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 AgComm
News Purdue Extension Purdue
Agriculture Purdue University 
Randy Woodson Olivia Maddox Cherryl Frederick 
Agricultural Communication |
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January 2008 Welcome to Purdue Agriculture Report, an e-newsletter for business and community leaders on research, academics and Extension across Indiana and around the globe. Visiting communities to connect As dean of Purdue Agriculture I occasionally visit communities in the state to see first-hand how agriculture research and education translates into benefits for Indiana citizens. Indiana not fiscally ready for recession Indiana is in better fiscal shape than it has been in years but is not financially fit enough to remain sound in a recession, said a Purdue University agricultural economist and policy expert. "In state government, you'd like to have at least 10 percent of your budget saved back to guard against unexpected shortfalls in revenue," said Larry DeBoer. "For Indiana that amount would be about $1.3 billion. "The state has been trying to build up its savings account so that it is ready if another recession comes along, but savings are projected to be only 8.7 percent of the budget by mid-2009." For more information on the state economy, tax and fiscal issues, and an archive of DeBoer's "Capital Comments" columns, visit DeBoer's Indiana Local Government Information Web site at http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/crd/localgov/. Fighting pollution the poplar way: Trees to clean up Indiana site
The researchers plan to plant transgenic poplars at the site, a former oil storage facility near Kokomo, Ind., this summer. In a laboratory setting, the transgenic trees have been shown to be capable of absorbing trichloroethylene, or TCE, and other pollutants before processing them into harmless byproducts. Richard Meilan, a Purdue associate professor, is currently at work to transform one variety of poplar suited to Indiana's climate; cold-hardy poplars are generally more difficult to alter than the variety used in a laboratory setting. "This site presents the perfect opportunity to prove that poplars can get rid of pollution in the real world." New technique quickly detects cancer indicator
By combining two distinct techniques, the technology can examine large numbers of cells individually, a feat not previously possible, said Chang Lu, a Purdue University assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering. "We really have bridged the gap between different technologies, allowing us to do science on a whole new level," he said. In a study published this month in Analytical Chemistry, Lu demonstrated that the technique can detect a handful of protein movements, or translocations, within entire populations of cells. These movements are important to detect because they are involved in many disease processes, such as oncogenesis, wherein a normal cell becomes malignant. 2008 edition of the 'Corn and Soybean Field Guide' is available
The 2008 "Corn and Soybean Field Guide" includes improved photos for easier identification of insects, weeds, plant diseases, herbicide injuries and nutrient deficiencies. "This publication has a lot of practical information for people in production agriculture," said Corey Gerber, director of the Purdue Crop Diagnostic Training and Research Center. "The books are condensed and can be carried in a pocket or left on the dash of a pickup for easy use." The field guide is $6, and orders can be placed now. To order online, visit the Purdue Extension Education Store at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/new. Demand for agricultural products brings profits and problems Shortages and heavy global demand for agricultural products are combining to increase commodity prices, but one Purdue University expert predicts that higher prices may not translate into more money in farmers' pockets. Prior to the 2008 Purdue Agriculture Alumni Fish Fry, Mike Boehlje, Purdue agricultural economist, will present the annual Agriculture Forecast. His presentation, "Landscape of Agriculture Today and Tomorrow: Ten Forces Shaping the Agriculture Industry," will begin at 9:30 a.m., Feb. 2, in the Old National Grand Hall on the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The event is free, while tickets for the fish fry are $20 in advance. "Right now we are seeing very unique circumstances in the world of agriculture," Boehlje said. "We have growing demand for agricultural products in two areas—both domestic, because of biofuels, and abroad because of growing economies in India and China combined with a weaker dollar, which means that right now commodity prices are up and driving increasing production." Andrew Card, former chief of staff for President George W. Bush, is the keynote speaker for Fish Fry. Purchase tickets by calling (765) 494-8593 or by e-mailing agalumni@purdue.edu. Census gives voice to agriculture Farmers and ranchers across the United States are being given a voice that will affect government policies and provide an overall picture of agriculture in America. The 2007 Census of Agriculture, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) was mailed to farms and ranches nationwide on Dec. 28 "The ag census is only conducted once every five years, and it paints a comprehensive picture of agriculture down to the county level," said Greg Preston, Indiana state statistician for USDA NASS. "The statistics are used at the local and state levels by planners for zoning, at the university level for research, and at the federal level for the Farm Bill and disaster assistance." A list of frequently asked questions, previous census results and information about filling out the census questionnaire online are available at http://www.agcensus.usda.gov. Upcoming Events February 2: Purdue Agriculture Fish Fry
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Purdue University researchers are collaborating with Chrysler LLC in a project to use poplar trees to eliminate pollutants from a contaminated site in north-central Indiana.
Researchers have developed a new way to detect protein movements inside cells, which signal a variety of cellular changes such as those in cancer cell development. The method could help diagnose cancer in the future.
A pocketbook sized in-field reference is now available that provides a variety of applicable information for row crop producers and crop specialists throughout the Corn Belt.