Purdue Ag News Roundup

August 14, 1998 Soccer fields need to take a nap after the game, too WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Those nine-year olds who have spent the summer chasing a soccer ball around aren't the only ones who need a rest. The soccer field needs a break, too, says Purdue University turf Extension specialist Zac Reicher. "To keep a soccer field in playable condition, it is important to occasionally give the field a 'rest' and avoid traffic on that field," Reicher says. "This will minimize damage and help the field to recover from earlier damage." According to Reicher, the playing field should be idle for four months out of Indiana's seven-month growing season, which lasts from April through October. The best schedule is to allow play on the fields in June, July and August and then to let the field rest from September to the next May. The second-best schedule would have play in August, September and October with the field resting during April, May, June and July. "The idea is to rotate the fields," Reicher says. "If you have eight soccer fields at a facility, take one or two out of play for a few months each year." Reicher says that while a field is recovering from the pounding of thousands of cleats, field managers should take advantage of this time to conduct many important but disruptive maintenance procedures, including the following suggestions: Aerification should be done at least once during the season to avoid soil compaction, and twice or more is better. Weed controls and fertilizer can be applied during this time, which will minimize contact with the soccer players. Overseeding, which can be disruptive, also should be done during this down time. CONTACT: Reicher, (765) 494-9737; e-mail, zreicher@dept.agry.purdue.edu; Web, http://www.agry.purdue.edu/agronomy/turf/turf.htm Research, workshops to be part of Purdue Swine Day WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Swine producers have been the focus lately of concerns about odor, waste management and the growth of large swine farms. Many producers are left wondering what they can do to survive -- and prosper -- in the swine industry. Although there are no easy answers, producers can get the latest information on production techniques and environmental regulations by attending the Purdue Swine Day on Sept. 3. The free event will be held at the Purdue Animal Sciences Research and Education Center near Montmorenci, about 10 miles from Purdue's West Lafayette campus. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with research reports and workshops getting underway at 9 a.m. "Swine Day is designed to bring producers up to speed on some of the latest research information and provide timely, topical information that can make an immediate impact on their profitability," said Brian Richert of Purdue University's Department of Animal Sciences, chairman of Swine Day. "The program is designed for producers, managers, laborers and educators to collect information that will be of benefit to all operations." One highlight of the program will be a producers' panel on selecting one, two or three site production facilities that best fit specific producers' needs. Jeff Armstrong, head of the animal sciences department, also will give a presentation on updating Purdue's swine research and education facilities for the next millennium. Morning research reports will include a variety of topics, including composting swine mortality and the effect of immune challenge on different genotypes. Other reports will include an outlook on the 1998 pork market, fat growth and its effect on pork quality, and the effect of weaning age on disease prevalence in the growth-finish stages of production. Workshops also will be conducted on new waste management regulations and what they mean to individual producers; an odor research update; and the status on odor-sensing equipment and precision manure application with global positioning satellites. There also will be continuous activities, such as commercial exhibits on swine housing, equipment, genetics, nutrition and animal health products. The Swine Research Update book, which is about 200 pages long, can be purchased during the day for $3. An additional 20 swine projects completed in the past year will be included in the research book as well. Swine Day is free and open to the public, with no pre-registration required. Tickets may be purchased for $5 on site for a lunch to be served by the Purdue Block and Bridle Club. Door prize drawings also will be held at the conclusion of the event. CONTACT: Richert, (765) 494-4837; e-mail, brichert@www.ansc.purdue.edu Plant problems the focus of Pinney field day WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Plant problems are big problems for farmers. But farmers and agribusiness people alike can get some advise on dealing with these problems at the Pinney Purdue Ag Center field day. The free field day will be held Sept. 9 at the Pinney Purdue Ag Center, near Valparaiso. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with presentations getting underway at 10:30 a.m. "This field day will help educate local farmers and agribusiness representatives on 1998 plant problems, such as insects, disease and plant development, and how farmers can manage these challenges," said Jon Leuck, superintendent of the Pinney Purdue Ag Center. Highlights of the field day include presentations on herbicides, pest diagnostics, insect pests, and a special agricultural outlook by Purdue University agricultural economist Mike Boehlje. "Participants will walk away with a better knowledge of the 1998 crop and crop problems and how to manage them to improve the overall profit of their farming operation," Leuck said. Presentations will cover topics such as corn and soybean growth and development, soybean cyst nematodes, combine adjustment and harvest losses, and post-applied rescue treatments for corn rootworm larvae. There also will be a presentation on Purdue's Breaking New Ground program, a program designed to assist farmers with special physical challenges. Participants experiencing specific, unknown problems with their personal plants may bring a sample of their plant problem to the field day to have the problem diagnosed. Judy Loven, an animal damage control specialist, also will be available to answer animal damage questions. Health screenings also will be available throughout the day. Individuals interested in blood tests at the health screening will need to fast for 12 hours prior to the test. Blood testing will be from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Participants also can explore the Internet with Ralph Booker, a Purdue Cooperative Extension Service educator in Marshall County. John Deere, Case IH and Caterpillar will have tractors on display, and Ford New Holland will have farm equipment on display. A free lunch will be provided and all participants will receive a free copy of Purdue's "Corn and Soybean Field Guide." Door prizes also will be given away, including a Purdue football autographed by Purdue football head coach Joe Tiller and the football staff. The Pinney Purdue Ag Center is located 5 miles east of Valparaiso off U.S. 30. From the intersection of Hwy. 421 and U.S. 30, travel west on U.S. 30 for 2 miles, then turn north on South County Line Road and continue for a half-mile. Anyone having a disability that requires special assistance to participate in this event should contact Walt Sell, LaPorte County Extension educator, at (219) 326-6808 or Leuck at (219) 733-2379. CONTACTS: Sell, (219) 326-6808; e-mail, walt.sell@ces.purdue.edu; Leuck, (219) 733-2379; e-mail, Compiled by Chris Sigurdson, (765) 494-8415; E-mail, sig@ecn.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page