Agriculture and Natural Resources
Purdue Extension
Geoff Schortgen
June 2026
Happy June Everyone,
Spring has certainly kept us busy in Wabash County. While wet field conditions have delayed planting for many farmers, we're hopeful for better weather and successful growing conditions in the weeks ahead.
We were pleased to host 24 participants for a two-day UAV Drone Training, where attendees learned about drone technology and its growing role in agriculture and other industries. It was exciting to see such strong interest in this emerging tool.
Our Extension Master Gardener Basic Training program is well underway, with participants exploring topics including animal pests, plant propagation, vegetable gardening, herbaceous ornamentals, and woody ornamentals. Participants will be taking thier final exam and learning about next steps this month!!
We've also enjoyed working with the Josiah White's teen group through hands-on plant science activities and helping beautify our community through planting projects at Broadmoor Park and the raised beds around Wabash.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in these programs and projects. Your enthusiasm and involvement continue to make Extension programs successful throughout Wabash County.
If you have any questions about upcoming programming or Ag questions in general, please reach out to the Extension Office. Phone: 260-563-0661 (Ext 1408) or emailing me directly at gschortg@purdue.edu. For in person meetings I would suggest setting up a time as I am not in the office as much with programming and trainings.
Best Wishes,
Geoff Schortgen
Purdue Extension
Ag and Natural Resources Educator
Upcoming Programs & Events!
Resister for 2026 Extension Hot Topics
(Only need to do once)
**Past years of Extension Hot Topics are at the bottom of this newsletter**
May Review!
Miami/Wabash County UAV (Drone) Technology Signature Program
2026 Extension Master Gardner Basic Training!
Animal Pests-trapping
Hands on-propagation
Woody Ornamentals with John Woodmansee
Tulip Tree Flowering
Plant Propogation
Herbaceous Ornamentals
Plant Propagation Activity
Hands on Activty
Southwood JR/SR Raised Beds
Leadership Development 2026
Hands-on Actvity!
Plants to pick from!
More hands on fun!
Full crowd at Metzgers location.
Other Adventures
Purdue Space Tree
Leadership Development Graduation
Servant award!
More potting plants.
Histroy on road trip
Teaching Turf via Zoom
Stuffed cougar at EMG Class
More Garden tours
Master Naturalist Class-Geology
More Drone Supplies
More plants!
Geoff Schortgen
County Extension Director | Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator
Purdue Extension
ANR Website: https://extension.purdue.edu/county/wabash/anr/sub-page-open.html
1 W. Hill Street
Wabash, IN 46992
Email: gschortg@purdue.edu
Office Phone: 260-563-0661 (ext 1408)
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
January- Charles Deam: Our First
February- The Dandelion
March- Fruit Tree Care
April- Growing Natives in Indiana
May- Small Harvest/Gardening with Purdue Student Farm Manager Chris Adair
January- Seed Savings & Preservation
February- Tree Pruning
March- Indiana Birds
April- Conifer ID "Which Pine is Mine"
May- Proper Poultry Practices
June (Extra)- Adaptive Gardening
June- Strawberry Research
July- Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory: Overview
August- Toxic Forages
September- Ticks
October-The History of Extension
November-Turf ID and Fertilization with Dr. Cale Bigelow
December- Farmers Markets and all Things Local Food Systems with Sarah Hanson
January- Ants of Indiana
January *Bonus-Backyard Gardening and Landscaping for Birds
February- Climate and Weather Updates in Indiana
March- Purdue on the Farm
April-Eat Midwest Fish
May- Purdue Institute for Family Business
June- Turf Problems and Insects
July- Indiana Trees
August-Drones and UAV Technology
September- Pork Industry Updates
October-Vermicomposting
November-Poultry Update
December- Prescribed Burns
January- Organics and Composting
February-Garden Planning
March-Plant Pest and Diagnostic Lab
April- Turfgrass and Weed Control
May- Soils
June-Farm Outlook
July- Hemp Production
August-Tomato Disease
September- Poison Hemlock and Other Invasives
October-Landscape Pests
November- Grapes
December- Spotted Lantern Fly