4-H open house Oct. 23
GREENFIELD – Learn about joining 4-H in an open house event from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds, 620 Apple St.
The 4-H program is for youth in third grade through 12th grade; Mini 4-H is for youth in kindergarten through second grade. Participants gain knowledge and experiences in project areas of their choosing, gaining youth leadership, citizenship and cooperative skills, according to an event flier from Hancock County Purdue Extension. For questions, email [email protected] or call 317-462-1113.
Holiday market scheduled
GREENFIELD – Hancock County Extension Homemakers will host a Country Vintage Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.
The event that encourages people to start their holiday shopping early features free parking, free admission and food trucks on site. It will be located at the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds, 620 Apple St. For information, call Vickie Ramsey, 317-753-4144, or Margie Clark, 317-498-1549.
Hancock County to host area beef meeting
GREENFIELD – Beef topics will be presented at the upcoming Purdue Area Six annual meeting of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Hancock County Fairgrounds; the area includes Hancock, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan and Shelby counties. IBCA will provide an update on current policy and programs; an educational presentation will be provided by the Purdue Department of Animal Science. Reserve a spot by Dec. 1 to Hancock County Purdue Extension, 317-462-1113.
Fertilizer grants available
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is making $500 million in grants available to increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers caused by the war in Ukraine.
The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program grants will be used to support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer production to supply American farmers. Funds also will expand the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives in the U.S. and its territories.
For questions, email questions to [email protected]. Learn more at www.rd.usda.gov/fpep or www.farmers.gov/global-food-insecurity.
PARP event set for Dec. 2
GREENFIELD – A certification program on pesticides is coming up Dec. 2 in Greenfield.
Purdue Extension Hancock County’s Private Applicator Recertification Program (PARP) is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. Dec. 2 at Ninestar Connect, 2243 E. Main St., Greenfield.
Topics include fertilizer application regulations; anhydrous ammonia safety; and cover crop termination strategies. Cost is $10 PARP credit; a hot breakfast will be served. Register by calling 317-462-1113.
CSA conference scheduled
FORT WAYNE – An event is coming up in November to teach on starting a community supported agriculture program or how to expand existing CSA programs.
Thinking Inside the Box: Growing CSAs Across the Tri-State is a conference scheduled for Nov. 12-13 at Purdue Fort Wayne Campus Conference Area. Registration is $125, with a farm tour an additional $25. Vendor booth space is available for an additional cost. To learn more or register, visit go.osu.edu/csa.
Pumpkin yields vary across Indiana
WEST LAFAYETTE — While genetics play a key role in a pumpkin’s potential size, the festive fall vegetable’s growth relies heavily on timely summer rainfall. Looking back at June and July’s precipitation totals, the record-setting hot and dry months pose possible cause for concern for many who grow and buy pumpkins, according to a press release from Purdue University.
Indiana is one of the nation’s largest pumpkin producers, cultivating around 6,000 acres each year. Large-scale operations often have irrigation systems in case of limited rainfall; however, there can also be a slight benefit to a dry summer.
The majority of Indiana’s commercial pumpkin crop is sold into the “fresh market,” meaning a consumer buys the whole pumpkin the way it comes off the vine rather than processed into consumables like canned pumpkin or pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin yields will be very site-specific this year. Although pumpkin harvest for some was delayed and yields will be lower, expect plenty of pumpkins available in Indiana, whether consumers are looking to carve them or bake a pie.
