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 AgComm
News Purdue Extension Purdue
Agriculture Purdue University 
Jay Akridge Olivia Maddox Cherryl Frederick 
Agricultural Communication |
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Welcome to Purdue Agriculture Report, an e-newsletter for business and community leaders on research, academics and Extension across Indiana and around the globe. Agriculture jobs pay more than ever before Recent Purdue Agriculture alums find that companies highly value their Purdue degrees. When placement and salary figures were released last month for our May graduates, starting salaries averaged $35,416 -- an increase of nearly $2,700 over the previous year. Agricultural and food process engineering graduates reported the highest average beginning salaries of $49,286. Food science and manufacturing graduates started on average at $38,966, agribusiness graduates averaged $34,438 and natural resources management graduates averaged $32,762. When those figures were announced during our annual agricultural career fair, there were a record number of job recruiters in the room. We had a full house with more than 250 recruiters representing 110 organizations. This kind of interest indicates the growing opportunities for our graduates and the value placed on Purdue Agriculture degrees. Job recruiters must limit where they look for prospective employees and, fortunately, we are on the short list for many organizations. Poultry industry's structure is antidote for bird flu To many agricultural purists, corporate control of food production is for the birds. The business model, however, could be a key component in preventing an outbreak of avian influenza within the U.S. poultry industry, say two poultry experts based at Purdue University. Because nearly all commercial poultry production in the United States is company-managed - a system known as vertical integration - production processes are safer and more efficient, said Todd Applegate, Purdue Extension poultry specialist. Such production practices are not as common in Asia and other nations where bird flu is a problem, added Paul Brennan, executive vice president of the Purdue-based Indiana State Poultry Association. "The poultry industry is the most vertically integrated of all of our livestock industries," Applegate said. "As we try to reduce the risk of bird flu in this country, having full control over the entire production process is probably a good thing." read more Bountiful harvest to keep holiday food prices lower Abundant supplies of many food products that were scarce last year may help Hoosiers "One of the reasons for the small food price increases this year is that dairy and beef prices are much lower than last year," said Corinne Alexander, author of the university's annual holiday food prices report. "There also will be adequate supplies of the holiday favorite, turkeys." Even with production slightly above last year's levels, wholesale turkey prices are above last year's level, Alexander said. Whether the higher wholesale prices will translate into higher retail prices depend on retailer pricing decisions. read more Newly recognized gene mutation may reduce seeds, resurrect plants A mutated plant that seems to return from the dead may hold the secret to how some flora protect their progeny during yield-limiting drought and other stresses, according to Purdue University scientists whose study of the plant led to discovery of a gene. The gene, called RESURRECTION1 (RST1), has revealed a previously unknown genetic connection between lipid development and embryo development in plants, said Matthew Jenks, lead author of the study and a Purdue plant physiologist. Lipids play a role in preventing plant dehydration in forming cells' membranes, in molecular signaling and in energy storage. A still-to-be revealed lipid associated with formation of the "This is interesting because in crop production a number of plants have a problem of reduced yield due to seed or fruit abortion," Jenks said. "It's thought that plants may abort some of their seeds, especially under stress, to conserve and divert resources to the remaining seeds. So, in a drought situation, for example, plants will get rid of some seeds so that they can support growth of at least a few healthy seeds." read more New program certifies noxious weed-free hay, straw A niche hay and straw market promises higher profits for Indiana growers, if they can leave one essential ingredient out of each bale. That missing something is invasive weeds. The Indiana Noxious Weed Seed-Free Forage and Mulch Certification Program offers producers an opportunity to enter a market previously available only to growers in Western states. Indiana is one of the first states east of the Mississippi River with such a certification program. The program, developed in cooperation with Purdue University, is administered by the Indiana Crop Improvement Association (ICIA). For hay and straw to be certified noxious weed seed-free, the preharvested crop -- and areas where it is stored -- cannot contain the seed of 67 invasive weeds. Certification inspections are conducted by ICIA personnel. Demand for noxious weed seed-free hay and straw is growing, said Keith Johnson, Purdue Extension forage specialist. read more Crop advisers conference provides well-grounded education An annual conference co-sponsored by Purdue University Extension offers an in-depth look at agronomic issues that could confront certified crop advisers in 2006. The 2005 Indiana Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Conference takes place Dec. 13-14 at the Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 E. 21st St. Hourly workshops on managing crops, pests, nutrients, and soil and water are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Conference workshops will deal with a variety of topics. Speakers include university experts and industry professionals from across the United States. read more Upcoming Events Through Nov. 17 - "Introduction to New Ventures: Generating a Business From Ideas" Workshops Nov. 17-18 - Tri-State Diversity Conference Nov. 30 & Dec. 15 - Bigger Profits Through Targeted Sales, Hands on Workshop Dec. 1 - Grain Production Seminar Jan. 9 - Watershed Leadership Academy Jan. 21 - Indiana Horseman's Conference Jan. 23-25 - Indiana Horticultural Congress and Trade Show
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enjoy a bountiful holiday season this year, said a Purdue University agricultural economist.
cuticle that coats plant surfaces may signal whether a seed develops to maturity or is aborted early due to a defective embryo.