While the opportunity to learn while doing in 4-H project work is of foremost importance, the recognition of achievement through exhibition is certainly an added bonus to being in the 4-H program. The Indiana State Fair (ISF) and the Purdue Extension state staff has listed unofficial results for most projects. Search online using the keywords “Purdue Extension 4-H” and you will find a link as a green box to view the ISF results for both animal and non-animal projects. Updates according to ISF officials will continue to occur, especially for animal projects.

Overall, Putnam County 4-Hers were the recipients of 32 merit or honor ribbons, which are given sparingly to those are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements. For comparative purposes, last year there were 34 and the average is 31.

This year there were 159 blue ribbons compared to last year’s 157 blue ribbons awarded, and 32 red ribbons compared to last year’s 17 red ribbons awarded. There were 204 Putnam exhibit hall projects or activities entered at this year’s ISF compared to 141 last year and 177 in 2019, a year more normal to this year. Adding in livestock exhibition, Putnam 4-Hers contributed more than 300 ISF exhibits and activities in 2021. Since 2009, merit ribbons awarded to Putnam 4-Hers at ISF has averaged 31 per year while the median was 28 for exhibit hall projects and activities. During the same period, blue ribbons earned by Putnam 4-Her’s at ISF averaged 124 with a median of 116.

For the first time in five years, there were no sweepstakes winners. The sweepstakes winners are the top person in that project in the state. Many counties go for years without sweepstakes winners. Putnam County had had sweepstakes winners for four consecutive years with two sweepstakes winners in a single year during three of the previous four years. With 92 counties, usually three age divisions, sweepstakes winners may top a group of more than 200 individuals.

Despite no sweepstakes winners, there were many successes in the animal projects. Evan Hinkle had Best of Breed Polish at the state fair Rabbit Show. Putnam County llama and alpaca members were very successful in showmanship at the state fair taking seven of the top ten places in the grade 3-5 junior division and another Putnam 4-Her was in the top ten in the intermediate grade 6-8 division. Emmie Haddon was awarded champion milking shorthorn junior showmanship and received third place in her milking shorthorn heifer class.   

All 4-Hers are to be reminded that the due date for “My Record of Achievement” is September 3rd to be assured consideration for 2021 awards. It will be determined later the format of the awards program that is typically the first Sunday in November. Forms received after the due date will still be accepted and may be based on the number submitted and degree of lateness to be processed in time for the awards program. Completion of “My Record of Achievement” is also required for those who will be applying for 4-H scholarships from both the state and county level. Please call if you have questions or ask your 4-H leader who will be willing to help. This form is on the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website in an editable format and contact office if you can’t find it.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming events

September 2 – Staying Scam Safe, 6pm, Fairgrounds, register at 765-653-8411

September 3 – Record of Achievement Due for 4-H members

September 6 – Labor Day Holiday, Extension Office closed

September 7, 14, 21, 28 – Fall Walking Group, 9am, Big Walnut Sports Park, register at
                                765-301-7641

September 22 – Recognizing Hazards Around the Farm webinar, 12 pm register at
                           https://tinyurl.com/WIAWebinars21

September 27 – ServSafe 1-Day Class and Online Exam, 9am-4pm, Fairgrounds, register
                at https://purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

                 Photo: Emmie Haddon proudly displays her awards of champion 4-H milking shorthorn junior showmanship and third place in her milking shorthorn class at Indiana State Fair (courtesy photo).

The Historic Mansfield Roller Mill will be open for tours during Mansfield’s Annual Cornbread Festival on Sept. 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The mill still operates much like it did during the 1880s and shows visitors how flour and cornmeal were processed from wheat and corn.

The festival will have activities throughout the village including a meal of beans and cornbread available for purchase at the Mansfield Bar and Grill.

The Historic Mansfield Roller Mill is managed by Raccoon State Recreation Area (on.IN.gov.raccoonsra) and is at 6089 South Mill Road, Mansfield, 47872.

Throughout the year, many individuals ask what the “going rate” is for farmland rental prices. That is a difficult question to answer. The rate fluctuates and is highly dependent on the individual farm ground being discussed. That is why when asked, Purdue Extension provides a range of values based on the annual Purdue Farmland Value Survey and stresses the importance of not simply utilizing the values given. Instead, landlords and tenants are told the final rental amount will need to be adjusted based on numerous items including the size of the field, drainage, soil fertility, ease of access for farm equipment, and much more. 

As a whole, the 2021 Purdue Farmland Value Survey found the average value of bare Indiana cropland improved. The average value of bare Indiana cropland ranged from $6,441 per acre for poor quality land (a 12.1% increase from 2020) to $9,785 per acre for top quality land (a 14.1% increase from 2020). The average corn yield for poor quality land was 153 bushels per acre and 212 bushels per acre for top quality land.

The 2021 survey average for Indiana cash rent increased. On average, cash rents ranged between $183 per acre for poor quality land and $269 per acre for top quality land. Cash rents increased by 4.6% for poor quality land and 3.9% for top quality land since June of 2020.

The value for farmland moving out of agriculture (transition land) increased this year. The survey revealed there was a 17.4% increase in the average value of transition land since June of 2021. The average value of transition land in June 2021 was $17,759 per acre. The average value of recreational land increased by 93.1% since June of 2021. The average value of recreational land in June 2021 was $7,486 per acre. It is important to note that transition and recreational land values are quite volatile and have a wide range of values.

For individuals in our area it is probably of more importance to look at the results for the West Central Region. The West Central Region (consisting of Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Montgomery, Parke, Putnam, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Warren, and White Counties), had cropland values that ranged from $7,849 per acre for poor quality land and $10,970 per acre for top quality land. Cash rents for the West Central Region varied from $222 per acre for poor quality land to $302 per acre for top quality land (average quality land was $262 per acre). For the West Central Region, cash rent values increased from 2020 to 2021.  The average corn yield for poor quality land was 165 bushels per acre and 217 bushels per acre for top quality land in this region.

Producers may also want to look at values for the Southwest Region due to the similarities in topography and soil productivity. The Southwest Region (consisting of Clay, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vigo, and Warrick Counties), had cropland values that ranged from $5,965 per acre for poor quality land and $11,696 per acre for top quality land. Cash rents for the Southwest Region varied from $164 per acre for poor quality land to $288 per acre for top quality land (average quality land was $225 per acre). For the Southwest Region, cash rent values increased from 2020 to 2021. The average corn yield for poor quality land was 145 bushels per acre and 219 bushels per acre for top quality land in this region.

To obtain your own copy of the 2021 Purdue Farmland Value Survey, contact your local Extension Office or go to: < https://ag.purdue.edu/agecon/Pages/Purdue-Agricultural-Economics-Report-Archive.aspx>. As a reminder, the values and information found within the survey should be adjusted for your individual situation when determining your rental agreement.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

August 24 – State Fair Project Pick Up (Extension office dropped off), Extension office

September 2 – Staying Scam Safe, 6pm, Fairgrounds, register at 765-653-8411

September 7, 14, 21, 28 – Fall Walking Group, 9am, Big Walnut Sports Park, register at
                                765-301-7641

September 22 – Recognizing Hazards Around the Farm webinar, 12 pm register at
                           https://tinyurl.com/WIAWebinars21

September 27 – ServSafe 1-Day Class and Online Exam, 9am-4pm, Fairgrounds, register
                at https://purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

People all around the world are affected by scams every single day. Are you prepared to react if you suspect a scam? If you are not, consider joining us for this scam program. This program will cover some common types of scams, provide you with proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and your information, and show you where you can go to report scams or frauds that have taken place.

Join us for this free, educational program presented by Abbi Sampson, Purdue University Extension Educator in Health & Human Sciences in Putnam County. This program is being offered September 2^nd at 6:00 pm at the Putnam County Fairgrounds, York Auto Community Building.

If you would like to join us for the program, please pre-register by calling the Extension Office at 765-653-8411 or emailing sampsona@purdue.edu. This program and all programs of the Purdue University Extension Service are open to everyone. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Abbi Sampson at 765-653-8411 or sampsona@purdue.edu by August 27^th. 

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

August 21 – Enhancing Your Garden Soil Health Program, 10am, ISU Community Garden, register at https://tinyurl.com/PHISH2021   

August 22 – State Fair Ends

August 23 – 4-H Education Pledge Program, Noon, signup at https://tinyurl.com/4f4j37ae

August 23 – State Fair Project Pick Up (family dropped off), Indiana State Fair

August 24 – State Fair Project Pick Up (Extension office dropped off), Extension office

September 2 – Staying Scam Safe, 6pm, Fairgrounds, register at 765-653-8411

September 7, 14, 21, 28 – Fall Walking Group, 9am, Big Walnut Sports Park, register at 765-301-7641

September 27 – ServSafe 1-Day Class and Online Exam, 9am-4pm, Fairgrounds, register at https://purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

Regina Dean has called Greencastle home for years. She has seen the strength of the community, banding together for one another, but she also seen the strain the last year has had on the community she holds dear.

For years, Regina wanted to do something special for the Greencastle community.

“This has been in my heart. I love my community. Greencastle is my home,” Regina said.  

After witnessing the effects of quarantine, she decided now was the time to do what she can to give back some of the joy and remind the community that everyone is in this together.

“No matter what we are going through, we are still loved.”

Saturday, August 14, from noon to 10:00 pm, you can enjoy the first, of hopefully many, block parties on Ohio Street. Smitty’s BBQ is providing pulled pork, hot dogs, brats, burgers, chips, desserts, and more for a small fee, with the proceeds going toward a block party for next year.

When you are not enjoying the tasty treats, you can participate in the games, like corn hole, play on the playground, go swimming, enjoy card games, or even enter the dance contest for a chance to win a T-shirt.

Purdue College of Agriculture and Extension and United States Department of Agriculture experts gathered at the Indiana State Fair on Thursday (Aug. 12) to discuss the results of the 2021 USDA crop report and the current status of Indiana’s major cash crops.

Jason Henderson, director of Purdue Extension and senior associate dean of the Purdue College of Agriculture, moderated the discussion among panelists. Panelists were Nathanial Warenski, state statistician of the USDA, NASS, Indiana field office; Dan Quinn, Purdue assistant professor of agronomy and new extension corn specialist; Shaun Casteel, Purdue associate professor of agronomy and extension soybean and small grains specialist; Beth Hall, Indiana State Climatologist; and Jim Mintert, Purdue professor of agricultural economics and director of the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture. 

Indiana corn production is forecasted to reach 1.02 billion bushels this year, which would be a 3.7 % increase from 2020 production. The expected yield is up 3.7% from 2020 at 194 bushels per acre. As of Aug. 1, corn condition was rated 76% good to excellent.

“Indiana corn looks good to great and we hope to keep this trend to finish strong. A few things that stood out to me include disease, specifically tar spot and corn rust, and past saturated conditions that could potentially impact the yield,” Quinn said.

Soybean yield is projected to reach 60 bushels per acre, compared to 58 bushels per acre in 2020. As of Aug. 1, soybean condition was rated 72% good to excellent.

“In terms of the soybeans, this season has been anything but normal. We’ve had wet and drought conditions, affecting the root systems and causing disease. The next 35 days are critical for yield development,” Casteel said.

The panel also discussed the crop market, trade and potential impacts from wildfires.

“We have started seeing some of the impacts of the wildfires, including traveling smoke, which is effective at blocking sunlight,” Hall said.

Mintert said, “Today’s report was a bit of surprise when looking at USDA estimates versus trade. This will be a very positive crop year in terms of income and does lead us to expect positive impacts on cash-rent.”

Henderson ended the discussion by observing: “The main takeaway from this report is that Indiana crop production is doing very well. Other areas of the nation weren’t so fortunate, which will potentially open up market opportunities for Indiana farmers.”

The USDA August Crop Report is available online.

Audio provided by PC CERT's Public Health and Public Engagement Unit Leader, Brian Williams. 

Putnam County CERT is proud to be rolling out Project Lifesaver, a first-of-its-kind program for Putnam County. While this program is a first for our community, it has existed nationwide since 1999, when it was first founded in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Project Lifesaver is a not-for-profit organization, providing emergency response teams with the tools to quickly locate those who are prone to wandering off, such as a child with autism or an elderly adult with dementia. For a small fee, your loved one is provided an electronic bracelet or anklet. Should they ever become lost; individuals trained by Project Lifesaver can utilize radio waves to locate your loved one.

According to Project Lifesaver, agencies who utilize this technology are 95% faster at locating someone wearing a lifesaver device. Agencies, like Putnam County CERT, are trained how to use the device and its locating program as well innovative search and rescue methods and the cognitive conditions that cause some individuals to wander off more often.

If you have questions about the program or would like to volunteer for CERT, you can contact the Putnam County CERT team on their Facebook page at facebook.com/PutnamCountyINCERT, emailing Chief Sarah Owen at chief@pccert.org, or by visiting one of their monthly meetings, held the second Monday of each month, 7:00 pm at the Putnam County EOC, located at 1600 W CO RD 225 S.

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve…. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Putnam County CERT is a volunteer program aimed at supporting Putnam County's Emergency Response Organizations. The volunteers are often seen at community events, such as directing traffic for the Putnam County Fair Parade. They also supply weather alerts, so each emergency response team is as prepared as possible to aid their communities.

According to Putnam County CERT Chief, Sarah Owen, the Putnam County CERT team currently has just over 80, well trained, volunteers. These volunteers receive training in a variety of fields from search and rescue, to fire safety, weather safety, and so much more. Volunteers train in the areas that interest them and are then paired with the volunteer opportunities in those areas.

If you are interested in volunteering, or simply want to know more, you can visit the Putnam County CERT team on their Facebook page at facebook.com/PutnamCountyINCERT, emailing Chief Sarah Owen at chief@pccert.org, or by visiting one of their monthly meetings, held the second Monday of each month, 7:00 pm at the Putnam County EOC, located at 1600 W CO RD 225 S.

Purdue Extension and Putnam County Hospital are teaming up again for their Putnam County Fall Walking program. Everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, is invited to Big Walnut Sports Park, Tuesdays at 9 am, starting September 7. You can join as your schedule allows and it’s a great way to work in some fitness while building on friendships ore even making new friends. You can register by calling Hannah Cline at Putnam County Hospital, 765-301-7641 to register, or just show up. If you have any questions, please contact Abbi at sampsona@purdue.edu or 765-653-8411.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture announced the winners of the 2021 Indiana Agriculture photo contest. The winning photographs will be displayed in the lieutenant governor’s Family of Business office in Indianapolis.

“As I travel across our state I am always awestruck by the beauty of our state’s agricultural landscape from round barns to wildlife and so much more,” Crouch said. “These photos are a wonderful addition to my business office’s walls and serve as a wonderful reminder of the strength and beauty of Indiana agriculture.”

The winning photos were chosen from hundreds of entries in the following four categories: Agritourism, Conservation, Faces of Agriculture and On the Farm. Two winners were selected from each category, along with two winners overall.

To be considered, the photo had to be taken in the state by an Indiana resident. The photos were evaluated by a panel of independent judges based on creativity, composition and category representation.

“I am so grateful for each of the photographers who submitted their photos in this year’s contest,” said Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Each of the submissions truly captured the essence of rural life and the important role agriculture plays in our state. Thank you for using your talent to showcase Indiana’s agriculture industry.”

The following list includes the photo contest winners for 2021:

Agritourism Category

• “Pollination” by Amber Beams from Roachdale
• “Magical Midway” by Jenise Stewart from Nabb

Conservation Category

• “Last Light” by Sarah Greene from Loogootee
• “The Coneflower Bee” by Sarah Sands from Pierceton

Faces of Agriculture Category

• “4-H” by Andi Pollert from Seymour
• “Farmer Frank” by Beth Legge from Moores Hill

On the Farm Category

• “Among the Flowers” by Cecile Dreyer from Sellersburg
• “Bushels of Fire” by Tom Jones from Star City

Overall Category

• “Nature’s Unicorn” by Kyle Doles from Indianapolis
• “Newborn” by Ross Waitt from Sheridan

As the summer break comes to an end, students across Indiana are starting their return to school.  With that return to school, the Indiana State Police would remind all motorists to be focused on traffic safety during morning and afternoon commutes.

Motorists should be prepared to experience an increased amount of school bus traffic and children walking to and from their bus stops and schools during the early morning and mid-afternoon hours. Plan your commutes accordingly to allow for extended travel time during these periods. Special attention should be given to the posted reduced School Zone speed limits, and for school buses regularly stopping to load or unload students. Children are often unpredictable and may dart out in front of  traffic unexpectedly!

Indiana traffic law requires motorists to the operate in a safe and responsible manner when approaching a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.

• When approaching a school bus from any direction, which is stopped and has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, motorists are required to STOP, even on multiple lane highways where there is no barrier or median separating lanes of traffic.
• Motorists on a highway that is divided by a barrier, such as cable barrier, concrete wall, or grassy median, are required to stop only if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
• Always be prepared to stop for a school bus and watch for children. Children are unpredictable. Not only is disregarding a school bus stop arm dangerous, but it is also a serious offense.

The Indiana State Police is committed to the safety of our children by keeping Indiana’s roadways safe through education and enforcement patrols. 

Come join Circles during their open house on August 5, 6:00 pm, at Gobin United Methodist Church in Greencastle. This is an excellent chance to explore a program that has not only helped community members get on their feet and reach financially stable and thriving lifestyle, but has also helped community members give back to the community we all know and love.

It can be tiresome and overwhelming trying to put food on the table or pay the bills.  Sometimes it is impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel as you struggle to survive and keep your family safe and healthy.  You see opportunities around you, but you are never sure if they are the right ones or how to take the right step for fear of tipping the teetering scale the wrong direction.

If this sounds like you, then Circles of Putnam County is for you.  Whether you receive assistance like SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefits; or you are under-resourced, making just enough NOT to qualify for assistance, but still struggling, Circles can be the guiding light you need.