Agriculture and Natural Resources
Compiled by Diane Turner - Hamilton County Educator
Current Purdue Production Newsletters
Chat 'n Chew Cafe - April 6th, 2016
Facts for Fancy Fruit - Volume 16 Issue 1 - April 5, 2016
Purdue Agricultural Economics Report - March 2016
Cold, Dreary Weather Continues: Indiana Crop and Weather Report
Find the updated crop report for Indiana by clicking Indiana Crop Report - April 11, 2016. Information is provided by Indiana State Statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Cold Temperatures May Pose Risk for Wheat Crop
The past few weeks we have experienced unseasonably cold weather across much of Indiana, which poses the risk of freeze damage to wheat crops. The cold snap comes just as much of the state's winter wheat crop has "greened up" and is starting to joint, said Shaun Casteel, Purdue Extension wheat specialist. "A lot of areas have been greening up," Casteel said. "Plants from tillering stage to Feekes 5 can withstand quite cold temperatures in the 12-15 degree range without substantial damage to yield." More mature plants, however, could be at greater risk. "At the jointing stage, Feekes 6-7, the temperatures that can cause damage are at the 24-degree mark and below," Casteel said. "If you're in that range for more than a couple of hours, the concern is beyond leaf tip burn."
Providing adequate nutrients can help wheat plants cope with the cold, Casteel said. "Wheat that has been top-dressed with nitrogen and taken it up fare better than those plants with nitrogen deficits," he said. "Adequate nitrogen in the plant is almost like an antifreeze agent." Casteel said freeze damage might not be apparent for 7-10 days. "You have to let the plants grow out a little bit before determining what damage has been done," Casteel said. "If you are looking at yellow and brown leaves, that is mostly cosmetic and won't cause significant yield damage at the current growth stages. Under more severe conditions, the growing points die and the lower stems split or bend. That could lead to moderate or severe yield loss.”
Unsure of the growth stages of wheat specifically Feekes 6, check out the video below from The Ohio State University. Excerpts taken from AgAnwers Column by By Darrin Pack.
Homesteading Workshop A Success
Maggie Goeglein discussing backyard chickens
Chef Thom England and eating local
Diane Turner with Purdue Extension
Kate Franzman with Bee Public
Claire Lane with Hamilton SWCD
Kevin Allison discussing soil health
New Publications, Videos and Apps Available thru the Education Store
Purdue Extension's Education Store has evolved from a mailing room/distribution center to a fulfillment center. This valuable department stocks and distribute educational materials on a variety of topics, including family lifestyles and finance, gardening, crop and pest management, community and business development, food safety, and youth (4-H). They truly do provide "Knowledge to Go."
All of this is available on the online Education Store, where you may view, download, and/or order educational information at your convenience. Our secure online site is open for convenient shopping 24/7. You can order materials online through their secure Web site, or print your order and mail or fax it to the Education Store. Various payment options are accepted including cash, check, and credit. Go to the How to Order link for complete details. We can also register you online for Purdue Agriculture and Extension events.
Upcoming Training Events and Opportunities
Garden 2 Consumer Program Continues this Week
Purdue Extension Hamilton County is proud to offer two sessions targeted to small farmers, current or aspiring entrepreneurs, and others looking to profit from foods they produce. If you fall into this category and are need of more information for growing and producing safe, high-quality foods on food safety regulations, consider the following programs.
On Wednesday April 13th, I look forward to having Sharon Pattee from Indiana State Department of Health, Food Protection Program discussing 'home-based vendor' exemption in Indiana Law (HEA 1309). She will discuss if you can operate as a Home-Based Vendor or if you need to use a Commercial Kitchen. She will also talk about certifications that may be required.
On April 20th, the final program with include food preparation tips and keeping food safe at point of sale. Christina Ferroli, Marion County Extension Educator will discuss some of the ‘bad bugs’ to consider while dealing with fruits and vegetables and how to prepare some products in your kitchen safely.
If you would like to join us on April 13th and/or April 20th for these educational programs, please email Diane Turner or call 317-776-0854 to register. The programs are scheduled from 10:00am to 12noon and will be located in the Annex at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. The cost for each program is $5.00 at the door.
About Diane Turner
Email: turnerda@purdue.edu
Website: https://extension.purdue.edu/hamilton
Location: 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville, IN, United States
Phone: 317-776-0854