more than six million youth in the nation and more than 700 Martin County 4-H youth participants, range in age from kindergarten to high school; and
WHEREAS, The program undoubtedly could not have achieved the success that it has today were it not for the service of its more than 60 Martin County volunteers, who have given generously of their time, talents, energies, and resources to the youth; and
WHEREAS, Martin County and surrounding area people have supported the 4-H works via financial contribution and are also recognized at significant;
WHEREAS, Throughout its rich history, the 4-H program has developed positive role models for countless Martin County and surrounding residents through its innovative and inspiring programs, continues to build character and to instill the values that have made our state strong and great; now, therefore, be it
PROCLAIMED, by The Martin County Commissioners, we hereby designate this week, October 1-7, 2023 as National 4-H Week in Martin County and commend the 4-H Youth Development Program of the Purdue Extension Cooperative Service and the many individuals who have made the program a success.
Further, the date of October 5, 2023 will be Martin County Wear Green Day to show belief & support in the significant influence of positive youth development through 4-H for all, and particularly all youth in Martin County, Indiana.
October 3, 2023 Martin County Commissioners Meeting, Shoals, Indiana
Tim Ringwald, Shelly Ringwald, Commissioner Aaron Summers, County Extension Director Dena Held, 4-H Member Eva Ringwald, Commissioner President Paul George, & Paula Ringwald.