Ag and Natural Resources

Wabash County

A Word From the Educator

September2023

Happy September Everyone,

I'm looking forward to September as farmers await corn, soybeans and other produce harvest. One great thing about Wabash County is the amount of small farmers that raise fruits and vegetables right here in the county. August wrapped up with some cool days which was a nice treat, I got to open the windows and let in the breeze a few days.

I am still scouting fields and watching drought conditions for the next few months. We've had some decent precipitation in August, my hope though is that fields will be dry for fall harvest. In August I've been to a couple field days and even got to see a drone presentation in Urbana. I learned that in Wabash over 1,000 acres of crops are treated using drone technology! I'm curious to see how the drone industry will grown in the coming years.

As always, If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the Extension Office and leave your name, phone number and e-mail address.

Phone: 260-563-0661 (Ext 1408) or emailing me directly at gschortg@purdue.edu

See other events below and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Best Wishes,

Geoff Schortgen

County Extension Director, Ag and Natural Resources Educator

JOIN US!!!

**NEXT SESSION IS September- Poison Hemlock and other Invasives**

Join Purdue Extension Specialists and your local Ag & Natural Resources Educators for a free, live and virtual discussion on the latest research and best practices in a different area of expertise each month. The topics will be timely and engaging, bring your questions and love for life long learning! Register once to be signed up for each monthly program. If you can make it during the live stream, great! If you can’t make a month, no problem we record them all. September we have Dugan Julian Speaking on Poison Hemlock and Other Invasives.

Recordings can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx1L2c89r3d3P7LspotyPzg

Please contact Geoff Schortgen with any Questions

Email: gschortg@purdue.edu

Upcoming Events!

August Review

Indiana State Fair

Our Wabash Team worked at the Extension office at the state fair on August 19th. We had many school aged children and adults visit the building and play with the robot stations, answer jeopardy ag questions and visit with Master Gardeners. This is a great way to advertise our Wabash activates at the state level and also work with other county educators. Of course we did stop for some fair food after our shift was completed.

Water Quality

DNR representatives describe the water inputs for the local reservoirs and how to keep our waters clean.

Pesticide Safety

At the UWIN Invasives field day we also discussed herbicide and fertilizer inputs and how they can effect the environment.

Invasive Species ID

You can't have an invasive species field day without covering weed ID.

Garden Pests

I was called out to look at some damaged pumpkin plants. This is squash vine borer (more info here: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/squash-vine-borers)

Weed ID

This time of year we see a flush of blooms from common weeds like queen Ann's lace and bull thistle.

State Fair

I was able to check out the new swine barn at the Indiana State Fair. They did a great job!

Garden Visit

I was able to schedule a field trip with Manchester University Environmental Students and Purdue's Small Farm Opperation.

Drones

CFS Urbana had a drone demonstration from one of thier new contractors. These guys spray over 1,000 acres in Wabash County.

Manchester University Gardens

Manchester University students are starting their own gardens this year. I am serving as an advisory role for them as they begin this journey.

4-H Junior Leaders

Wabash County Jr Leaders won 1st place in the state-wide stack the trailer competition. They will be awarded $5,000.00!!!!

Donations

The Army Corps of Engineers provided our office with bags, frisbees and other goodies to promote water safety!

Summer Pests

Japanese Beetles are very active in August.

Wabash PARP

Each year I work with McKillip's Seeds and typcially provide them with a PARP credit.

Geoff Schortgen

County Extension Director | Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator

Purdue Extension | Wabash County

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.

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