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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. Purdue Agriculture and Indiana's agricultural economy Purdue Agriculture plays a critically important role in the future of Indiana. In essence, we serve as the research and development arm of the global enterprise known as "Indiana Agriculture, Inc." Our overall mission is to enhance the productivity and profitability of the state and Indiana agriculture by bringing the best science to practice and by delivering - both on campus and through Purdue Extension - an educated workforce. Agricultural development is also economic development. Purdue research in biobased products, food science, livestock and hardwoods is already making a difference in improving the productivity and prosperity of Hoosiers. In the 2004-05 academic year, Purdue Agriculture received a record $55 million in outside research funding. With nearly 300 research scientists, we garnered more than 1,000 grants. Awards for the current academic year also are at near-record levels. This kind of investment in the future of agriculture doesn't happen without an environment that encourages far-reaching ideas. Purdue will continue to stretch the boundaries of knowledge through scientific discovery, through teaching in the classroom and through Purdue Extension outreach. Emergency preparedness a click away at biosecurity site Preparedness is the name of the game when it comes to dealing with biosecurity emergencies, and a Purdue University Web site just gave the animal emergency community a leg up. "We want this to be a one-stop shop for people looking for information about animal biosecurity," said Sandy Amass, associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Purdue and director of the National Biosecurity Resource Center for Animal Health Emergencies. The site is full of information about preventing and dealing with animal biosecurity issues, such as disease outbreaks. It has public areas that contain information about community planning, pet preparedness and a database of disinfectants and what diseases they protect against. A secure section of the site hosts a database of equipment for emergency responders Indiana. read more Genetics could pave way to better, more competitive U.S. wheat Small bits of DNA are being used by Purdue University scientists and collaborators to create The goal is to combine desirable genes from different wheat types to produce plants more resistant to disease, drought and insects, while achieving higher yields and creating better quality products, said Herbert Ohm, a Purdue plant geneticist. A consortium of 18 institutions throughout the United States is involved in the project. Ohm is research coordinator for a district in the east region that includes Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri and Tennessee. "Wheat is grown all over the country, but the types of wheat produced and the challenges farmers face with the crop depends on the climate and geography," Ohm said. "We will use genetics to identify genes that provide useful traits in wheat that will make it more competitive in the world market." read more Soybean rust in 2006? That's up in the air The United States survived pretty much unscathed from the first growing season with soybean rust. The lack of activity from this potent pathogen has some scratching their heads, but a Purdue University soybean expert offers some perspective on this newcomer nemesis. "Last year's lessons indicate that soybean rust may not spread that rapidly," said Greg Shaner, a professor of botany and plant pathology. "We also know that just because the spores are present, doesn't necessarily mean you'll get soybean rust. Last year, there was no direct connection between when you find spores and when you find rust." Shaner said it was not possible to determine if spores found in areas outside the extreme southern portions of the country were viable. Spores of the fungus may not survive after traveling long distances. "Soybean rust may only spread by moving in short hops, almost field-to-field," he said. read more New Web site knows beans about soy production A new Purdue University Web site spills the beans about Indiana's top legume. "Cool Bean," a Web site provides soybean growers a clearinghouse of information about the row crop. "'Cool Bean' covers all facets of soybean production within Indiana and the Eastern Soybean Belt," said Shawn Conley, Purdue Extension soybean specialist and the Web site's creator. "The site has a searchable database where users can find information on all subjects related to soybeans, whether it be in weed science, entomology, plant pathology or crop production." read more Purdue feed school to educate on feed laws, security Purdue University Agriculture will offer workshops in various locations across the state for those who manufacture feed. "It's a way for us to communicate with a large number of people on how to comply with the law," said Bob Geiger, feed administrator, with the Indiana State Chemist office located at Purdue. "We are going to cover how to properly manufacture and use feed." Feed School 201 is designed to provide participants with information including medicated feed, the animal identification program, custom mixing, labeling guidelines and more. Certificates will be issued to participants at the end of each session. read more Upcoming Events Feb. 1 - Mar. 26-- Annie's Project, Training Program, Indiana Feb. 25 -- Indiana Sheep Symposium, Noblesville Feb. 27 -- Food Safety Practices for Fruit and Vegetable Farmers, Purdue University Feb. 27 -- Winter Dairy Meeting, Elkhart County Mar. 1 -- Grant Writing Workshop, Purdue University Mar. 3 -- Distinguished Agricultural Alumni Awards, Purdue University Mar. 10 -- Bi-County Soil Conservation Workshop, Reynolds Mar. 11 -- Fruit Tree & Grape Pruning & Spring Management Workshop, Lafayette Mar. 14-17 -- Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference, Nashville
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new, better and more competitive varieties of wheat through work being funded by a $5 million grant from the USDA's National Research Initiative.