|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
 AgComm
News Purdue Extension Purdue
Agriculture Purdue University 
Jay Akridge Olivia Maddox Cherryl Frederick 
Agricultural Communication |
|
Welcome to Purdue Agriculture Report, an e-newsletter for business and community leaders on research, academics and Extension across Indiana and around the globe. Where in the world are Purdue Agriculture students? Everywhere When Purdue Agriculture students return to campus in August, many will have very interesting stories to tell about what they did this summer. More than 130 of our students are out of the country on various educational endeavors. For example, a group of students is helping residents of Tumbabiro, a community in Ecuador, plan for the future. Other students are in France where they are learning firsthand about the wine industry, and we have food science students in China, where the country's developing economy is opening many new trade options. Purdue Agriculture encourages study abroad, service learning and internship experiences. Students who take advantage of these unique opportunities broaden their knowledge of the world and themselves. While I believe our students benefit from some of the best classroom teaching in the world, I know it's these additional opportunities - which take students away from campus and familiar surroundings - that give them the added edge. Indiana State Climate Office provides improved weather resources At Purdue University, the climate is just right for those who want to learn more about the weather. The Indiana State Climate Office, located in Purdue's agronomy department, recently formed a partnership with the National Climatic Data Center and Midwest and other U.S. regional climate centers in an effort to consolidate climate data and to better understand the intricacies of weather. Indiana residents can access this improved source of weather-related information online at http://www.iclimate.org or by e-mailing questions to iclimate@purdue.edu. Dev Niyogi, Indiana state climatologist and Purdue agronomy and earth and atmospheric sciences assistant professor, said that access to this new information will help both the state's public and private sectors. "It's an excellent source for students, teachers and businesses alike," he said. The information could be used for class projects or lessons plans, he said, or may help construction companies factor weather into building plans. He also said that farmers could use the information to get a better idea of possible rainfall totals, changes in frost days and to monitor drought conditions. The information also has other less obvious beneficiaries. read more Electrical conductivity helps locate septic system failure The instrument, called a non-invasive electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor, measures electrical conductivity based on the soluble salts, water, temperature and percentage of clay in the soil. Purdue University researchers and colleagues tested the tool on a failed septic system in northeastern Indiana and found that soil conductivity changes can signal septic failure. They found that the sensor was capable of collecting soil data that identified problems in the septic tank and septic field trenches, said Brad Lee, a Purdue assistant professor of agronomy. "One of the big problems of looking for septic system contamination is that homeowners don't want their lawns dug up," Lee said. "The sensor can help investigators locate problems without digging." Using the electromagnetic sensor is advantageous because it's portable, it collects data quickly and it can measure down to many soil depths, he said. In addition, maps prepared from sensor data can be used to assess building sites, plan future testing, and locate the best sites for sampling and monitoring of soil for possible septic contamination. read more Web log beefs up cattle industry information, news A new Internet blog is loaded with bull - and cows, too. Cattle producers can stay abreast of industry trends and pick up management advice through a Web resource produced by specialists in Purdue University's Department of Animal Sciences. "The Beef Blog is a new Web-based news and information resource for beef producers," said Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist. "The blog contains Extension-oriented beef production information from Purdue and sister institutions across the country, as well as pertinent national and international beef industry news." Blog postings run the gamut of beef subjects, he said. "For example, a producer who visits the Beef Blog might find information on such topics as grass tetany, pinkeye, beef exports, cattle breeds and mad cow disease," Lemenager said. read more Web-based farm tools more calculating than weeds Weeds are calculating organisms, always looking to make life difficult for farmers. To defeat the unwanted plants, producers have to be twice as calculating. Growers can start with two free computer calculators. The Web-based tools are programs within WeedSOFT, a weed management software package developed by Purdue University and eight other land-grant universities. While the entire package must be purchased, the WeedSOFT team decided to provide with farmers two programs online at no charge, said Bill Johnson, Purdue Extension weed specialist. The yield loss and tank mix calculators are being offered free to help producers avoid weed-related crop losses as well as introduce them to WeedSOFT, Johnson said. The calculators are available online. read more Nominations sought to honor Indiana women in agriculture Nominations are now being accepted for the first Indiana Women in Agriculture award that will honor Hoosier women who have played an important role in agriculture. "There are many women who have an interest or passion for agriculture but are afraid to take the plunge and dive in," said Stacy Herr, Purdue University Cooperative Extension service educator for Wayne County and award coordinator. "Our goal is to inspire, give confidence and provide resources to women in agriculture." The award, co-sponsored by Indiana AgriNews and Purdue Extension, will honor women who have excelled and played an important role in Indiana agriculture. The nomination form and eligibility information can be found by clicking on the Women in Ag link on the Indiana AgriNews Web site. read more Agribusiness management program to cover precision selling The Purdue University Center for Food and Agricultural Business will sponsor a program July 27-28 to help agribusiness managers gain a better understanding of precision selling to operators of large farms. "The program is geared toward any individual or organization seeking to enhance its position with large producers," said Scott Downey, associate director of the center. Throughout the two-day seminar, participants will explore the factors influencing decisions of large producers, discover tools to evaluate customer growth potential and management, and develop a plan for consistent communication with customers. Participants also will learn best-practice habits and characteristics of high-performing sales professionals. To download the seminar brochure or to register online, visit the program Web site, or contact the center at (765) 494-4247. read more Upcoming Events June 26-28 -- 4-H Youth Round Up June 28-29 -- Indiana Farm Management Tour July 15 -- Tippecanoe County Butterfly Count July 27-- Great Lakes Manure Handling Expo July 27-28 -- Agribusiness Management Program July 27-29 -- Indy International Wine Competition
|
An instrument that can measure how well soil conducts electricity also can spot the source of septic system failures without destroying a whole yard with a backhoe.