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Here’s a sampling of the projects currently
underway.
• Biofuels. Biofuels created
from corn and soybeans have the potential to reduce reliance on
non-renewable resources. Larry Watson, Purdue Extension educator
in Sullivan County, is working with producers to bring a soy diesel
refinery to Indiana. Mike Manning, interim director of Purdue Extension’s
Northwest District, helped corn producers form an ethanol cooperative,
the Iroquois Bio-Energy Co., which has purchased land in Jasper
County.
• Agri-tourism. Combining
agriculture with tourism is a way for many rural landowners to develop
a business. Roy Ballard, Purdue Extension educator in Floyd County,
has put together several workshops for people who are interested
in agri-tourism.
• Premium Indiana beef.
Value-added alliances are one method that producers can use to ensure
a premium quality and source-verified product, while maximizing
profits. Andy Boston, Purdue Extension educator in Orange County,
is advising Hoosier beef producers who are joining together to harvest
and market high-quality, Indiana-raised beef.
"Agriculturally based enterprise and job
creation are components of a much broader Extension effort that
we hope to develop,” says Cordes. “We’re also
helping communities plan and envision future economic opportunities,
providing assistance to small businesses, strengthening local leadership
and governmental units, and helping create a high-end workforce.
In these areas, the role of Extension is what it has always been—providing
solid information and strong educational programs while engaging
in problem-solving at the local level.”
Related story: A new generation of opportunity
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