My apologies for the delay in InFocus this month (not Dinah’s fault!). I originally wrote this column during Spring Break, but my focus this month is our budget and things keep evolving, so I delayed this e-letter a couple of times. Much is still fluid, but I will share what we know about our College budget today.
University General Fund: As you know, the General Fund is made up of primarily state support and student tuition and is about 50% of our College’s hard-funded budget. To date, the discussions in the state legislature about prospects for state support for Purdue have been positive. The House budget is requesting a 4.7% increase (about $11M) for Purdue West Lafayette in FY 14, then flat funding in FY15. Compared to the past two biennium budgets, this is good news. Note that nothing is final here, and the next forecast of Indiana’s state revenue will have much to say about where we end up. (If you want an excellent overview of where we are currently with the state budget, check out agricultural economist Larry DeBoer’s “On Local Government” webinar on the state budget: https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/p89r7eebozn. Larry also writes a monthly column, "Capital Comments," in which he provides his insight into state finances.)
On the tuition front, you have all seen President Daniels’ announcement that Purdue tuition will be frozen for the next two years. The $40M figure (‘cost’ of this tuition pause) represents the tuition income we would have generated from two years of tuition increases at 2.5% per year. Last week, the President outlined some first steps on closing this $40M gap, but no further details have been provided yet. We will hear more in the coming weeks about what this tuition pause will mean and how our College will be asked to respond.
Federal Funds: Sequestration is a word we now all know. The sequestration process officially went into effect March 1. Our federal capacity funds for research and extension represent about 20% of our hard-funded budget. To make a long story very short, we will likely be looking at an 8% cut in our federal capacity funds (about $1M) before all is said and done. We have set aside reserves to deal with these sequestration/FY 13 federal budget cuts, so the direct short-term impacts will be few. But, if these reduced levels become the new baseline, we will need to reduce our College hard-funded budget accordingly. More broadly, many of you are keenly aware of the implications for the federal budget situation on our competitive grants. The uncertainty of the federal budget and sequestration cuts have created a very, very difficult competitive funding environment. We will continue to do all we can to make sure Purdue Agriculture competes at the highest levels for available funds, and we are pursuing options for bridge funds, exploring implications for P&T, etc., in response to this challenging funding environment.
State Line Items: Our state funded line-items for research and Extension, county Extension (plus county match), and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab (ADDL) represent about 30% of our hard-funded budget. You may recall that in 2011 we were looking at the possibility of 15% cuts in these line items. Thanks to the good work of the Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (PCARET) and supportive legislators, we were able to get back to flat funding. This year, the House budget proposes a 3.5% increases on these lines in FY 14 and then flat funding for FY 15. (There is also a one-time equipment investment in the ADDL.) In addition, we are asking for an additional $3M in recurring funding to support our research and Extension program (the initiative is called Agricultural Science and Extension for Economic Development – AgSEED). Many, many friends of the College have supported this request, as has the University. While we have a long way to go between now and the end of the legislative session on April 29, we remain positive about this important request. Of course, state support for our agricultural research and Extension is even more important given the federal budget situation.
Summary: One of the downsides of having an economist as Dean is a column like this one! That said, to summarize, at this point we are not sure where our General Fund allocation will end up, but it will likely be lower; we know our federal allocation will be lower—the question is how much; and it looks like our state funded line-items will increase, again the question being how much. We are in a good position to get through these uncertainties in the short-run, and long-run decisions will need to wait for some of this to settle. In the end, while these cuts will be painful, we need to keep them in perspective: at this time we are talking about cutting 1-2% of our hard-funded budget.
We have been and continue to be engaged in many initiatives as a College to influence/manage our budget position: trying to put our faculty in the best possible position for external funds; aggressively promoting the difference Extension makes; restructuring areas such as IT and clerical support to find new and better ways of providing service and lowering costs; much development and industry relations activity; building the case for our $3M AgSEED ask….
What can you do? First, we will continue to look for operating efficiencies wherever we can find them – this is a clear priority for President Daniels. If you have ideas, please let me hear them. The University has an email address to which you can send ideas as well: savings@purdue.edu. Second, please keep delivering the exceptional educational experience that is the hallmark of this College, keep focused on high impact Extension programs with priority audiences, and keep using the research resources we have to conduct path-breaking, high impact work on some of our world’s most pressing problems. What you do and will continue to do as faculty and staff every day sure gives us a lot to ‘sell’ to our various funding sources.
We will keep you posted as budget news becomes available. As always, I am deeply appreciative of all you do for this College, Purdue, and our many stakeholders here and around the world. April is a pretty amazing month on campus, and I am looking forward to all the upcoming events—recognitions of our students, staff, and faculty, Spring Fest, graduation…. We are going to have a lot of your good work to celebrate over the coming weeks, and I am looking forward to doing just that!
All the best,
The Ag Research Spotlight shines each month on an individual whose work reflects our commitment to the six strategic themes that guide Agricultural Research at Purdue. This month's spotlight is on 
The Graduate Research Spotlight highlights graduate students and their work. This month’s spotlight is on Chris Currey, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; advisor Roberto Lopez
The 
Brian E. Farkas, professor of food science at North Carolina State University, has been appointed professor and head of Purdue's Department of Food Science, effective July 1. He succeeds Suzanne Nielsen, who is returning to her role among the College of Agriculture faculty after serving 10 years as department head. Dr. Farkas received his doctorate in engineering and a master’s degree in food science from the University of California-Davis, and a bachelor’s degree in food science from the University of Delaware. He worked first in the freeze-drying industry before holding research and teaching positions at the University of California-Davis. From there he joined the faculty at North Carolina State University, where he rose to professor and associate department head before he took on the duties of alumni distinguished undergraduate professor and undergraduate coordinator of food science in 2009. "He is a proven leader, and I am very excited about the vision, passion and energy he will bring to the food science department," says Dean Jay Akridge said. "I also want to express my deepest appreciation to Dr. Suzanne Nielsen for a decade of leadership of one of the nation's top food science departments," 
Associate Dean Marcos Fernandez is delighted to announce that 
The placement rate for graduates of the College of Agriculture has increased for the third consecutive year as they continue to achieve success in landing a job and advancing their education. Ninety percent of May 2012 graduates found employment, enrolled in graduate or professional schools or accepted an employed internship as of Feb. 15, according to the College of Agriculture Employment Summary released by the Office of Academic Programs. That placement rate compares with 86% in 2012, 85% in 2010 and 83% in 2009. 
"It’s the stereotypical story of an American farmer: Work long hours growing up, graduate high school and take over the family ranch. But changing technology and complex business models are shifting that philosophy, sending future agriculturalists to college before returning home to the farm." So begins a feature in USAToday in which Purdue Agriculture seniors Michael Baird (horticulture production and ag business management) and 
Jackson Troxel (agricultural economics) were quoted. Both Michael and Jackson plan to return to run their family farms one day, but they're getting valuable outside experience as Purdue Agriculture students. 
Jackson Troxel, Agricultural Economics, and Mariah Huff, Youth Development and Ag Education, were among 100 college students involved with 4-H, FFA and Agriculture Future of America who were in Washington DC for the National Ag Day conference wrapped around Ag Day on March 19. The group got hands-on media and message training and met with national legislators. Hoosier Ag Today's Andy Eubank interviewed Jackson and Mariah about their experiences.
The College of Agriculture and the Council for PK-12 Engagement have launched the 2013 College of Agriculture Faculty and Staff PK-12 Engagement Survey (IRB Protocol #1301013144). Alee Gunderson, graduate student in Youth Development and Ag Education, is leading the survey project. The purpose of this survey is to gather information to help the College and the Council for PK-12 Engagement to plan activities and identify areas for needed support. For more information, contact Alee Gunderson at 
Beginning on March 25, participating College of Agriculture departments will collect food and monetary donations to support the Lafayette Food Finders Food Bank. More than 97,000 residents in the surrounding 16-county area are considered food insecure—and 36,000 of those are children. Our donations will not only help stock area food pantries, but will also support the BackPack program that distributes over 3,500 food-filled backpacks to school kids each Friday, often providing the only food a family will have for the weekend. Please bring your food and/or monetary donations to your departmental office. There will be pickups in each departmental area on April 5, with a final pickup on Friday, April 12. The College donated 31,851 lbs. of food last year (almost 5 times more than 2011) and this year’s goal is 40,000 pounds. For information about where to drop your canned goods or monetary donation, contact Luanna DeMay 
Ameya Gondhalekar, Research Assistant Professor, Entomology and Manager of the Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management. Ameya earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural sciences and entomology, respectively from land grant agricultural universities in India. In August 2011 he earned his doctoral degree in entomology from the University of Florida. Before accepting this new position Ameya worked as a post-doctoral researcher in Dr. Michael Scharf’s lab at Purdue Entomology. Ameya brings more than five years of experience in basic and applied urban entomology research. Ameya’s interests and goals in this new position include: the investigation of molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance in German cockroaches and bed bugs with an ultimate goal of finding ways to overcome resistance; the unraveling of mechanisms underlying various physiological phenomena in urban insects using next-generation sequencing, proteomics and functional genomics; and conducting basic research for enhancing the efficacy of non-chemical techniques used for managing urban pests.
Jolena Waddell, Assistant Professor, Animal Sciences. Jolena earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University in animal science and growth and development, respectively. She completed her Ph.D. in molecular genetics, followed by a post-doc in muscle biology, both at Purdue University. Jolena worked as a lecturer and Director of Meat Science Programs at Purdue before accepting this faculty position in meat science extension and teaching. She currently teaches Animal Growth, Development, & Evaluation (ANSC 301) and Meat Science (ANSC 351) for the department. Her current outreach interests include helping small meat processors understand and expand their markets, training more workers for the meat industry, and educating consumers and youth about the meat industry and food animal production. Jolena also has a research interest in food animal efficiency and resulting meat quality.
In late 2011, the College of Agriculture initiated a comprehensive facility master planning exercise to develop a Facilities Master Plan that will assist us in making future decisions and addressing priority needs. The plan, which was presented to the College in May 2012, has now been finalized and is available for Agriculture faculty and staff to view. From the drop-down menu on the “Faculty and Staff” link on the Agriculture home page, click on “College Facility Master Plan”.
land use/cover change. 
Jeff Nagle, Extension IT Specialist, received a "Thumbs Up" from the Extension business office in March: "Jeff did an amazing job assisting us with a presentation for County Extension Offices. His IT knowledge made something that seemed impossible to us a reality. He really went above and beyond and took our presentation from average to rock star. He never made us feel like we were inconveniencing him, and he did all his work with a smile. We can't thank him enough!" 
Michael Baird, a senior in Agribusiness Management and Horticulture Production and Marketing, won second place in the undergraduate division in the Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition on February 19. His business plan was for Cornucopia Farm and highlighted the farm's existing agritourism operation, which features a corn and soybean maze, pumpkins, mums and school tours. Michael also developed three new ideas to expand their operation. He helped identify target markets for these segments and produced projected financial statements for the business’ next ten years. The project was very personal for Michael because Cornucopia Farm is his family business.
Molly McKneight, a junior in Food Science, is Purdue's first-ever finalist for a Truman Scholarship, prestigious national academic awards that provide up to $30,000 for graduate study. Each year, the Truman Foundation reviews over 600 applications for the 60 to 65 scholarships it awards. 
Alex Sinn, a sophomore wildlife biology major and a volunteer for Wolf Park, received the park's “Star Award” for the 4th quarter of 2012. The award is presented by Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette to volunteers for going “above and beyond” the normal expectations of their job. Alex has been a volunteer with Wolf Park since May of 2012. 
Purdue Agriculture students were part of winning teams at the 2013 Student Soybean and Corn Innovation Contests. The competitions, sponsored by the 
Removing corn stover from agricultural fields to produce cellulosic ethanol requires careful management to avoid adding greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion to the environment, says a study led by 
Indiana farmers so far have received more than $1 billion in crop insurance payments from losses last year when drought ravaged crops throughout the state. The payouts are double the previous record. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that as of March 11, insurance payouts for 2012 corn, soybeans and wheat losses had reached $1.04 billion. The dollar amount will likely grow somewhat in coming weeks as final claims are filed, said 
Those concerned about the spread of Asian carp in Midwest rivers had some comfort in the expectation that varieties of these invasive fish could only invade a restricted range of river conditions - until now. A study led by 
Midwestern entrepreneurs interested in starting their own food business can learn how to begin and grow their enterprise at a Purdue Extension workshop in Indianapolis. "An Introduction to Starting a Specialty Food Business in Indiana" will be held April 25 from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Indiana Farm Bureau offices, 225 S. East St. Sessions will cover a variety of topics, including business planning, marketing, entrepreneurship, product development and packaging, as well as issues specific to food businesses, such as food safety, food regulations and organic products. Featured presenters will include Sharon Farrell of the Indiana State Department of Health and Cissy Bowman and Jessica Ervin of Indiana Certified Organic. 
A termite's own biology with help from microorganisms called protists, are keys to the insect's digestion of woody material, according to 
An updated assessment of Indiana's financial outlook in April will be a key consideration for state lawmakers as they decide whether to increase spending over the next two years or reduce the state income tax, or possibly do both, Purdue Extension economist 
Food, health and nutrition are the focus of two $50,000 grand challenge awards recently funded by the Purdue's Global Policy Research Institute. These grants are presented in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and the College of Health and Human Sciences. The first project focuses on food security issues in Kenya, which is home to one of the largest populations living with HIV. The study's goal, led by horticulture professor 
Robert Zoellick, senior fellow at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and former president of the World Bank Group, U.S. deputy secretary of state and trade representative, will give the James C. Snyder Memorial Lecture on April 12 at Purdue University. The 39th annual lecture, named for the late Purdue agricultural economics professor, takes place 1:30-3 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall and highlights a day of events hosted by the 
The National Science Foundation has awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to a life sciences company to develop a technology called pIMAGO that promotes the discovery of new disease targets in laboratory settings. 
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