EXTENSION EXPRESS!

2020 VERMILLION COUNTY FAIR JUNE 19-27 2020 INDIANA STATE FAIR AUGUST 7-23

Dear Families,

Happy New Year!!! We hope this finds you all looking forward to a healthy 2020. We hope you’ll participate in programming and please call if you have any questions. Thanks, in advance, for help-ing spread the word about Extension and 4-H programming and op-portunities.

Office #: 765-492-5330 OR 765-492-5 __ __ __ fill in with our individual extensions to go directly to our respective phones OR 1-800-340-8155 followed by extensions below.

Becky Phil Lori Becky Holbert Phil Cox Lori Bouslog Extension Educator Extension Educator Extension Educator Ext. 337 Ext. 335 Ext. 332 holbert@purdue.edu cox119@purdue.edu lbouslog@purdue.edu

Connie Margie Connie Warner Margie Allee Office Manager Extension Program Ass’t Ext. 334 cjcohen@purdue.edu Ext. 336 mmallee@purdue.edu

Purdue Cooperat i ve Extension Service -Vermi l l ion Co.

Jan/Feb 2020

Find us on fb at:

Purdue Extension

Vermillion County

Vermillion Co. 4-H

Vermillion Co. 4-H

Volunteers

Vermillion Co. 4-H

Jr. Leaders

WEBSITE: https: / /extens ion.purdue.edu/Vermi l l ion

SAVE THE DATES!! Feb 6: Bi-State Small Farm Conference at Beef House Stay tuned to the Ver-million County Exten-sion website and Face-book pages for details as they become availa-ble. March 30-April 2: 4-H After School Spring Clubs—watch for more details

ENROLL IN 4-H!

It’s not TOO late! Don’t delay….do it today!

Go to 4HOnLine.com Your family username and pass-

word is the same from year to year. Also, it'll automati-

cally put you in the 4-H club you were in last year- no

need to 'add a club' unless you are switching clubs. It'll

also automatically enroll you in the projects you took in

'19 as well as automatically add a year for 'years in pro-

ject'.

Need help setting up a new family account?

Call 765-492-5330.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY TOP FARMER CONFERENCE – JANUARY 10 The Purdue Top Farmer Conference is on Friday, January 10th at the Beck Agricultural Center, in West Lafayette. This is one of the most successful and longest-running management programs geared specifically for farmers. The Conference features faculty and staff experts from Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. Surrounded by farm management, farm policy, agricultural finance and marketing experts, and a group of your peers, the conference will stimulate your thinking about agriculture’s future and how you can position your farm to be successful in the years ahead. For more information and to register go to the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture website at: https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/Pages/Programs/Top-Farmer-Conference.aspx . For a $50 discount code enter EXT50 at checkout.

CROP MARKETING & FARM FINANCE WORKSHOP – February 14

Purdue Extension is offering a free Crop Marketing & Farm Finance Workshop. This workshop will focus on helping improve farm profitability in 2020. It will provide farmers an opportunity to improve both their crop marketing and financial management skill sets.

The Crop Marketing & Farm Finance Workshop has two 90-minute sessions within it. The first ses-sion, “Improving Your Crop Marketing Skills”, will focus on learning about your local basis patterns and how you can take advantage of that knowledge to improve profitability on your farming operation and reduce risk. The second session, Preparing to Meet with Your Ag Lender”, will explore how to use enterprise budgets to evaluate long-term enterprise profitability, and whole-farm financial projects to evaluate profitability and repayment capacity for the upcoming year. A case farm is used to help illus-trate the concepts.

The Workshop will be offered on February 14th starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds Community Building, Cayuga. The program will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. The workshop is free; however, preregistration is requested by February 10th at: https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/home/program/crop-marketing-farm-finance-workshops-2020/ Presenters for the Crop Marketing & Farm Finance Workshop include Dr. James Mintert and Dr. Michael Langemeier from Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information, contact the Vermillion County Extension Office at 765-492-5330 or cox119@purdue.edu .

2020 MIDWEST WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE February 19-20, 2020 at Horizon Convention Center, Muncie. *Interact with other women interested in agriculture *Choose from several breakout sessions *Pre-conference offered on February 18th

For more information and to access the registration link, visit: https://ag.purdue.edu/extension/WIA/.

4-H GROWS Knowledge!:

WHO? Adult 4-H Volunteers, 4-H Jr. Leaders, 4-H Judges &/or those INTERESTED in judging or being more involved

DATE: Sat., January 25 PLACE: KNOY Center/Cloverdale H.S.

TIME: 8:30 A.M.-3 PM

TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED! This is a fantastic opportunity to meet with 4-H volunteers in several capacities

from all over the state! Great ideas for clubs, classrooms, meetings, etc. Leaders, Council, and Jr. Leaders: watch for more

details in the mail. If you’re interested in judging in other counties, this is a GREAT way to get started!

4-H clubs are planning to meet! If you haven’t heard from your club leader, please make a connection with them to keep in the loop. Remember, club leaders are volunteers. Many clubs have fb pages and are posting updates on club activities.

BAKERSFEST COOKBOOKS

The 2019 Homemaker’s Bakersfest cookbook Favorite Pie Recipes is now available. Each cookbook in-cludes all recipes submitted at the Bakersfest event. Cookbooks are $2 each and may be purchased at the Vermillion County Extension office or by sending a check payable to : Vermillion County Extension Homemakers 703 W Park St, Suite #1 Cayuga IN 47928

Please include a note of how many cookbooks you want and the address where they should be mailed.

20 YEARS of Vermillion County Extension Homemakers BAKERSFEST RECIPES

467 recipes in a beautiful 3 ring binder

Breads, Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, Pies & MORE!

$15.00 EACH (+ $3 SHIPPING if mailed)

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

Vermillion County Extension Homemakers c/o 703 W Park St Suite #1 CAYUGA IN 47928 Call 765-492-5330 for more information.

2020 PROMOTE THE GOAT PROJECT – APPLICATIONS DUE BY MARCH 15 The Heber family will host the Fifth Annual Goat Day on Sunday April 19th at their farm. After completing “Goat 101” on Goat Day you will have the basic tools needed to care for your very own baby goats! Application forms are online at:

https://extension.purdue.edu/Vermillion . Promote the Goat applications must be completed and returned by March 15, 2020. Progress Day: Sunday, May 31st (tentative) at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds from 4 – 6 p.m. Questions? Contact Amanda Heber at anicheber@gmail.com .

PHOTOGRAPHY…... Snow pictures make GREAT black and white photography

shots. Whether 4-H or Open Class, this also demonstrates to judges that you didn’t wait until the last minute to do your project.

YOU’RE INVITED!!!

If you’re in grades 3-6, you’re invited to the 21st Annual

4-H SPECTACULAR! DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 24

TIME: 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Early Bird Activities for parents

who need early drop-off begin at 8:00 AM

PLACE: PARADISE BOWL, CLINTON, IN

COST: $20.00 for pre-registration/ $25 for registering the day of the event--This includes all project

supplies, refreshments, lunch, and bowling two games.

FIRST 75 REGISTRANTS ARE GUARANTEED PARTICIPATION!

ACTIVITIES: Participants will complete a 4-H project, make new friends through organized activities, bowl

two games, and help with community service project(s).

PRE-REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY SO THAT WE CAN PURCHASE

SUPPLIES. REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE SENT HOME FROM

SCHOOL WITH ALL STUDENTS IN GRADES 3-6!!!

Registrations available on our website.

UPCOMING SILENT AUCTIONS—The Vermillion Co. 4H Junior Leaders will be hosting 2 silent auctions:

Sun., March 1 at the 4-H FUNFest/Ag Day @ the Vermillion County Fairgrounds

AND Mon., March 16 at the Head, Hands, Hearts and Hoops basket-

ball game and dinner @ SVHS

If you have an item(s) that you would like to donate, please contact any Vermillion County 4-H Junior Leader or the Extension Office at 765-492-5330.

“How you carry yourself, what you stand for—-that’s how you

gain respect.”

Mildred Taylor

2020 4-H PROJECTS OF THE YEAR CAT POSTER, DOG POSTER & WEATHER!

Any 4-Her who completes any of these earns a free T-shirt!

Make plans to enroll and complete at least one of these this 4-H year! T-shirt designs due May 15. See your orange

2020 handbook for project details!

MINI 4-H MONTHLIES! 2020 ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH CURRENTLY IN

KINDERGARTEN, 1ST, & 2ND GRADES!

SPONSORED BY: VERMILLION COUNTY 4-H

As with all 4-H activities, parents/grandparents are encouraged to attend and participate,

also! WHEN? WHERE? HOW MUCH? FREE!!!!!!

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6-7 PM @ the SVMS cafeteria: Valentine’s Day FUN!

Wednesday, March 11, 6-7 P.M. @ Bono Methodist Church, Science fun and project!

Wednesday, April 8, 6-7 PM @ Fairgrounds, Cayuga SPRING FLING! Crafts and Games!

Register upon arrival! FOR MORE INFORMATION, call Becky at 765-492-5330 or e-mail at

holbert@purdue.edu

BUY YOUR INDIANA 4-H FOUNDATION SPECIALTY PLATE Show your support for Indiana 4-H by purchasing an Indiana 4-H Foundation Specialty

License Plate. Plate fees support programs for young people state-wide, and a portion

of the money from each plate that is sold goes right back to 4-H in the county where the

plate was purchased. Indiana 4-H Foundation Specialty License Plates are more than

just an accessory -they are an investment in a Bright Green Future!

You can purchase or renew your Indiana 4-H Foundation Specialty

Plate at your local BMV Branch or at www.in.gov/bmv.

2020 VERMILLION COUNTY FAIR OPEN CLASS

It’s not too early to begin thinking about your Open Class exhibits for the 2020 Vermillion County Fair! Winter is a great time to work on projects, make plans for your vegetable and flower gardens, and look for new recipes to try! Spend some time this winter thinking about what you can enter as Open Class exhibits on Saturday, June 20th! All entries must be entered between 9:00 and 11:30 AM. Watch our next newsletter for more information.

YQCA=YOUTH FOR THE QUALITY CARE OF ANIMALS

This opportunity is required annually by Purdue and the State Board of Animal Health for 4-Hers, regardless of the number of years in 4-H and/or animal projects, to help youth learn about the quality care of animals. Learning is the base of all 4-H programs. This will apply, in Vermillion Co., to 4-Hers enrolled in the following species Beef, Sheep, Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Swine, Horse & Pony, and Llama. Specific dates for these will be mailed to 4-Hers enrolled in these projects as well as posted on the Vermillion Co. 4-H fb page. These can be accomplished in-person or online: In-person ($3 fee that will be sponsored by the Vermillion Co. 4-H Council to save families money) or online at $12 each at the expense of the 4-Her/family.

This does not replace the safety meeting for folks in 1st 3 years of showing; all efforts will be made to schedule together.

Please watch your mail and future newsletters for more information on dates and opportunities for this. More details will be sent by late February.

ORDER STATE TREE SEEDLINGS FOR SPRING PLANTING

Landowners in Indiana are fortunate to have access to inexpensive, high quality tree and shrub seed-lings from the Indiana DNR Division of Forestry nurseries. These seedlings are 1, 2 and 3 year-old bare-root plants intended for conservation plantings: windbreaks, wildlife habitat, reforestation, erosion con-trol and other conservation uses. The seedlings are not to be planted for landscaping or Christmas trees

or resold as rooted stock. Seedlings are available in multiples of 50 or 100; or in packets containing a mixture of species for different planting purposes like native nuts, fine hardwoods, upland or bottomland or wildlife plantings. Ac-cess instructions for ordering and the order form with available tree species at http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3620.htm . If you wish to order and pay for seedlings via the internet follow this link: http://www.inforestryx.com . Click on the Tree Seedling tab and proceed to making your purchase. If you are tax exempt, you will still have to order by mail or fax.

4-H VOLUNTEER RETREAT!

Saturday, January 4

9 AM– 2 PM @ Fairgrounds

WHO? All Adult 4-H volunteers — club leaders, project and

livestock superintendents, Council members and folks interested in becoming a Vermillion Co. 4-H Volunteer! Lots of updates for 2019!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

TIPS TO GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Having trouble sleeping? Consider one or more of the following tips from health experts: • Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. As creatures of habit, people have a hard time adjusting to changes in sleep patterns. Sleeping later on weekends won't fully make up for a lack of sleep during the week and will make it harder to wake up early on Monday morning. • Exercise is great, but not too late in the day. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days but not later than 2—3 hours before your bedtime. • Avoid caffeine and nicotine. Coffee, colas, certain teas, and chocolate contain the stimulant caffeine, and its effects can take as long as 8 hours to wear off fully. Therefore, a cup of coffee in the late afternoon can make it hard for you to fall asleep at night. Nicotine is also a stimulant, often causing smokers to sleep only very lightly. In addition, smokers often wake up too early in the morning because of nicotine withdrawal. • Avoid alcoholic drinks before bed. Having a "nightcap" or alcoholic beverage before sleep may help you relax, but heavy alcohol use robs you of deep sleep and REM sleep, keeping you in the lighter stages of sleep. Heavy alcohol ingestion also may contribute to impairment in breathing at night. You also tend to wake up in the mid-dle of the night when the effects of the alcohol have worn off. • Avoid large meals and beverages late at night. A light snack is okay, but a large meal can cause indigestion that interferes with sleep. Drinking too many fluids at night can cause frequent awakenings to urinate. • If possible, avoid medicines that delay or disrupt your sleep. Some commonly prescribed heart, blood pres-sure, or asthma medications, as well as some over-the-counter and herbal remedies for coughs, colds, or allergies, can disrupt sleep patterns. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see whether any drugs you're taking might be contributing to your insomnia and ask whether they can be taken at other times during the day or early in the evening. • Don't take naps after 3 p.m. Naps can help make up for lost sleep, but late afternoon naps can make it hard-er to fall asleep at night. • Relax before bed. Don't overschedule your day so that no time is left for unwinding. A relaxing activity, such as reading or listening to music, should be part of your bedtime ritual. • Take a hot bath before bed. The drop in body temperature after getting out of the bath may help you feel sleepy, and the bath can help you relax and slow down so you're more ready to sleep. • Have a good sleeping environment. Get rid of anything in your bedroom that might distract you from sleep, such as noises, bright lights, an uncomfortable bed, or warm temperatures. You will sleep better if the tempera-ture in the room is kept on the cool side. A TV, cell phone, or computer in the bedroom can be a distraction and deprive you of needed sleep. Having a comfortable mattress and pillow can help promote a good night's sleep. Individuals who have insomnia often watch the clock. Turn the clock's face out of view so you don't worry about the time while trying to fall asleep. • Have the right sunlight exposure. Daylight is key to regulating daily sleep patterns. Try to get outside in natu-ral sunlight for at least 30 minutes each day. If possible, wake up with the sun or use very bright lights in the morning. Sleep experts recommend that, if you have problems falling asleep, you should get an hour of exposure to morning sunlight and turn down the lights before bedtime. • Don't lie in bed awake. If you find yourself still awake after staying in bed for more than 20 minutes or if you are starting to feel anxious or worried, get up and do some relaxing activity until you feel sleepy. The anxiety of not being able to sleep can make it harder to fall asleep. See a health professional if you continue to have trouble sleeping. If you consistently find it difficult to fall or stay asleep and/or feel tired or not well rested during the day despite spending enough time in bed at night, you may have a sleep disorder. Your family healthcare provider or a sleep specialist should be able to help you, and it is important to rule out other health or emotional problems that may be disturbing your sleep. Source: https://njaes.rutgers.edu

February 11-13 The Indiana Horticultural Congress & Expo is an educational meeting designed to meet the needs of fruit, vegetable, wine, organics, and specialty crop growers and marketers in Indiana and surrounding states. All interested individuals are invited to attend. For more information see: https://www.inhortcongress.org/

DINING WITH DIABETES

Nutrition and physical activity are keys to managing your type 2 diabetes. But where do you start? The Dining with Diabetes program can help! Dining with Diabetes consists of four sessions and a follow-up. Adults with type 2 diabetes (or who are at risk of type 2 diabetes) and their family members, caregivers, and support persons are invited to participate. This program will help you learn the skills needed to promote good health. Dining with Diabetes is taught by trained and caring educators.

Dining with Diabetes will be offered in Vermillion County on Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 5:00-7:00 PM in the 4-H Community Building at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds. The program includes: • planning meals and snacks with delicious and healthy recipes • cooking demonstrations and food sampling • motivation and support — connect with others who are living with diabetes • ideas for being more active • an understanding of how diabetes affects your overall health

For questions or to register please contact Lori Bouslog at Purdue Extension Vermillion County at 765-492-5332 or mail your registration and program fee to Purdue Extension Vermillion County, 703 W Park Street, Suite #1, Cayuga, IN 47928. When registering please include: 1. Names of who will be attending 2. A daytime contact number 3. Check payable to Purdue Extension Vermillion County for $25 if an individual or $40 for two individuals sharing materials (must be from the same household). Deadline for registration is February 28, 2020. Class size is limited so reserve your spot today!

VERMILLION EXTENSION BOARD MEETING DATES & EVENTS JAN. 22, 6:30 @ COVERED BRIDGE RESTAURANT

MAY 13, 6:30 @ GERRIE’S

JUNE 24, 4:00-5:00 PM @ VERMILLION CO. FAIR-MEET & GREET W/ ELECTED OFFICIALS

AUG. 26, 6:30 @ FAIRGROUNDS-ANNUAL DINNER

FALL MEETING DATES/TIMES TO BE DETERMINED

BI-STATE GARDEN CONFERENCE – JANUARY 23

Purdue University Extension and University of Illinois Extension are collaborating to offer the annual Bi-State Garden Conference.

LOCATION: Beef House Restaurant at 16501 Indiana State Road 63, Covington, Indiana DATE: Thursday, January 23rd, 6 – 9 p.m. ET Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the presenters will begin at 6:45 p.m. ET, following a Beef House dinner.

TOPICS: “All-America Selections: New Varieties for 2020”, presented by Diane Blazek, Executive Director of All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau. “Pruning Small Trees and Shrubs ”, presented by Ryan Pankau, University of Illinois Extension Educa-tor. The cost for the program is $25, which includes dinner, payable online or at the door. Pre-register by calling Vermillion County Extension at 765-492-5330 or email at cox119@purdue.edu or online at .https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration .

INDIANA SMALL FARM WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW – MARCH 5 - 7

The 2020 conference at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex, Danville, Indiana begins with a series of daylong workshops on Thursday, March 5. Topics include writing a food safety plan, vegetable crop planning, mushroom cultivation, biological orcharding and two tours: on the subjects of agri-tourism and livestock processing Breakout sessions on March 6-7 will cover topics ranging from vegetable and livestock production to farm management and marketing. Participants will have an opportunity to network with Extension educators, expert speakers, other farmers and vendors. The Small Farm Trade Show takes place on March 6-7 where vendors will showcase their products and services. For more information and to register see: https://www.purdue.edu/dffs/smallfarms/small-farm-conference-2020/ .

VERMILLION CO. 4-H JR. LEADERS will be doing a DETERGENT/HOUSEHOLD (shampoo, soap, trash bags, etc.) fundraiser in late January/early February. If interested,

please contact a Jr. Leader or the Extension Office.

JR. LEADER NEWS- Jr. Leaders have had a busy couple of months and are gearing up for a strong 4-H start to 2020. OFFICERS’ METING: Sunday, Jan. 5, 2:00 PM @ Holbert House—All Officers should plan to

attend and participate

NEXT MEETING: Jan . 12- Meeting, 12:30 @ Elanco followed by JOLT Training from 2:00-5:30 Watch your mail and texts (to parents unless you let Becky know that you want to be included on

texts) for updates.

A COMPLETE LIST OF POINT OPPORTUNITIES WAS SHARED AT TH E LAST MEETING AND IS POSTED ON THE Vermillion Co. 4-H Jr. Leader fb page.

*Watch mail for details on upcoming events and fundraisers!!! And more FUN!!! “WHEN WE WORK, WE WORK HARD; WHEN WE PLAY, WE PLAY HARD

and we have a LOT OF FUN!!!!”

EAGLES IN FLIGHT WEEKEND AT TURKEY RUN STATE PARK – January 24 – 26 Discover bald eagle nests, roosts, and hunting grounds as we explore the habitats of our national symbol. Enjoy live eagle, hawk, and owl programs too! Find unique items in our Friends of Turkey Run & Shades State Parks Auction. live and silent auction offered. All indoor programs are located in the Turkey Run Inn. For detailed information and schedule see: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2964.htm

SMALL STEPS TO BOOST YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME One of the most powerful ways that people can increase their income in retirement is to maximize their Social Security benefits. Below are five strategies to earn a higher monthly payment:

Earn a Higher Income: The more workers earn during their career from jobs and/or self-employment, the larger their Social Security payments will be. Higher incomes often require additional college de-grees or training, increased work hours, and/or managerial responsibilities.

Work at Least 35 Years: Social Security benefits are calculated on 35 years of career earnings. Retirees who are short of this mark will have $0 averaged into their benefit calculation for years without earned income.

Work Until Full Retirement Age: Full retirement age (FRA) is 66 for people born from 1943 to 1954 and 67 for those born in 1960 or later. In between these two dates, FRA gradually increases in two-month intervals (e.g., 66 and 6 months if born in 1957). Benefits can be claimed before full retirement age, as early as age 62, but they are permanently reduced.

Consider Delayed Retirement Credits: Social Security benefits increase about 8% a year if benefits are delayed beyond FRA up until age 70. After age 70, there is no financial advantage for waiting any long-er. Key factors to consider are financial need, health status, amount of retirement savings, and plans to work after retirement.

Plan Jointly With a Spouse: A common recommendation is for the lower-earning spouse to claim bene-fits at FRA and the higher earn to delay until age 70 to increase the amount that both spouses will even-tually receive. For more information about Social Security benefit claiming, visit www.ssa.gov. In addition to earning a higher Social Security benefit (e.g., by working longer and delaying benefits), one of the most powerful ways that people can increase their income in retirement is to increase their savings in tax-deferred retirement savings plans. Below are four strategies to boost your savings:

Save Until It Hurts: This means save as much as you can until savings starts to pinch your cash flow. In 2020, workers under age 50 can defer federal income tax on up to $19,500 in a 401(k) or similar em-ployer tax-deferred retirement savings plan. Workers age 50 and over may contribute with catch-up con-tributions, up to $6,500, according to the IRS.

Save Automatically: Some employers enroll workers in 401(k)s when they are first hired and even "auto-escalate" (read: gradually increase) the amount of their workers' pay that is saved over time. Others re-quire workers to elect to have automatic retirement savings contributions deducted from their pay.

Earn the Maximum Employer Match: Save at least the maximum amount that your employer will match (e.g. 6% of pay). This is "free money" that should not be left on the table. A fifty-cent match for every dollar saved is an automatic 50% return- risk- free and tax-deferred.

Make Wise Investment Choices: Select investments with low expense ratios and good long-term perfor-mance. Many investors also value simplicity and select index funds that track market indices and target-date funds that gradually become more conservative over time and hold less stock. Source: https://njaes.rutgers.edu and

KidsHealth.org is a site you can visit to learn more about being healthy, including ways to deal with anger. To check out these tips go to www.kidshealth.org/kid and click on ‘Feelings”. You’ll find other good information about health and safety at this website, too. Source: What Do You Stand For? For Kids.– A Guide to Building Character

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR USERS OF PARAQUAT HERBICIDE by Dr. Stephen Meyers, Assistant Professor, Purdue University Department of Horticul-

ture and Landscape Architecture.

Paraquat dichloride is the active ingredient in products such as Gramoxone

®, Devour

®, Cyclone

®, and Quik-Quat

®. Earlier this year the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the following changes to paraquat requirements: 1. Additional labeling requirements and the distribution of supplemental warning materials at the point-of-purchase are now required and highlight the toxicity and risks associated with paraquat products. 2. Paraquat use is now restricted to certified applicators only. No longer can an uncertified handler use paraquat, even under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. 3. Specialized, approved paraquat training is now required for anyone who will mix, load, apply, or handle paraquat. New, closed-system packaging will be used to prevent the transfer or removal of paraquat into unapproved containers or equipment. These changes were sparked by unnecessary deaths of individuals who consumed paraquat which had been illegally poured into drink containers. Three of these deaths were children. Paraquat is highly toxic. Please, make no mistake about it, one sip of concentrated paraquat is nearly always fatal. The EPA-approved paraquat training consists of a 30 minute video followed by a 15 ques-tion quiz. All 15 questions of the quiz must be answered correctly to pass. However, the quiz can be taken as many times as necessary to pass with no required waiting time before reat-tempting. For more information and a link to the EPA-approved paraquat training, please vis-

it the EPA website here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-training-certified-applicators

FARM MACHINERY SHOW:- February 14

The Vermillion and Parke County SWCD's are hosting bus trip to the 2020 National Farm Machinery Show on Friday, February 14, 2020. Charter bus will leave Parke Co Fairgrounds at 5 am and return at approximately 9:30pm. This is a free event and transportation for anyone interested but space will fill up fast! Contact the Vermil-lion Co SWCD at 765-492-3705 or vermillion@iaswcd.org for more information or to get your name on the reservations list!

BE A CENSUS TAKER!

Extra Income

Flexible Hours

Weekly Pay

Paid Training

Apply Online

2020CENSUS.GOV/JOBS

NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY

Celebrated annually on the first Friday during the month of February in

the U.S, National Wear Red Day is a holiday in which men and women

wear the color red to raise awareness about the number one health

problem that affects many Americans – heart disease. It’s also a day in

which women are encouraged to find out their five most important

health numbers: Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Blood Sugar,

Blood Pressure and BMI (Body Mass Index). By knowing these numbers women can find out their

risks for developing heart disease and take measures to prevent it. In 2020, National Wear Red Day

will be Friday, February 7th.

National Wear Red Day is a great way to raise awareness about the growing epidemic of heart disease

in women. It is also a good day to show the woman in your life that you care about her health by

wearing red out in public. And if you’re a woman, then you might want to use the day to learn your 5

-numbers and find out what you can do to live a healthier, and ultimately happier, life.

WEAR RED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH!

HEART DISEASE FACTS

▪ Heart disease kills one woman every 80 seconds. ▪ Every year, 30% of the deaths among women in the U.S. are caused by heart attacks and strokes. ▪ 64% of women who die suddenly from heart disease will have no prior symptoms. ▪ High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity & smoking all contribute to heart disease. ▪ Physical inactivity also is a contributing factor to heart disease.

Vermillion Co. Soil and Water Conservation District Meeting – February 18

The Vermillion Co. Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is hosting their 72nd Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 18. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the meal beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Community Building at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds in Cayuga.

The evening will consist of a free catered meal, District Supervisor elections, recognition of 2019 State poster contest winners, conservation partners recog-nition, report on the District’s activities, and the keynote address by Jerry Raynor, NRCS Indiana State Conservationist, discussing “Conservation Across Indiana”. While the meal is free to all, reservations are required. Reservations can be made to the SWCD office at 765-492-3705 or vermillion@iaswcd.org by February 7th.

“One of the secrets to a long and fruitful life is to forgive everybody everything every night before you go to bed.” Ann Landers

2020 Sheep & Goat Webinar – January 28

Purdue University and Michigan State University will hold a free webinar for sheep and goat producers on Tuesday, January 28 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET. The theme of the program is “How a Poor Hay Year Can Affect You!”

Dr. Keith Johnson, Purdue Forage Specialist, will address the problem of the 2019 hay crop being some of the poorest quality in years. He will analyze the hay situation, hay quality concerns and the im-portance of testing. Next, Dr. Richard Ehrhardt, Michigan State University Sheep & Goat Specialist, will discuss potential poor quality hay feeding problems including weight loss, poor lamb and kid birth weight, colostrum quality and milk production. Then he will cover supplementation strategies to be able to utilize poor quality hay and still have a productive year.

Direct access to the program is available at www.ansc.tv. Simply go to this website and turn on your volume. Important information to producers about health, maintenance and current issues in the sheep and goat industries is available at: https://ag.purdue.edu/ansc/sheep-site

Parke-Vermillion Master Gardener Basic Training Class Registration due January 29

All green thumbs or anyone that wants to learn all about gardening and volunteer to teach others about gar-dening, are invited to participate in the Parke-Vermillion Master Gardener Basic Training Class starting on Wednesday, February 5th at South Vermillion High School, 770 Wildcat Dr., Clinton. There will be 14 classes total that will meet every Wednesday through May 13th (except March 25th) from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. No previous gardening experience is required. Space is limited and pre-registration is due by January 29th.

Instructors are Extension, university, and other experts that teach classes in plant science, fruit and vegeta-ble gardening, weeds & pesticides, herbaceous and woody ornamentals, soils and plant nutrition, fruit gar-dening, lawn care, and pollinator conservation, identification and control of pests, plant diseases, and inva-sive species. There is a $130 fee for the training that includes the Purdue Master Gardener Manual plus handouts. Couples may share materials for a reduced fee of $195.

The Master Gardener Program is one way the Purdue University Extension Service puts knowledge to work and helps people grow. First, the Master Gardener Program helps gardeners grow by providing them with intensive education in horticultural principles. Participants, in turn, share their knowledge and help others grow by providing volunteer leadership and service to their communities in educational gardening activities.

An application must be completed and approved before registration can be paid. For more information and an application, go to the Vermillion or Parke County Extension webpages at www.extension.purdue.edu/Vermillion or www.extension.purdue.edu/Parke and download the applica-tion and return to the Vermillion or Parke County Extension Of-fice. Questions may be directed to Phil Cox at the Vermillion Coun-ty Extension office at (765)492-5330 or cox119@purdue.edu ; or Kurt Lanzone at the Parke County Extension office at (765)569-3176 or klanzone@purdue.edu . Purdue University is an equal oppor-tunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR 2020 CAMPS

Mark your calendar now and watch for more details

Spring Break Mini 4-H Camp for K-2nd graders: March 23-26 , 8 AM-4 PM (may attend this camp + one of the weeks of summer Mini 4-H Camp)

Mini 4-H Day Camp @ Fairgrounds: June 1-4, 8 AM-4 PM, K-2nd graders

CloverBud Camp @ Fairgrounds: June 1-4, 8 AM-12:30 PM, 4– and 5– yr. olds

4-H Camp @ Shakamak State Park, June 7-10; overnight camp for 3rd-6th graders

Mini 4-H Day Camp @ Miller Park: June 8-11, 8 AM-4 PM K-2nd graders

CloverBud Camp @ Salem UMC: June 8-11, 8 AM-12:30 PM 4– and 5-year olds

4-H Academy @ Purdue: June 10-12

2020 VERMILLION COUNTY FAIR: JUNE 19-27

RoundUp @ Purdue for current 7th-9th graders: June 22-24

2020 Southern Indiana Grazing Conference – March 4

The 11th Annual Southern Indiana Grazing Conference (SIGC) is a collaborative educational event tailored to provide livestock producers with the most current grazing information and resources availa-ble in the marketplace.

With relevant topics and experienced speakers, the SIGC offers attendees a full day of education geared to helping producers improve their own grazing operations, whether large or small.

The SIGC Planning Committee is promoting the Southern Indiana Grazing Conference at West Gate Academy in Odon, IN on March 4, 2020. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. (EST) and the meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:45 p.m.

This year's conference will feature Seven Sons – Finding New Opportunities, Troy Bishopp – Planned Forage Quality & Grazing Fundamentals, and Greg Brann – Multi-species Grazing & Extending the Grazing Season. For more information and to register see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-southern-indiana-grazing-conference-tickets-81726286523 .

IMPORTANT EXTENSION DATES!!!

JANUARY

1: Extension Office Closed—HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 4: 4-H VOLUNTEER RETREAT, 9 AM-2 PM @ FG 5: Jr. Leader Officers’ Meeting, 2 PM @ Holberts 7: Be Heart Smart, 1:30-2:30 @ Clinton Public Library, See flyer 7: Story S.T.E.A.M., 4-5 PM @ Verm. Co. Library @ Newport, See flyer 8: Story S.T.E.A.M., 4-5 PM @ Clinton Public Library, See flyer 10: Top Farmer Conference, See article 12: Jr. Leader Mtg, 12:30-2:00 @ Elanco 12: J.O.L.T., 2:00-5:30 @ Elanco 14: Be Heart Smart, 1:30-2:30 @ Clinton Public Library, See flyer 14: Robotics, 6-8 PM @ Extension Ofc. See article 16: Where Does Your $ Go? See article 21: PCARET Legislative Luncheon, Indianapolis 21: Be Heart Smart, 1:30-2:30 @ Clinton Public Library, See flyer 22: Extension Bd. Mtg, 6:30 @ Covered Bridge Restaurant 23: Where Does Your $ Go? See article 23: Bi-State Garden Conference @ Beef House, See article 25: 4-H Grows Knowledge Conference, Cloverdale 25: 4-H Scholarships due online, See article 28: Be Heart Smart, 1:30-2:30 @ Clinton Public Library, See flyer 28: Sheep & Goat Webinar, See article 29: Master Gardener Class registrations due, See article 30: Succession Planning, See article

FEBRUARY 4: Robotics, 6-8 PM @ Extension Ofc. See article 6: Bi-State Small Farm Conference @ Beef House 7: National Wear Red Day, See article 11-13: Indiana Hort Congress, See article 11: Story S.T.E.A.M., 4-5 PM @ Verm. Co. Library @ Newport, See flyer 12: Story S.T.E.A.M., 4-5 PM @ Clinton Public Library, See flyer 12: Mini 4-H Monthly, 6-7 PM @ SVMS 14: Crop Marketing & Farm Finance Workshop, @ Vermillion Co. Fairgrounds, See article 18: SWCD Annual Meeting, See article 19-20: Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference 25: Robotics, 6-8 PM @ Extension Ofc. See article

WATCH MAIL, FACEBOOK, WEBSITE, E-MAIL, SCHOOL FOLDERS (YOUTH), FOR MORE UPDATES

ON PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES!

PLEASE SEE COMPLETE DETAILS IN AR-TICLES AND RSVP/CALL TO REGISTER

WHEN REQUESTED TO HELP WITH PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES AND

FOOD/REFRESHMENTS

“It is the policy of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Ser-vice that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual ori-entation, or disability. Purdue University is an Affirmative

Action employer."

MARCH 1: 4-H FunFest & Ag Day, Noon-4 @ FG 3: Story S.T.E.A.M., 4-5 PM @ Verm. Co. Library @ Newport, See flyer 4: Story S.T.E.A.M., 4-5 PM @ Clinton Public Library, See flyer 4: Southern Indiana Grazing Conference, See article 5: Dining With Diabetes, 5-7 PM at FG, See article 5—7: IN Small Farm Conference @ Hendricks Co. FG, See article 10: Extension Homemaker Council Mtg, 11 AM @ Clinton Public Library 11: Mini 4-H Monthly, 6-7 PM @ Bono UMC 12: Dining With Diabetes, 5-7 PM at FG, See article 15: Promote the Goat applications due, see article 15: 4-H Beef Tagging, 2 PM @ FG 16: Head, Hands, Heart, & Hoops Basketball Game, Dinner, Silent Auction @ SVHS 17: Robotics, 6-8 PM @ Extension Ofc. See article 19: IEHA Spring District Meeting, Sullivan Co. 19: Dining With Diabetes, 5-7 PM at FG, See article 23: Where Does Your $ Go? See article 23-26: Mini 4-H Day Camp @ Dana UMC/Dana Park 24: 4-H Spectacular, Paradise Bowl, see article 26: Dining With Diabetes, 5-7 PM at FG, See article 30: Where Does Your $ Go? See article 31: Robotics, 6-8 PM @ Extension Ofc. See article

SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER

All 4-H Scholarships are to be submitted through 4-H OnLine by January 25th. An opportunity is on-ly an opportunity if you seize it…..otherwise, it’s a missed opportunity. To learn more about the 4-H scholarship process at the county and state levels, visit our website at extension.purdue.edu/vermillion

To access the scholarship applications from the state 4H website: https://bit.ly/34xht8f

If you’d like your completed application proofed, email it to Becky at Holbert@purdue.edu by January 15th.

OFFICE OF INDIANA STATE CHEMIST ANNOUNCES 2020 DICAMBA RESTRICTION by David Scott, Office of the Indiana State Chemist

The Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC), the pesticide regulatory agency for Indiana, recently announced an additional label restriction for users of the herbicide dicamba. After careful consideration, State Chemist and Seed Commissioner Robert Waltz has determined his agency will be forwarding FIFRA Sec. 24 (c) special local need registra-tion requests to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for Indiana specific labels for the use of dicamba on soybeans in the 2020 growing season. These state labels will require the following additional provision: Do not apply this product af-ter June 20, 2020. “The number of off-target complaints received by OISC has continued to rise since the introduction of this herbicide technology on soybeans in 2017, and 2019 was no excep-tion. The OISC is taking state action to reduce those numbers,” said Waltz. “This appli-cation cutoff restriction was reached after exhaustive complaint incident analysis by OISC over the last three years, as well as consultation and input from the Indiana Pesti-cide Review Board and stakeholders in the agriculture industry.” In addition to the June 20 application cutoff date, OISC will support Purdue University Extension experts in advising Indiana soybean producers about other available weed control options for the 2020 growing season. Similar application cutoff dates and weed control outreach have already been initiated in other major soybean producing states such as Illinois, South Dakota and Arkansas. “Growers need to be reminded that over reliance on any single weed control option like dicamba, year after year, will lead to premature herbicide resistance,” said Bill Johnson, botany and plant pathology professor and weed scien-tist. “Weed scientists from across the country support efforts to reduce the potential for possi-ble adverse effects from off-target movement, but we also want to promote efforts to preserve the usefulness of these valuable herbicide tools for as long as we can.”

EXTENSION HOMEMAKER IMPORTANT DATES – PLEASE MARK YOUR CALEN-DARS!

January 30 Scholarship applications due, Coins for Friendship due, First Timer applications due

March 10 Extension Homemaker Council meeting, 11:00 AM, Clinton Public Library, bring a sack lunch

March 19 IEHA Spring District Meeting, Sullivan County

April 1 Club Officer information due to Lynida, Club dues & member lists due to Evelyn

April 23 Achievement Day reservations due to Lynida

May 16 Achievement Day, Helt’s Prairie hosting

May 12 Extension Homemaker Council meeting, 11:00 AM, Vermillion County Public Library, Newport, bring a sack lunch

June 2-4 Home and Family Conference

IEHA SPRING DISTRICT MEETING

The Indiana Extension Homemaker Terre Haute Spring District meeting will be Thursday, March 19 in Sullivan County. Registration information will be shared as soon as it is available. All Extension Homemaker members and guests are welcome to attend! If you are interested in attending, please contact the Purdue Extension – Vermillion County office, and we will add you to the list of those interested.

LEADER LESSONS

Leader lessons for 2019-2020 are available in video format. The videos on the Purdue Extension YouTube channel, in the Area V HHS Playlist at bit.ly/area5hhs. Each Extension Homemaker Club has also received the videos on both a flash drive and DVD. In addition, clubs may request the package lessons:

▪ Fraud Bingo

▪ Clean Eating

▪ Moving More for Mental Health & Awareness

The lessons on the IEHA website, www.ieha-families.org, are also available for use throughout the year.

Please let Lori know what lessons your club needs!

“I learned the value of hard work and persistence from my family.” Michael Jordan

What are the youth in your life learning from your family?

Cooperative Extension Service

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Vermillion County Office 703 W Park Street, Ste 1 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID NEWPORT, INDIANA

PERMIT NO. 5

4-H ONLINE ENROLLMENT IS OPEN!!! Follow link below and follow instructions for:

A. first-year 4-Her, current 3rd grader or older & have never been in 4-H

B. Returning 4-Her—-must re-enroll each year

https://extension.purdue.edu/Vermillion/Pages/article.aspx?intItemID=4364

Adults (parents, grandparents, neighbors) who are interested in learning more about volunteering with Vermillion Co. 4H should contact Becky

Holbert at holbert@purdue.edu or call 765-492-5330.

It truly takes a village and the Vermillion Co. 4-H ‘Village’ would only be made more AWESOME with more adults willing to make a difference!

WHAT’S INSIDE: MANY MORE Important Dates !!!!!!!!!!!!! 4-H Enrollment Reminder, Top Farmer Conference, Crop Marketing & Farm Finance, Midwest Women in Ag, 4H Grows Knowledge, Bakersfest Cookbooks, Promote the Goat, 4-H Spectacular, Open Class, Projects of the Year, Mini 4-H Monthlies, 4-H License Plate, YQCA, 4-H Volunteer Retreat, State Tree Seed-lings, Sleep, Dining With Diabetes, Indiana Hort Congress, Extension Board Meetings, Bi-State Garden Conference, IN Small Farm Con-ference, Jr. Leader News, Eagles in Flight, Robot-ics, Boost Retirement, Paraquat Herbicide, Farm Machinery Show, Nat’l Wear Red Day, SWCD Annual Mtg, Sheep & Goat Webinar, Master Gardener, 4-H FUNFest Ag Day, Succession Planning, JOLT, Southern IN Grazing Confer-ence, 2020 Camps, Dicamba, Scholarship, Where Does Your $ Go? Extension Homemaker News, Be Heart Smart

4-H ADULT VOLUNTEER

RETREAT SAT., JANUARY 4

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!! SEE

ARTICLE FOR DETAILS!