September Ag Research Spotlight: Kola Ajuwon

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. The September spotlight is on Kola Ajuwon, Animal Sciences, whose work underscores the theme, “Utilizing molecular approaches to expand the frontiers of agriculture and life sciences.”

Full story: https://ag.purdue.edu/arp/Pages/SpotlightAjuwon.aspx#.VGEkPh14qQA

October Ag Research Spotlight: David Umulis

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. The October spotlight is on David Umulis, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, whose work underscores the theme, “Utilizing molecular approaches to expand the frontiers of agriculture and life sciences.”

Full story: https://ag.purdue.edu/arp/Pages/SpotlightUmulis.aspx#.VGElYR14qQA

Graduate Research Spotlight: Nadia Atallah 

The Graduate Research Spotlight highlights graduate students and their work. This month’s spotlight is on Nadia Atallah, Botany and Plant Pathology; advisor Jody Banks.

Full story: https://ag.purdue.edu/arp/Pages/Graduate-Student-Spotlight.aspx#.VGEmYh14qQA

US Secretary of Agriculture to visit Purdue

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Purdue’s West Lafayette campus on Nov. 17 and 18. The public will have the opportunity to hear from Secretary Vilsack on Nov. 17 as part of Purdue University's Fall 2014 Presidential Lecture Series. Topics of the 6:30-7:30 p.m. presentation in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse primarily will focus on agriculture but will include a wide range of discussion. The event will feature Vilsack's keynote address, followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Daniels. The event is free and open to the public. Vilsack's two-day visit to Purdue will include a tour of Purdue's Research Park and briefings on Purdue Extension's economic development programming and the university's research on health and nutrition and plant sciences.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/u.s.-ag-secretary-vilsack-to-visit-purdue.html

Roger Tormoehlen to step down in YDAE

Dr. Roger Tormoehlen has announced that he will step out of the role of head of the Department of Youth Development and Agricultural Education to return to his scholarly activities, effective fall 2015. As founding head of the department, Dr. Tormoehlen brought together faculty, staff, and students from Agricultural Education, 4-H Youth Development, and the academic portion of Agricultural Communications into a new department. "He has led the department with passion and commitment over the past 10+ years," said Dean Jay Akridge. "We will have an opportunity to celebrate Roger’s leadership later in the academic year." Ken Foster, Professor and Department Head of Agricultural Economics, will chair the search advisory committee for the next Youth Development and Agricultural Education Department Head and the following faculty and staff have agreed to serve on the committee:

• Colleen Brady, Associate Professor
• Jennifer Dennis, Associate Professor of Horticulture Landscape Architecture and Agricultural Economics
• Levon Esters, Associate Professor
• Richard Fox, Computer Analyst
• Allen Talbert, Professor
• Mark Tucker, Professor

Big Ten Network features PICS project in video

Larry Murdock, Entomology, and his College of Agriculture team are working to fight hunger in Africa through their creation of Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags. The bags allow farmers an affordable means of protecting grains against devastating insect damage, and are paving the way for economic development across the continent. The PICS project has been featured in a video clip airing on the Big Ten Network in the past few weeks.

Watch the video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wP0qb8Vyp8Q

Pruitt profiled as one of Plant Sciences initiative leaders

Bob Pruitt, professor of botany and plant pathology and director of the Center for Molecular Agriculture, was profiled in Purdue Today recently. The Center for Molecular Agriculture is a component of the Plant Sciences Research and Education Pipeline initiative, part of Purdue Moves. He talked about the Center, its faculty and work, as well as his own background in plant sciences.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/purdueprofiles/2014/Q4/purdue-profiles-bob-pruitt.html

College to participate in Bravo Awards Program

Dean Jay Akridge recently announced that the College of Agriculture will participate in the Bravo Award program again this year. The Bravo Award is intended to highlight the excellence found across all areas and job functions at Purdue by recognizing and rewarding extraordinary achievements on every scale. The Bravo Award is a one-time cash award to employees at all levels in recognition of substantial accomplishments that extend well beyond regular work responsibilities. "Acknowledging employee accomplishments that help Purdue make a difference with our students and in our state and help us move the world forward is vital to the University's mission and the morale of our faculty and staff," Dean Akridge said.

Full story: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/in_focus/2014/November/BravoAward2014.pdf

Purdue Parents Network a resource for Purdue employees with kids

The Purdue Parents Network (PPN) is a resource created by parents (and their concerned friends) for parents. The group's goal is to provide an avenue for parents within Purdue University to network, share information, and find support within the Purdue community. All Purdue employees with families (and those thinking of starting a family) are invited to join the Purdue Parent Network.

More information: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/in_focus/2014/October/PPN_InvitationToJoin.pdf

Boilermaker Butcher Block taking orders for tailgaters

Football fans are invited to order the meat for their tailgates early through the Boilermaker Butcher Block. Orders placed by 5 pm on the Wednesday before a home football game can be picked up at Ross Ade Stadium or Purdue West shopping center up to four hours before game kickoff. Football fans will also find a Boilermaker Butcher Block products at several of the Ross Ade concessions this year. Pictured here are some members of the Butcher Block crew: L to R: David Gasper, Technology; Jessica Buening, Animal Sciences; Alan Mathew, Animal Sciences; Jacob Mattox, Ag Education; and Mike Booth, a member of the Meat Lab staff.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q3/boilermaker-butcher-block-offers-pre-ordered-meat-for-purdue-tailgates.html

TEAM Award call for nominations

Since 1995, Purdue Agriculture has recognized an outstanding collaborative effort within our programs and across the university. Nominations are invited for the 2015 Purdue Agriculture TEAM Award. The 2015 TEAM Award will be presented at a ceremony in May, and the winning team will be awarded $10,000 for program support. Nominations must be sent electronically to Becky Rice at rdr@purdue.edu by December 3.

TEAM Award guidelines and required nomination cover sheet: http://www3.ag.purdue.edu/dean/facultyinfo/Pages/TEAMAward.aspx

Training modules available for faculty and staff

Risk Management, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance and the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources, announces the availability of the Risk Management Employment Claims Initiative education program. The program helps employees and supervisors understand employment-related issues such as discrimination, harassment, disability awareness and accommodations, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), overtime rates, and other university leave policies. Participants will complete four training modules and corresponding certification quizzes: 1) Equal Opportunity; 2) Americans with Disabilities Act; 3) Wage and Hour Issues for Employees and Supervisors; and 4) Family and Medical Leave Act and University Leave Policies.

The training modules and instructions for accessing the certification quizzes are located on the Purdue Employee Portal. Each training module is approximately 20 to 25 minutes long. Training on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Equal Opportunity will also fulfill College of Agriculture requirements for civil rights training as required by the USDA. All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to complete these training modules. Faculty and staff participation in these training modules impacts the College's share of insurance costs.

Dean Jay Akridge has been elected Chair-Elect for the 2015 Policy Board of Directors of the Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA). The BAA is a unit of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (A۰P۰L۰U). The Policy Board of Directors (PBD) of the Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA) takes appropriate action on key matters affecting the interests of the member institutions and of the Assembly and is responsible to A۰P۰L۰U for the management of Assembly affairs.

Gary Bennett, Entomology, received the Faculty Member of the Year Award from the Indiana Council for Continuing Education at their annual Professional Development Conference in October. The Indiana Council for Continuing Education (ICCE) is a professional organization that represents continuing education efforts at institutions of higher education and other organizations that promote adult learning in the state of Indiana. ICCE is the only state-focused continuing education organization in Indiana.

Haley Oliver, Food Science, was one of two teachers nation-wide who received the USDA's 2014 Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards For Food and Agricultural Sciences in the New Teacher category. The award, which honors university faculty for their use of innovative teaching methods and service to students, was presented at the127th Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Annual Meeting in early November.

Mike Schutz, Animal Sciences and Assistant Director of Purdue Extension, was honored with an Honorary American FFA Degree in recognition of exceptional service to agriculture, agricultural education, and FFA. He received the award at the FFA National Convention in Louisville, KY in October.

Thirty-three Purdue Agriculture faculty will be recognized for having received a grant for $1 million or more during FY14. Eleven of those faculty (names highlighted in purple) are first-time recipients of an award and will be receiving an engraved “Seed for Success” acorn honoring their accomplishments. Purdue researchers will be celebrated at a dinner on November 19.

Full list: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/in_focus/2014/November/ExcellenceinResearch.pdf

Jacquelyn Brown, who is studying agricultural sales and marketing and agricultural communications, is one of three Purdue students chosen for the Land O' Lakes 2014-2015 Emerging Leaders for Food Security program. The yearlong Global Food Challenge Emerging Leaders for Food Security fellowship provides an opportunity for 10 students at five universities to identify innovative and practical ways to meet the world’s need for a 70 percent increase in global food production. These students are matched with professors who will help guide their research.

Daniel Xu, a senior studying landscape architecture, was featured as one of "5 Students Who Move the World Forward", highlighting students who are “motivated by their dreams; empowered by a Purdue education; ready to make a difference.”  Daniel's goal after leaving Purdue is to open his own design studio. He hopes to take his knowledge and experiences and apply them to urban design — striking a balance between culture and nature. 

More: http://www.purdue.edu/fivestudents/october-2014/xu

Lexie Hayenga, Botany and Plant Pathology, was recognized with a Thumbs Up note from Pam Mow, also in Botany and Plant Pathology: "Lexie came to the University in July of 2014. She has proved to be a valued member of our department from day one and continues to do an outstanding job every day. A special thank you to Lexie for coming to Purdue and to the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology."

Renée McKee, Program Leader, 4-H and Youth Development, has been named a co-chair of the new ECOP (Extension Committee on Organization and Policy) 4-H National Leadership Committee. The committee’s charge is to engage in regular and substantive discussion about issues of national importance related to the LGU Cooperative Extension System’s implementation of the 4-H program, and to develop recommendations for consideration by ECOP. ECOP is the governing committee for the Cooperative Extension System.

Purdue Extension Professional Development Conference Awards

Ken Huseman of Lake County has been chosen by the Indiana Extension Educators Association as the 2014 Friend of Purdue Extension for his commitment to supporting and promoting the program nationally and locally. Huseman has served on the Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching for 20 years. PCARET advocates for Extension programs and research before lawmakers and agricultural groups. He has been on the Lake County Extension Board for 34 years.

County Educator Awards:  

Agriculture and Natural Resources

* Individual: Valerie Clingerman, Extension director and ANR educator, Knox County, for a 2013 Irrigation Workshop.

* Career: Larry Caplan, horticulture Extension educator, Vanderburgh County.

* Team: Farm Land Leases 101: Tamara Ogle, former ANR and community development educator, Cass County (now East District regional community development educator); Ed Farris, ANR educator, Huntington County; Jon Cain, retired ANR educator, Hendricks County; Nick Held, ANR and community development educator, Spencer County; Jim Luzar, ANR educator, Vigo County; Paul Marcellino, Extension director and ANR educator, Howard County; and Jenna Smith, Extension director, Owen County, and ANR educator, Clay and Owen counties.

Health and Human Sciences

* Individual: Mary Lou Elbert, retired Extension director and HHS educator, Warrick County, for Be Active - Be Healthy.

* Team: Helping Seniors Maintain Balance and Prevent Falls through the Matter of Balance Program: Kelsie Muller, Extension director, and 4-H youth development and HHS educator, Benton County; Alice Smith, HHS educator, Spencer County; Monica Wilhoite, former Extension director and HHS educator, Fountain County (now HHS educator in Montgomery County); Deb Arseneau, HHS educator, Newton County; Kathy Murray, HHS educator, Tippecanoe County; Jean Akers, HHS and 4-H youth development educator, Warren County; and Denise Schroeder, Extension director and HHS educator, White County.

4-H Youth Development

* Bob Amick Award: Megan Hoffher, 4-H youth development educator, Gibson County, for 4-H Youth Development Program Activities.

* Individual: Larry Dimmett, Extension director and 4-H youth development educator, Spencer County, for Project LEAD.

* Team: Science, Citizenship and Healthy Living Infused into 4-H Geocaching Initiative. Kendall Martin, 4-H youth development educator, Dubois County, and Kathleen Bohde, 4-H youth development educator, Hamilton County.

International

* Making a Difference at the Getesemani Nunnery and Orphanage in Sebeta, Ethiopia: Bill Horan, ANR and community development director, Wells County; Hans Schmitz, Extension director and ANR educator, Gibson County; and J. Scott Monroe, ANR and community development educator, Daviess County.

Diversity

* Jennifer Stefancik, HHS educator, and Lynne Kiesel, learning center coordinator, both in Daviess County, for Extension Teaches Life Skills for Immigrant Students.

Cooperative Extension Service Team

* Food Safety for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Issue-Based Action Team: J. Scott Monroe, ANR and community development educator, Daviess County; Roy Ballard, ANR educator, Hancock County; Ann Delchambre ANR educator, Putnam County; Christina Ferroli, HHS educator, Marion County; Valerie Clingerman, Extension director and ANR educator, Knox County; Brad Kohlhagen, ANR educator, Adams County;  Gonzalee Martin, retired ANR educator, Allen County; Michael O'Donnell, ANR educator, Delaware County; Maria Restrepo, ANR educator, Pike County; Hans Schmitz, Extension director and ANR educator, Gibson County; Amy Thompson, Extension director and ANR educator, Monroe County; Miranda Ulery, ANR educator, Harrison County; Jennifer Stefancik, HHS educator, Daviess County; and Jon Cain, retired ANR educator, Hendricks County. 

The Ann Hancook Award, recognizing Extension educators and specialists who develop programs focusing on families, was presented to the Block Party program--a series of events that provide an opportunity for parents to interact and play with their children while learning how to help them develop math, science, social, physical, vocabulary, pre-reading, creative and problem-solving skills. Team members are Susan Tharp, retired Extension director and health and human sciences educator, Clinton County; Karen Hinshaw, Extension director and HHS educator, Huntington County; Ann Fremion, HHS educator, LaGrange County; Jim Elicker, associate professor of human development and family studies; and Barbara Beaulieu and Dee Love, human development Extension specialists.

Also presented:

* Team Award: The Indiana Watershed Leadership Program, Jane Frankenberger, professor of agricultural and biological engineering; Laura Esman, water quality program coordinator, agricultural and biological engineering; Linda Prokopy, associate professor of forestry and natural resources; Jill Reinhart, assistant state conservationist, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service; Angie Brown, senior watershed planner, Indiana Department of Environmental Management; Lisa Ritter MacMahon, former coordinator of the Hoosier Riverwatch Monitoring Program; Reggie Korthals, coordinator of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, Indiana Department of Environmental Management; Dan Perkins, watershed and conservation program specialist, Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District; and Laura Fribly, district support specialist, Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

* Early Career Award: Nicole Olynk Widmar, associate professor of agricultural economics, and farm business management and production economics specialist.

* Mid-Career Award: Corinne Alexander, associate professor of agricultural economics and grain marketing specialist.

* Career Award: John Obermeyer, integrated pest management specialist.

*Leadership Award: Lisa Graves, assistant program leader of HHS and nutrition science specialist.

Epsilon Sigma Phi presented its Distinguished Service Award to Peg Ehlers, Extension director, and 4-H youth development and HHS educator in Switzerland County. Receiving ESP's Continued Excellence Award was Susan Plassmeier, Extension director and HHS educator in Vanderburgh County.

Purdue forestry farm named for former Sen. Lugar

Purdue's forestry and natural resources farm has been renamed the Richard G. Lugar Forestry Farm. The 175-acre forestry farm promotes production of improved hardwoods to benefit Indiana's forest products industry. In addition, students use the farm's resources for their research, and the farm is the site of numerous Extension programs. It operates primarily under the auspices of Purdue Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, which Lugar helped to create. "Senator Lugar has a passion for trees, a passion for science and a passion for Purdue," said Forestry and Natural Resources head Rob Swihart. "It is an entirely fitting tribute to have the property that promotes forest science named in his honor." Senator Lugar visited the campus on November 11 for the dedication ceremony, and later gave a talk on global food security.

Full story:  http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/purdue-forestry-farm-to-bear-name-of-former-sen.-lugar.html

Falling gasoline prices: There are lots of reasons why

Plummeting gasoline prices are the result of many factors, Purdue Agriculture energy economist Wally Tyner says. There's both good news and potentially bad news in all of that. "Lower energy costs are like a tax cut," Tyner said, "meaning they give us more money to spend on other things, so the economy can be stimulated. However, the prices are lower in part because global demand has fallen, which means that there is less demand for the goods and services we export, which drags the economy down. "Thus, the immediate effect is more disposable income for consumers, but longer term, that may be at least partially offset by reduced exports."

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/falling-gasoline-prices--there-are-lots-of-reasons-why.html

Purdue scientist: Distillers grains with calcium oxide improve cattle diets

Research by Purdue animal scientist Jon Schoonmaker and his colleagues has shown that small amounts of calcium oxide can neutralize the acid in distillers grains, a commonly used alternative to corn in many livestock feed mixes. The findings are good news for beef producers hoping to provide a more nutritious, better balanced diet to their animals while keeping their feed budgets manageable. "Incorporating calcium oxide into the feed mix represents a small increase in price for much better performance," Schoonmaker said. "The benefits are especially important now that many producers are thinking about increasing the size of their herds to take advantage of improving market conditions." Distillers grains are a relatively inexpensive and plentiful byproduct of ethanol production and retain many of the nutrients of the original corn used in the ethanol process.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/purdue-scientist-distillers-grains-with-calcium-oxide-improve-cattle-diets.html#.VFjd7MHpX8M.twitter

Ornamental plant seedlings grown with LED lights

Purdue Horticulture researchers' success in using red and blue LEDs as the only source of light to grow ornamental plant seedlings indoors has led to a new phase of determining whether they can reduce production time with more colors. The research is important because most seedlings are grown in greenhouses in the late winter and early spring, a time when sunlight with enough growing power is low, especially in northern states. Seedlings need to grow at that time to meet spring and summer sales of bedding plants, so supplemental lighting from electric lamps is typically needed. Roberto Lopez and master's student Wesley Randall grew seedlings from five bedding plant species - impatiens, marigold, petunia, vinca and zonal geranium - some using light-emitting diodes, known as LEDs, as a supplement to sunlight. The research shows that sole-source LED lighting could be used to grow ornamental plant seedlings indoors with a technique known as multilayer production, in which plants are stacked on top of each other on shelves such as in a warehouse where there is no sunlight.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/ornamental-plant-seedlings-grown-with-led-lights-at-purdue.html

Purdue Ag students to learn from experts how to succeed in business

The College of Agriculture's annual Entrepreneurship Day on Nov. 13 will feature six alumni who will explain to students how they became successful in business. Students' daylong interactions with the alumni culminate with presentations in Deans Auditorium of Pfendler Hall on the West Lafayette campus. The program, open to the public, will begin at 6 p.m. with a welcome by Jay Akridge, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Purdue Agriculture. "Entrepreneurship Day provides an opportunity for our students to learn from people who have helped launch new companies and/or who own their own business," Akridge said.  "We want our Purdue Agriculture students to think about the entrepreneurial path as they consider their career options, and engaging with our guest entrepreneurs is a great way for students to better understand the rewards and the challenges of launching their own venture."

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/purdue-ag-students-to-learn-from-experts-how-to-succeed-in-business.html

Farm ownership succession planning is topic of Purdue Extension workshop

Purdue Extension is offering two-day workshops at four Indiana locations starting in December for farm families wanting to know more about business succession planning. Topics of  "Planning for the Transfer of Farm Ownership and Management" include: Adding a family member to a farm ownership group; Multiple entity structures; Risk management tools; Strategies for asset transfer; and Management transfer plans. Day 1 of the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes lunch. Day 2 is a complimentary one-hour farm family meeting with a member of Extension's Farm Succession Planning Team.

More information: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/farm-ownership-succession-planning-is-topic-of-purdue-extension-workshop.html

NIH awards $640,000 grant to improve diagnosis of diseases before onset of symptoms

A two-year grant from the National Institutes of Health will fund work by a Purdue Research Park-based company to improve methods to screen blood plasma samples for biomarkers, which are measurable indicators of a disease, to expedite diagnosis and treatment. Tymora Analytical Operations LLC received the NIH grant worth $640,000 to develop a new method for improved biomarker discovery. Anton Iliuk, president and chief technology officer, said almost all major diseases, including cancer; neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, dementia and Parkinson's; and autoimmune diseases have biomarkers. These biomarkers appear before the onset of visible physiological symptoms. Tymora Analytical Operations will partner with Purdue University and the Indiana University School of Medicine to develop the method. W. Andy Tao, professor of biochemistry, will be the principal investigator. Tao also is chief scientific officer at Tymora Analytical Operations.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/nih-awards-640,000-grant-to-improve-diagnosis-of-diseases-before-onset-of-symptoms.html

Purdue economists advise grain producers to keep an eye on the bottom line

Grain producers should consider cutting costs to prepare for what could be several years of lower crop prices, Purdue University agricultural economists say. “The message right now is to maintain your liquidity and protect your working capital,” said Michael Boehlje, a specialist in agricultural finance. “That means holding onto your savings and keeping a very close eye on your bottom line.” Chris Hurt, a marketing specialist, said there were plenty of other ways for farmers to tighten their belts, including streamlining their operations to become more efficient and avoiding any unnecessary purchases. “Many farmers bought new trucks, tractors or combines over the past few years, so the good news is that they don’t have to worry about replacements,” he said. He suggested that producers think about deferring any large investments in land or buildings until the market stabilizes.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/purdue-economists-advise-grain-producers-to-keep-an-eye-on-the-bottom-line.html