Ag programs set for February, March

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Purdue Extension is pleased to offer several agriculture related programs in the coming months. These programs range in topic, but include succession planning, marketing, crop management, and soil health.

Here is a little bit of information about each of these programs.

The “Next Steps to Successfully Growing Future Farm Generations” introduces farmers and their families to the legal, financial and team-building aspects of transferring farm ownership. The closest location to attend this program is on Feb. 8 at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds in Lebanon.

The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and concludes with an opportunity for farm families to meet with the Purdue Succession Planning Team. Registration is $75 per person for the first four family members and $15 for each additional member.

Forms are available for download at www.cdext.purdue.edu/collaborative-projects/succession-planning/ and should be mailed to the Kosciusko County Extension office, 202 W. Main St., Warsaw, IN 46580. Registration is due by Jan. 25.

The “Managing for 2017 and Beyond” program will feature Jim Mintert, Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture, and Bob Nielsen, Purdue Agronomy Department.

They will discuss management and decision-making strategies producers can use to endure economic challenges and maintain financial stability on Feb. 16 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Register for the “Managing for 2017 and Beyond” program by calling 653-8411 or emailing smith535@purdue.edu before Feb. 14.

The “Planning for Your Farm’s Future” program will feature discussion on the future of the family farm and how to succeed in passing it on to the next generation. This program is scheduled for March 1 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

During this program, the team approach to working together through transition and planning for retirement and long-term care needs will be discussed. Register for this program by calling 653-8411 or emailing smith535@purdue.edu before Feb. 27.

Lastly, on March 16 join Purdue Extension and the Putnam County SWCD for a “Soil Health Workshop” at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

The program will feature Dan Towery of Soil Health Partnership. He will be discussing several hot topics around soil health systems. This program will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register by calling 653-8411 or emailing smith535@purdue.edu before March 14.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 24 – Bi-State Gardening Clinic, Covington, 6 p.m., $20. Register at 765-793-2297.

Feb. 3 -- Health and Human Science Parenting Group “Childhood Communication,” Gobin, 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 7 – Putnam County Master Gardener Association program and meeting.

Feb. 13 – Real Colors Personality Program for Extension volunteers, Fairgrounds, 10-noon. RSVP to Extension Office by Jan. 31.

Feb. 15 – On Local Government, Extension Office, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Feb. 16 – Managing for 2017 and Beyond, Fairgrounds, 10-noon. RSVP to Extension Office.

Feb. 18 – 4-H Grows Knowledge, Knoy Center at Cloverdale High School.

Feb. 20 – Real Colors Personality Program for Extension volunteers, Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m. RSVP by Jan. 31 to RSVP to Extension Office.

Feb. 25 – Beef weigh-in.

March 1 – Planning for Your Farm’s Future, Fairgrounds, 6:30-8:30 p.m. RSVP to RSVP to Extension Office.

March 16 – Soil Health Workshop, Fairgrounds, 6:30-8:30, RSVP to RSVP to Extension Office.