Purdue News

Summer classes offer latest in ag management

Two new courses will be offered this summer. "Soybean Management," taught by Terry Semmel, director of the Purdue Crop Diagnosis Training and Research Center, offers information on variety selection, replant decisions, soil fertility, mineral nutrition, common diseases, insect pests and more. The course also features three trips to the research center to provide hands-on instruction in crop problem diagnostics. Semmel said the variety selection by soil type techniques taught in his course will pay dividends to farmers.

"Introduction to Soil Science" taught by Greg Willoughby, agronomy research assistant, and the Department of Agronomy staff, provides information on soil textures, organic matter, drainage and compaction. Participants also are taught how to assess the best management strategies for specific soils.

Other PACC courses being offered this summer are:

• "Swine Management I," taught by Brian Richert and Wayne Singleton of the Department of Animal Sciences faculty, and agricultural engineering Professor Don Jones. It provides a basic understanding of current swine production practices including artificial insemination, building design and ventilation standards. Richert said the ventilation information is aimed at creating, "the best, most cost-effective, environment possible for both workers and production."

• "Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management," taught by Sylvie Brouder and Brad Joern of the agronomy faculty. It helps students design crop nutrient-management plans using both inorganic and organic fertilizer resources. Participants also will learn how to optimize crop production while maintaining and improving environmental quality.

• "Introduction to Precision Farming," taught by Samuel Parsons, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, and the staff of the Departments of Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and Botany and Plant Pathology. It gives an overview of site-specific farming concepts and their implications for future crop production. Production economics, equipment costs and adoption strategies also will be discussed.

• "Commodity Marketing Management," taught by agricultural economist Chris Hurt. It will help students improve marketing performance by teaching the uses of futures and options markets, pricing alternatives and strategies, seasonal and cyclical prices patterns and more.

PACC allows participants to complete 12 courses for a certificate of graduation or just the courses that meet their specific needs. The courses are offered on Purdue's West Lafayette campus and meet for one to two weeks each. Grades will be awarded in each course, and a Purdue academic record will be developed for all PACC students.

To be admitted to PACC, students must be high school graduates or at least 18 years old. Applications are due by June 28. There is a one-time, nonrefundable admission fee of $30 for new students and a $150 fee for each course.

For more information, contact Alan Goecker, assistant dean of agriculture, (888) 398-4636 or (765) 494-8473; fax , (765) 494-8477; e-mail, adg@agad.purdue.edu

Source: Alan Goecker, (765) 494-8473, e-mail, adg@agad.purdue.edu
Brian Richert, (765) 494-4808
Terry Semmel, (765) 494-7731
Writer: Jill Holton, (765) 494-8402

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu

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