Small Farms Clinic slated for April 12

Have you thought about starting your own small farm or agricultural business in 2016? Do you already have a small farm or agriculture business in existence?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, then the Area Small Farms Clinic might be something you should take part in.

On Tuesday, April 12 an Area Small Farms Clinic will be conducted at the Parke County Extension Office in Rockville. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend two different sessions focusing on fundamental topics. Persons will select one session for each hour of the program.

For the first session, you have the option of attending a seminar with Cara Bergschneider, Monroe NRCS District Conservation, over Season Extension & Maintaining Soil Fertility in High Tunnel or you can learn from Tracy Branam, a longtime vendor at the Bloomington Community Farmers Market, with his seminar over Native Indiana Fruits: What Can Be Grown That Encompasses The Entire Growing Season?

During the second session, attendees can hear from One Planet Solar of Terre Haute on Alternative Energy Sources or participate in a Beginning Aquaculture seminar with Bob Rode, Aquaculture Research Lab Manager with Forestry and Natural Resources.

The Area Small Farms Clinic will be from 6-8 p.m. at the Parke County Extension Office (1472 N. U.S. 41, Rockville).

Registration for this event is required by Friday, April 8 to ensure adequate materials are available for all attendees. Registration costs are $5 per family, which is due at the door. To register, contact the Purdue Extension Putnam County via phone at 653-8411 or by email smith535@purdue.edu

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.

Upcoming Events

March 22 -- Little Lady Health Awareness Spring Break Camp, 10 a.m., Fairgrounds.

March 24 -- Understanding the Business Side of Ag, 6:30 p.m., Fairgrounds, $5 per family. Register at 653-8411.

March 24 -- QuickBooks Webinar, 12-1 p.m. Register at ag.purdue.edu/Extension/wia/Pages/webinars.aspx.

March 28 -- Bigger Profits Through Targeted Sales, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Parke County Fairgrounds, $20. Register at 765-569-3176.

March 30 -- Pasture/Hay Workshop, Parke County Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m.

April 12 -- Small Farms Clinic, Parke County Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m., $5 per family. Register at 653-8411.