Purdue Extension Tipton County - Ag News & Weather Update

Down the Country Road - December 2016: Page 1 Tipton County Extension Office is administered in cooperation with Purdue University an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Purdue Extension Tipton County - Ag News & Weather Update

Austin Pearson - ANR Educator

[email protected] - 765.675.1177

1200 South Main Street - Tipton, IN - 46072

Upcoming Events Austin’s Corner: Program Updates

Dec. 7: 8:00 - 11:00 AM

Protecting Your Assets

(Michigantown, IN)

Dec. 14: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Farm Law, Taxes, Estate, and

Business Transfer Planning Program

(Tipton Co. Extension Office)

Jan. - Mar. 2017:

Master Gardener Basic Training


Jan. 11: 7:30 - 11:30 am

Ag Outlook, Land Lease, and FSA

Payout Program

(Tipton Co. Fairgrounds 4-H Building)

Jan. 12: 8:00 am - 3:00pm

Strategic Tools for Tight Margins


Jan. 31: 9:00 - 11:00 am

Corn & Soybean Update


Feb. 6: 9:00 - 11:00 am

Pest & Disease Update - PARP


Feb. 13: 8:00 - 12:00 pm

Annual SWCD Meeting - PARP

Weed Science Update, Climatology and

Management Decisions


Feb. 20: 9:00 - 11:00 am

Intro to Farm Succession Planning

(Tipton Co. Extension Office) FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

Purdue Extension Tipton County ANR

Happy Holidays from the Pearson Family

It’s hard to believe that the Holidays are upon

us! Time sure flies. My family would like to wish

your families very warm holiday wishes.

We do have the “Protecting Your Assets” pro-

gram on December 7 at Michigantown. The “Farm

Law, Taxes, Estate, and Business Planning Program

will be held at the Tipton Co. Extension Office on

December 14.

The deadline to register for the Master Gardener

Basic Training has been EXTENDED to December

22, 2016. We are now up to 11 participants!

The Ag Outlook, Land Lease, and FSA Payment

Expectations program will be held on Jan. 11,

2017. There will be free breakfast, thanks to Hal-

derman Farm Management and First Farmers Bank

& Trust!

Strategic Tools for Tight Margins program will be

offered on Jan. 12, 2017. Space is limited in this

class, so register early!

Winter Ag Classes are returning to Tipton Coun-

ty! We will have topics such as, Corn & Soybean

Updates, Pest & Disease Updates, Weed Science

Updates, Climatology & Management Decisions,

and an Introduction to Farm Succession Planning.


Outline

Weather Update and Outlook Pg. 2, 3

PARP Recertification Dates Pg. 4

“Christmas Tree Supply Looks Strong

for 2016 Holiday Season” Pg. 5

“Indiana Crop Adviser Conference

Set for Indianapolis” Pg. 6

Purdue Yard & Garden CALENDAR: December Pg. 7

Protecting Your Assets Program Information Pg. 8

Farm Law, Taxes, Estate and Business Planning Program Pg. 9

Purdue Master Gardener Basic Training Info Pg. 10

Ag Update: 2017 Ag Outlook, Land Values,

and FSA Payout Expectations Pg. 11

Winter Ag Classes Information Pg. 12

Strategic Tools for Tight Margins Program Information Pg. 13, 14

Weather Update and Outlook

November 2016

Average Temperature:

November temperatures were yet again above normal.

The average high temperature for Tipton Co. was 57.7°

F, which was 7°F above normal. The average low tem-

perature for the month was 46.4°F, which was also

5.1°F above normal.

Accumulated Precipitation:

A dry beginning to November yielded below normal precipitation in Indiana. Tipton Co. saw 2.99” of

rain, which was roughly 0.4” below normal. Precip-itation increased after November 19 with three pre-

cipitation events greater than 0.75” (11/18: 0.76”, 11/24: 0.91”, 11/29: 0.92”). Extreme precip defi-cits were in far southeast Indiana. Severe and

Moderate Droughts have crept into SE

Indiana. (See 11/29/16 Drought

Monitor to the

left)





Tipton County Weather Update and Outlook Continued

One Month Precipitation Outlook One Month Temperature Outlook

Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks Summary

After a stretch of warmer than normal temperatures, it looks that winter has arrived. Colder than normal temperatures are expected for the next two weeks. Coupled with this, above

normal precipitation is being forecast. Given the temperatures, chances of snow are in the forecast for the coming weeks. Low temperatures are expected to be in the teens and high

temperatures in the 20s over the coming week.

Overall for the month, we are likely to see continued chances for above normal precipitation.

My guess would be that temperatures are likely to remain below or near normal.




6-10 Day Temperature Outlook 6-10 Day Precipitation Outlook


2017 Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training Dates

Remember this is for INITIAL CERTIFICATION ONLY.

The fee for the course is $60, per person, per program. You can also order a study manual

($30 each) for each program you register for.

On the day of the trainings, registration begins at 7:30 am with the training beginning at

8:30. Programs end at 3:30 pm with the exam following after.

All programs are held at the William Daniel Turf Center, 1340 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette,

IN 47906. For More Information

For conference information, contact

Cindy Myers

Purdue Pesticide Programs

915 W. State Street

West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054

Phone: 765-494-4566 or

888-398-4636

For program content and certification in-

formation, contact:

Andrew Martin

Purdue Pesticide Programs

915 W. State Street

West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054

Phone: 765-494-4567 or

888-398-4636

Email: [email protected]

Or go to:

www.ppp.purdue.edu/certification.html

To Register

Mail form with payment to:

Purdue Extension

The Education Store

301 South 2nd Street

Lafayette, IN 47901

Phone: 765-494-6794 or 888-398-4636

Or

Fax form with credeit card or P.O. Information

to: 765-496-1540

To register on-line: https://

mdc.itap.purdue.edu/wk_group.asp?




https://ppp.purdue.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/

Corebrochure.pdf


Christmas Tree Supply Looks Strong for 2016 Holiday Season

By Jessica V. Merzdorf

Dan Cassens, P.U. prof. of forest-

ry and natural resources and Ex-

tension wood products specialist,

has grown Christmas trees for

nearly 40 years on his farm, Cas-

sens Trees. (Photo credit: Darrin

Pack)

People ready for some holiday

cheer can celebrate a healthy

2016 Christmas tree supply with

plenty of choices in size and spe-

cies, said Daniel Cassens, a Pur-

due University professor

of forestry and natural re-

sources and Purdue Extension

wood products specialist.

A dry summer and wet autumn

initially caused some worries, said

Cassens, who has grown and sold

Christmas trees for 38 years at

his farm at 5038 Morehouse

Road, West Lafayette.

"Conifers don't like wet feet and

we had a wet August," he said.

“And the dry June and July were a

bit scary, especially for seedlings.

But we've seen no lasting effects

from weather and no significant

insect or fungal problems either.

The trees look very healthy."

Cassens, a member of

the National Christmas Tree Asso-

ciation and the Indiana Christmas

Tree Growers Association, said

that while most tree shopping

typically happens after Thanksgiv-

ing, some consumers had already

started purchasing their trees by

mid-November. Prices for Christ-

mas trees typically vary according

to the species, quality and size of

the tree, with smaller trees selling

for less than larger or more exotic

ones.

"Scotch pine and eastern white

pine are typically the least expen-

sive trees in Indiana. Small ones

less than 6 feet tall could cost as

little as $15, while $25 to $35

should cover a premium 7- to 8-

foot tree," Cassens said. "Douglas

fir and spruce would be intermedi-

ate in both cost and care, while a

Fraser or Canaan fir could sell for

twice as much as a Scotch pine.

And a tree taller than 8 or 10 feet

will also be more expensive be-

cause of the additional time and

care required for a taller tree."

Each variety of tree features a

unique combination of branch

stiffness, color and needle length.

The popular Fraser fir has distinc-

tive silvery undersides on its short

needles and stiff branches that

can hold heavier ornaments and

decorations, while white pine

trees have flexible branches and

long, soft needles that may be

safer for babies and small chil-

dren.

Canaan fir is similar in appear-

ance to Fraser fir and more com-

monly grown in Indiana. Available

species may vary from farm to

farm across the state, but most

Indiana farms will have three or

four varieties for sale, Cassens

said.

When looking for the perfect tree,

some considerations apply across

species. It is important to meas-

ure the space where the tree will

stand before coming to the tree

farm - trees will look smaller out

in the open field than they will in

a house or apartment.

Choosing the correct type of stand

will help the tree stay stable as it

is decorated. A stand with a cen-

ter spike that is inserted into the

tree trunk provides a stable base

and is easy to set up, Cassens

said. Regardless of type, every

stand should be heavy enough to

keep the tree upright and should

have a basin large enough to hold

sufficient water. Many tree farms

sell stands on the property.

"Christmas trees may not take up

much water for the first couple of

days, but don't let that fool you

into thinking they won't," Cassens

said. "Once the tree settles in and

starts taking up water again, they

typically require at least one quart

per inch of stem diameter every

day. A 7-foot tree could easily use

two quarts of water a day for the

first week."

If a tree does not receive suffi-

cient water once it is brought in-

side, the cut end will seal over

with sap. A tree that has gone

without water for more than six or

eight hours after being cut should

have an additional one-half inch

cut off the end to allow it to take

up water. Placing the tree near a

warm air vent or using decorative

lights that get too hot can also

cause the tree to dry out faster,

Cassens said.

A live tree may require more care

than an artificial tree, but for

many people, Cassens said, the

experience of having a live tree

outweighs the extra effort.

"Some people choose a live tree

to remind them of childhood

memories, and others to do their

part to help 'green' the environ-

ment," Cassens said. "Either way,

with a little thought and care, a

real Christmas tree can bring lots

of joy and good memories during

the holiday season."

Buyers can find more information

in Cassens' free publication, Tips

for First-Time Buyers of Real

Christmas Trees, available from

Purdue's The Education Store

at https://

www.edustore.purdue.edu/.




https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=dcassens&intDirDeptID=15

https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx

https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.realchristmastrees.org/

http://www.realchristmastrees.org/

http://www.indianachristmastree.com/

http://www.indianachristmastree.com/

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-423-w.pdf



https://www.edustore.purdue.edu/

https://www.edustore.purdue.edu/


Indiana Crop Adviser Conference Set for Indianapolis

By Darrin J Pack, Ag Answers Editor/Writer

Certified crop advisers, consultants, farmers, agribusiness professionals and students will learn more about nutrient management, soil and water conservation, pest control and a

variety of other topics at the 2016 Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Conference.

Co-sponsored by Purdue Extension and the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program, the conference will be held Dec. 13-14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at the Indianapolis

Marriott East, 7202 E. 21st St.

Matthew Pearson, fertilizer program administrator with the Office of Indiana State Chem-istand one of the conference organizers, said the event is one of the largest of its kind in

the country and annually draws hundreds of attendees from throughout the Midwest.

“It is an excellent opportunity to explore critical issues with nationally recognized speakers,

network with other CCAs, and earn continuing education credits,” he said.

Speakers include Purdue Extension specialists and College of Agriculture faculty and staff

as well as educators and industry leaders from throughout the country.

There will be 32 presentations in four tracks: nutrient management, soil and water man-

agement, pest management and crop management. Participants can follow one track or choose sessions in multiple tracks. Each morning session will be repeated in the afternoon

so participants will have an opportunity to attend all sessions presented each day.

CCAs can earn up to 16 continuing education units. Private applicator credit will also be

available.

For CCAs, the price is $225 for both days or $125 for one day. For other participants, the

cost is $325 for both days and $175 for one day. Early registration is recommended. Regis-

tration prices will increase by $25 after Dec. 7.

The complete program schedule is available on the Indiana CCA website at https://

indianacca.org/Conference. To sign up, go to https://indianacca.org/Register.




https://indianacca.org/Conference

https://indianacca.org/

http://oisc.purdue.edu/

http://oisc.purdue.edu/



https://indianacca.org/Register


Purdue Yard & Garden CALENDAR: December

By: B. Rosie Lerner Purdue

Extension Consumer Horti-

culturist

HOME (Indoor plants and ac-

tivities)

Check houseplant leaves for

brown, dry edges, which indi-

cates too little relative humidity

in the house. Increase humidity

by running a humidifier, group-

ing plants or using pebble trays.

Extend the lives of holiday

plants such as poinsettias and

Christmas cactus by placing

them in a cool, brightly lit area

that is free from warm or cold

drafts.

Houseplants may not receive

adequate light because days are

short and gloomy. Move plants

closer to windows, but avoid

placing foliage against cold glass

panes. Artificial lighting may be

helpful.

Because growth slows or

stops in winter months, most

plants will require less water and

little, if any, fertilizer.

If you are forcing bulbs for

the holidays, bring them into

warmer temperatures after they

have been sufficiently precooled.

Bulbs require a chilling period of

about 10 to 12 weeks at 40 de-

grees F to initiate flower buds

and establish root growth. Pre-

cooled bulbs are available from

many garden suppliers, if you

did not get yours cooled in time.

Then provide two to four weeks

of warm temperature (60 F),

bright light and moderately

moist soil to bring on flowers.

When shopping for a Christ-

mas tree, check for green, flexi-

ble, firmly held needles and a

sticky trunk base - both indica-

tors of freshness. Make a fresh

cut, and keep the cut end under

water at all times.

Evergreens, except pines and

spruce, can be trimmed now for

a fresh supply of holiday green-

ery.

YARD (Lawns, woody orna-

mentals and fruits)

Prevent bark splitting of

young and thin-barked trees,

such as fruit and maple trees.

Wrap trunks with tree wrap, or

paint them with white latex (not

oil-based) paint, particularly on

the south- and southwest-facing

sides.

Protect shrubs such as juni-

pers and arborvitae from exten-

sive snow loads by tying their

stems together with twine. Care-

fully remove heavy snow loads

with a broom to prevent limb

breakage.

Protect broadleaves, ever-

greens or other tender land-

scape plants from excessive dry-

ing (desiccation) by winter sun

and wind. Canvas, burlap or pol-

yethylene plastic screens to the

south and west protect the

plants. Similarly, shield plants

from salt spray on the street

side.

Provide winter protection for

roses by mounding soil approxi-

mately 12 inches high to insu-

late the graft union after plants

are dormant and temperatures

are cold. Additional organic

mulch such as straw compost or

chopped leaves can be placed on

top.

GARDEN (Flowers, vegeta-

bles and small fruits)

To protect newly planted or

tender perennials and bulbs,

mulch with straw, chopped

leaves or other organic material

after plants become dormant.

Store leftover garden chemi-

cals where they will stay dry,

unfrozen and out of the reach of

children, pets and unsuspecting

adults.

Once the plants are complete-

ly dormant and temperatures

are consistently below freezing,

apply winter mulch to protect

strawberries and other tender

perennials. In most cases, 2 to 4

inches of organic material such

as straw, pine needles, hay or

bark chips will provide adequate

protection.

Check produce and tender

bulbs in storage, and discard

any that show signs of decay,

such as mold or softening.

Shriveling indicates insufficient

relative humidity.

Clean up dead plant materi-

als, synthetic mulch and other

debris in the vegetable garden,

as well as in the flowerbeds,

rose beds and orchards.

Make notes for next year's

garden.





Protecting Your Assets Program





Farm Law, Taxes, Estate and Business Planning Program

Purdue Extension presents farm law and tax programs.

Purdue Extension is offering four programs on farm law and tax issues, includ-ing estate planning and business transfers at four locations.

The first three of these programs will be in 2016: Tipton, Dec.14; Richmond,

Dec. 15; Bluffton, Dec.16 and the fourth at Rockville on Jan. 13, 2017. Gerry Harrison, Purdue University agricultural economist, for 45 years, and member

of the Indiana State Bar Association, will be the presenter.

The programs are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for farmers, farm families,

farmland owners, accountants, attorneys and insurance providers.

Some of the legal topics include farmland drainage and leases, farming liabili-ties, right to farm, takings law, real estate transfer taxation, estate transfer

tools, business organization issues, land trusts and conservation easements.

Pre-registration is required. Registration fees are $30 per person, $50 for married couples, $75 for continuing education credit. A continental breakfast,

lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Registration and program forms are available on the Purdue website at: <https://ag.purdue.edu/agecon/Pages/Law-Topics-and-Estate-and-Family-Business-Transfer-

Planning.aspx>. Program sites are listed on the registration forms.

If you have questions, contact Gerry Harrison (preferably) by e-mail <[email protected]> or <[email protected]> . Gerry may attach a

registration form to your return e-mail. Or call: 765-494-4216.

Source: Gerry Harrison, 765-494-4216, [email protected]

Agenda 8:30-9:00 Check-in, Ag Law Quiz

9:00-10:30 Intro, Farm Law Topics 10:30-10:45 Break

10:45-11:45 Business and Landowner Liability 11:45-12:00 Questions

12:00-12:45 Lunch 12:45-2:00 Estate Planning

2:00-2:10 Break

2:10-3:15 Estate and Business Transfer Planning 3:15-3:30 Questions




https://extension.purdue.edu/Pages/default.aspx

https://ag.purdue.edu/agecon/Pages/Law-Topics-and-Estate-and-Family-Business-Transfer-Planning.aspx



mailto:[email protected]




Purdue Master Gardener Basic Training Information

Purdue Master Gardener Basic Training

Registration EXTENDED

A Purdue Master Gardener Basic Training will be offered to Tip-ton County residents beginning January 4, 2017, from 6:00-

9:00 PM, according to Austin Pearson, Extension Educator with Purdue Extension, Tipton County. The Basic Training will meet every Wednesday night

through March 29, 2017. The program will be offered at the Purdue Extension Office located on the north side of the Tipton County 4-H Fairgrounds. The cost is $130, which will cover

such items as reference books, mailings, and name badges.

The Purdue Master Gardener program is designed to train volunteers to assist with Horticul-

tural Education Programs for Purdue Extension. Participants enter a specially designed train-ing program in Home Horticulture. Upon completion of the training program, they are identi-

fied as Master Gardener Interns. At that time, the volunteers are expected to extend the in-formation in the areas of gardening and Horticulture under the guidance of Purdue Extension

to become Certified Master Gardeners.

The Purdue Master Gardener basic training program will consist of 13 sessions. Topics cov-

ered are Soils and Plant Nutrition, Plant Science, Plant Disease Diagnosis, Insect Identification and Control, Weed Identification and Control, Ornamentals in the Landscape, Lawn Care,

Plant Propagation, Native and Invasive Species, Pesticide Safety and Alternatives, Vegetable Gardening, and Animal Pests. Purdue Extension Specialists, Extension Educators, Advanced

Master Gardeners, and Local Horticulture Experts serve as instructors. Persons interested in registration information for the Master Gardener program should contact Purdue Extension Tipton County located at 1200 South Main Street Tipton, Indiana 46072. Please call 765-675-

1177 to pre-register or for more information. Pre-registration is required. Acceptance of ap-plications will begin on October 3rd and end on December 22nd. You may find the Purdue Mas-

ter Gardener information on the Purdue Extension Tipton County Website at https://

extension.purdue.edu/Tipton. The schedule of classes can be seen below.





2017 Ag Update Program





Tipton County Winter Ag Classes Information




Winter Ag Classes will return to Tipton County beginning in January 2017! Purdue Extension Specialists

will be on hand to discuss common problems witnessed during the 2016 growing season and updates

with each respective topic. Topics, such as Corn & Soybean Updates, Pest & Plant Disease Updates,

Weed Science Update, Climatology and Management Decisions, and an Introduction to Farm Succession

Planning, will be presented.

Registration for the class is required. Call the Extension Office 765-675-1177 for more information and

to register. Classes will be held at the Tipton County Extension Office (1200 S. Main Street Tipton, IN

46072). Austin is currently in the process of applying for Certified Crop Adviser CEUs, PARP Credits,

and CCHs for the series of classes. Check back next month to find out more information about the

course credits being offered! Course topics and presenters can be found below.

Tipton County Winter Ag Classes 2017 Schedule

Date Time Topic(s) Presenter(s)

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 9:00 - 11:00 am 2017 Corn &

Soybean Update

Bob Nielsen (Corn Specialist)

Shaun Casteel (Soybean Specialist)

Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 9:00 - 11:00 am 2017 Pest &

Disease Update

John Obermeyer

(Entomology Specialist)

Gail Ruhl

(Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab)

Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 8:00 - 12:00 pm

SWCD Meeting, Weed

Science Update

Climatology and

Management Decisions

Bill Johnson (Ag Weed Specialist)

Austin Pearson (Extension Educator)

Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 9:00 - 11:00 am Succession

Planning Basics

Paul Marcellino (Extension Educator)

Kelly Heckaman (Extension Educator)

Corn & Soybean Update: “Update on Purdue’s Field Scale Corn Research” & “Soybean Update”

Pest & Disease Update: “Cover Crops and Insect Pest Management” & “Review of Soybean and Corn Dis-

ease Problems in IN—2016”

Weed Science Update & Climatology: “Weed Management Update” & “Climatology and Management Decisions”

Succession Planning Basics: “Introduction to Farm Succession Planning”


Strategic Tools for Tight Margins Side 1





Strategic Tools for Tight Margins Side 2




Documents

Purdue Extension Tipton County - Ag News & Weather Update