Purdue Extension West Central Region

06/04/2026

We’re pleased to announce that Purdue Extension will host the Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference in January 2027. Please mark your calendars for January 26–28 in Danville, Indiana. Our planning committee has already begun organizing the conference, and we would greatly appreciate your input. We welcome your suggestions for speakers, topics, panels, and more. Our goal is to ensure this conference meets the needs of Indiana’s growers, so please take a moment to complete the survey and share what would be most helpful to you. Do you enjoy speaking? Have you conducted on-farm research or implemented an innovative practice that has made a positive impact? If so, we encourage you to nominate yourself as a speaker. The Survey will remain open through the end of June. https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5uT2Y1RWounYBGm

06/04/2026

06/02/2026

As we look ahead to fair season and state fair after that, keep the "Learn from a 4-H'er" opportunity in mind! On Saturdays and Sundays during the state fair, 4-H'ers exhibiting a project at the Indiana state fair can speak about their project and share their passion for 4-H with the public. Learn more at purdue.ag/Learn4H

05/31/2026

Join Brock and Betsy this Monday for the next Wellness Walk!
This event is FREE and open to all. Come walk, learn, and connect with others in your community.

This week’s topic:
Brian Virtue, TMCA Membership Connections Director: YMCA Offerings

📍 Location: Wea Prairie Branch Public Library | 4200 S 18th St, Lafayette, IN 47909
🗓 Date: May 4
🕘 Time: 9:00–10:00 a.m.

What to bring:
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
🌤 Dress for the weather
🪑 A tailgating chair if you’d like to sit during the wellness talk

Bring a friend or come solo—we’d love to see you there!

05/31/2026

Calling ALL YOUTH interested in agriculture, science, and hands-on learning!

Join Purdue Extension for the 2026 Crop & Soil Science Workshop on June 16 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Purdue University Crop Diagnostic Training & Research Center in West Lafayette. Lunch is provided!

Youth in grades 3–12 will explore interactive activities like:
🌽 Corn & soybean growth stages
🪱 Soil pits and soil health demonstrations
🚁 High-tech agriculture with sensors & drones
🐞 Scouting insects in forage fields
🌾 Grain storage safety
🧪 Understanding pesticide labels & protective equipment
🔍 Agronomic scavenger hunt
🌱 Proper soil sampling and fertilizer recommendations

4-H membership is NOT required — all youth are welcome!

📅 Register by June 9, 2026 👇https://20264hcropsoilsciencedayatdtc.4honline.com/ #/public/ins_o/evt_4fn
📍 Purdue University Agronomy Center for Research & Education
4530 US-52, West Lafayette, IN

05/27/2026

Planning for the future of your farm doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The Purdue Extension Succession Planning Team helps families work through communication, management transfer and preparing the next generation to carry the farm forward. Contact the team to learn more: https://bit.ly/ContactPurdueSuccession

05/27/2026

"Millions of peaches, peaches for me." 😀🍑🍀

4-H is partnering with The Peach Truck, famous for delivering orchard-fresh Southern peaches every summer. Every box sold helps support 4-H programs: $10 from each box purchased will be donated to 4-H! If you love peaches (or peach cobbler!), this is a delicious way to support 4-H! Get your order in by May 31 at 4hpeaches.com

05/27/2026

Join Purdue Extension for the Big Pine Creek Field Day: Reducing Inputs in a Variable Market!

Learn from industry experts and explore the latest in agriculture technology, conservation, and crop management strategies during this hands-on field day event.

📅 Wednesday, June 3, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m.–Noon EDT
🍽 Lunch provided following the program
📍 Albertson Truck Wash
755 W SR 18, Fowler, IN 47944

Featured topics and speakers include:
🌾 Navigating the new Endangered Species Rules
🚁 Drone technology in agriculture
🐄 Grower opportunities with Benton Dairy
📡 Ag technology innovations
🌱 Soil health and watershed research projects

Plus, visit additional displays from NRCS, Keystone Cooperative, Pence Group, and more!

RSVP by the end of the day on May 28 👇
https://www.ccsin.org/event-details/big-pine-creek-field-day-reducing-inputs-in-a-variable-market

05/26/2026

🎡☀️ Fair season is right around the corner! ☀️🎡

Memorial Day weekend has wrapped up, and for many of us, the school year has too. That can only mean one thing… summer fun is officially here!

What better way to celebrate than by visiting your local Indiana fair?

Start planning your summer adventures and check out all the fair dates happening across Indiana here: https://purdue.ag/CountyFairs

Which fair is your favorite summer tradition? Comment below!

05/26/2026

Get fresh and local produce! 🥦🧅🫑🌽

Want locally grown vegetables this summer and fall? Join Horticulture and Landscape Architecture's Student Farm CSA and get 22 weeks of fresh seasonal veggies from late June through November. Half-shares available. Learn more and sign up: purdue.ag/season-pass