New Video: Tree Pruning Essentials

Pruning has been called "one of the best, worst maintenance practices" performed on trees. The process creates wounds, which have a major impact on plant processes. Improper cutting on a tree causes severe damage or even death.  Click below to see the full video with tips on proper tree care with Lindsey Purcell, Purdue Specialist in Urban Forestry.

2017 Indiana Small Farm Conference - Registration Awards Available

The Purdue Beginning Farmer and Rancher Project is providing (10) registration fees to the 2017 Indiana Small Farm Conference for farmers who are beginning (less than 10 years of farming), farm in Indiana, and are willing to participate in the three day workshop/conference at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, Danville, Indiana from March 2-4, 2017. 

The award only covers registration fees (which includes lunch on all three days). Mileage and hotels costs are not included, nor any other food costs. Potential attendees need to apply by filling out this online survey before January 31^st. Those being awarded a registration fee will be notified the first week of February.

Good luck! 

2017 Small Farm Conference - March 2-4th

Registration is open for the 5th Annual Indiana Small Farm Conference scheduled for March 2-4, 2017 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex, Danville, Indiana.

Deep dive into a full day workshop on Thursday, March 2:

• Hops Production in Indiana
• Beginning Farmer Workshop: Starting a Small Farm in Indiana
• On-Farm Food Safety for Fruit and Vegetable Growers (Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training)
• Indianapolis Urban Agriculture Tour

On Friday and Saturday, the conference features concurrent sessions on topics ranging from vegetable and livestock production to farm management and marketing. The trade show is open Friday and Saturday for you to network and interact with farm supply and services businesses, non-profit organizations, state agencies, and more. Sit down with experts during consulting corner sessions, check out a trade show demonstration, and catch a screening of The Market Gardener’s Toolkit.

The Friday keynote speaker is Eliot Coleman, farmer at Four Season Farm and author of The New Organic Grower, Four Season Harvest, and The Winter Harvest Handbook. Eliot has more than 40 years of experience in all aspects of organic farming, including field vegetables, greenhouse vegetables, rotational grazing of cattle and sheep, and range poultry.

On Saturday, the keynote speaker is Blaine Hitzfield, farmer at Seven Sons Family Farms. Blaine is the second son in the family farm operation and manages the marketing and distribution of their farm products. He will discuss the family and operations team for the farm and how they have been successful at direct sales and regional distribution.

Preview the full conference agenda, which will be updated as additional speakers and details are confirmed.  Visit the registration site for more conference details and to register today!

Seed Collecting for Monarchs!

The Pollinator Partnership and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have joined forces to launch the Monarch Wings Across the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Project and they need your help! The Project is seed collecting throughout the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas and Missouri.

They have put a call out for enthusiastic seed collecting volunteers in all 5 states to help identify and collect milkweed and other common nectar plants. As a seed collecting volunteer you will be provided with training and be making valuable contributions to supporting migrating monarchs.

No seed collecting experience is required but basic plant knowledge is preferred.  Training and seed collection will start in 2017, but you can get on the list now.  To sign-up as a seed collector please e-mail Amber Barnes will your name, city, state, and preferred email address.  You will be added to their volunteer contact list and more information will follow soon.

Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife Species in your Neighborhood

Hamilton County residents trying to cope with nuisance wildlife will be able to access a broad range of information any time of the day, any day of the year on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website. It can also be accessed by clicking here.

The Nuisance Wildlife page provides specific information on the general characteristics, food habits, distribution, reproduction, prevention and control techniques, and disease threats of many species of mammals and birds, as well as general information about snakes.

Because of the large number of raccoons and other species that cause a nuisance for landowners throughout the state, the DNR is unable to provide assistance to actually help remove the animals. The DNR does offer some solutions and advice on how to try to prevent future problems and remove wild animals that have created a problem.

Homeowners may also consider calling a nuisance wild animal control operator on the list provided here.

Save the Date - 2017 Indiana Small Farm Conference

Hamilton County Private Applicators Pesticide Training - December 12, 2016

2/12/2016 - HAMILTON COUNTY PARP

9:00 am EST - 11:00 am EST Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, Dining Room. Noblesville

Topics: 

Insect Pest Management - John Obermeyer, Purdue Univeristy

Update on Ear Rot and Mycotoxin Issues - Kiersten Wise - Purdue University

Pollinator Protection - Diane Turner, ANR Educator

Cost: $10.00 at the door

For more information: 

Contact Name: Diane Turner
Title: ANR Educator
Phone: 317/776-0854
Email: turnerda@purdue.edu