Hi there!
I'm glad you found our news update page for Ag & Natural Resources and Health & Human Sciences Extension Education in Miami County. If you ever have questions, or are interested in any of the programming we offer, feel free to reach out to me at schmi163@purdue.edu.
Thank you!
Courtney Schmidt
County Extension Director, Ag & Natural Resources/Health & Human Sciences Educator
Navigate grain markets with confidence! Designed to empower Indiana farmers, Grain Market Navigator is a four-session Extension series that provides the knowledge and tools needed to confidently navigate grain markets - especially during uncertain economic times.
February 17th - Session 1 breaks down grain marketing terminology, explains basis, and compares cash vs. futures markets.
February 24th - Session 2 dives into grain contracts, using real-world examples to show how they work and what to consider.
March 3rd - Session 3 features a market outlook presentation to help producers understand current trends and future projections.
March 10th - Session 4 wraps up with a dynamic panel discussion featuring grain buyers who will share insight, answer questions, and offer practical advice.
This series also fosters community engagement and resilience by connecting farmers with
experts and peers to strengthen decision-making and market strategies.
Dates: Weekly on Tuesdays starting February 17th through March 10th
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm EST / 5:30pm – 7:30pm CST
Where: In-Person at 12 counties around the state or virtual!
Register by February 12th, 2026
In-Person Fee: $40
Virtual Fee: $55
Hands-On Fertilizer Workshop
Clean up duty
Fred Whitford
🌾 Cultivating Clarity:
Understanding Farm Taxes 🌾
Are farm taxes confusing? You're not alone — and we're here to help!
Join us for a two-part Virtual Extension workshop designed to help farmers and farmland owners gain a clearer understanding of tax planning essentials.
📅 Dates: December 1st & 8th
🕖 Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
💲 Cost: $20 – Register at: https://tinyurl.com/3u2kncn6
Night 1:
✅ Farm tax fundamentals
✅ Income tax brackets
✅ Organizing documentation
✅ Cash vs. accrual accounting
✅ Intro to Schedule F
Night 2:
✅ Preparing for tax season
✅ Key questions to ask your accountant
✅ Practical tax strategies for ag operations
Whether you're new to farm taxes or looking to sharpen your approach, this virtual workshop will provide valuable insights to help you make informed financial decisions.
📍 Don’t miss out — register today and take control of your farm’s financial future!
Purdue Extension Announces 2025–2026 Commercial Pesticide Applicator Workshops Across Indiana
Purdue Extension is proud to announce upcoming Commercial Pesticide Applicator Workshops for the 2025–2026 season, offering vital continuing education opportunities for professionals across Indiana. These workshops are designed to help commercial pesticide applicators maintain certification and stay current with industry standards and regulations.
The workshops will be held from November 2025 through January 2026 at various locations throughout the state, including Richmond, Fort Wayne, Sellersburg, Indianapolis, Westville, Greentown, Montgomery, Veedersburg, and Goshen. Each session runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and participants are encouraged to check the registration site for location-specific details.
Participants will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits in multiple categories, including: 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 7B, 7D, 8, 11, 12, and RT.
Registration is $80, which includes lunch, and must be completed at least one week prior to the selected workshop date. Full agendas, program details, and registration are available at: https://bit.ly/cpaw2526.
For accommodations, dietary needs, or interpreter services, please contact Nikky Witkowski at least one week before the event at nikky@purdue.edu or 219-465-3555. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Purdue University is committed to equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.
We have an exciting announcement!!!
We know the keynote speaker for Purdue Extension's Women in Agriculture's AWE Conference, Farmwithzoe.
Zoe Kent is an 8th-generation grain farmer in Ohio who has transformed her passion for agriculture into a successful venture. After earning her agribusiness degree from The Ohio State University, she returned to the family farm to work alongside her father, Mickey. Following his retirement at the end of 2021, Zoe took the reins and now manages all operations at Kent Family Farms. Through her engaging social media presence @farmwithzoe , she shares informative, family-friendly farming videos. With a community of half a million followers, Zoe connects with fellow agricultural enthusiasts and promotes a positive message about farming to consumers.
Save the date for February 19, 2026 in Bloomington, IN.
#PurdueWIA #WomeninAg #PurdueAg #AWEConference2026
Purdue Day of Giving
Registration table at Mississinewa Invasives Field Day
Spotted Lantern Fly ID in Peru
Where Does Your Money Go? programming at Miami County Probation
🎨 Create Your Own Barn Quilt! 🖌️
Join us for a Barn Quilt Workshop on January 24, 2026, from 9 AM – 4 PM at the Fulton County Fairgrounds Community Building.
Discover the history behind these colorful patterns and design your very own barn quilt! All materials are provided—just bring your creativity and curiosity.
✅ Cost: $60 (Cash or Check)
📍 Location: Fulton County Fairgrounds, Rochester, IN
🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/LONSyJscCeQAhxP8
Don’t miss this chance to create something beautiful and learn about a beloved rural tradition!
Equal Opportunity Statement: Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: If you are in need of accommodations to attend a program, please contact Courtney Schmidt prior to the meeting at 765-472-1921 or schmi163@purdue.edu
For special dietary needs contact Courtney Schmidt at 765-472-1921 or schmi163@purdue.edu.
Language Access Statement: If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact Courtney Schmidt prior to the meeting at 765-472-1921 or schmi163@purdue.edu.