News media, Extension educators to be briefed on flooded crops
June 23, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Extension will have a briefing Friday (June 26) in Indianapolis for news media as well as Extension educators and partner agencies on how recent flooding is affecting Indiana agriculture and to provide information that will help farmers through the crisis.
The program will be held in the second floor auditorium of the 4-H Exhibit Hall on the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., beginning at 9 a.m. A multbox will be provided.
"Torrential rains and heavy flooding have left a mark on farm families throughout Indiana, and the full magnitude of the agricultural impact is not yet clear," said Jason Henderson, director of Purdue Extension. "In times like these, Purdue Extension's expertise can be a helping hand to those in need. This program will provide reliable, objective and multifaceted information on how to manage and recover from rain and flood repercussions now and in the future."
There will be two segments to the program. Information in the first segment - lasting approximately 35 minutes - will be presented in news conference style for the expediency of news organizations in reporting the news. Segment 2 will consist of details of various areas involving agriculture production.
The schedule (times approximate):
SEGMENT 1:
9 a.m.: Welcome and introduction: Mike Schutz, agriculture and natural resources program leader and assistant director of Purdue Extension.
9:02: What's Next in the Weather Forecast: Ken Scheeringa, associate state climatologist.
9:07: Farm Service Agency Update: Julia Wickard, state executive director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
9:12: Crop Insurance Highlights: Michael Langemeier, agricultural economist specializing in crop systems.
9:17: The Economic Impact to Agriculture of Flooding: Chris Hurt, agricultural economist.
9:23: Questions from reporters.
9:33: Introduction of other speakers: Schutz.
9:35: Intermission and availability interviews with reporters.
SEGMENT 2:
9:55: Corn and Soybean Crop Update: Bob Nielsen, corn specialist, and Shaun Casteel, soybean specialist.
10:15: Panel discussion of first six speakers. Moderator: Greg Bossaer, Extension agriculture and natural resources assistant program leader.
10:35: How This Much Rain Affects Forages: Keith Johnson, forage specialist.
10:45: Soil Nutrients after Flooding: Jim Camberato, soil fertility specialist.
10:55: Post-Flood Pest Control: Bill Johnson, professor of botany and plant pathology; Kiersten Wise, associate professor of plant pathology; Christian Krupke, professor of entomology.
11:10: Cover Crop Options: Eileen Kladivko, Extension agronomist.
11:20: Extension Disaster Education Network Resources: Steve Cain, EDEN homeland security project director.
11:25: Questions and Discussion.
Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu
Sources: Jason Henderson, 765-494-8489, jhenderson@purdue.edu
Mike Schutz, 765-494-8492, mschutz@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
