Purdue News

July 28, 2000 Workshop helps farmers identify forage problems WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Spotting problems in forage production is easier if you know how. Purdue University is sponsoring a one-day workshop to help farmers develop a keener eye. The 2000 Forage Diagnostic Training program is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Purdue Agronomy Research Center, located about seven miles northwest of West Lafayette on U.S. 52. The workshop is sponsored by the Purdue Agronomy Department and the Indiana Forage Council. Keith Johnson, Extension forage specialist, said the in-field workshop will provide practical advice for growers, agribusiness people and others who deal with forages on a regular basis. "We're going to emphasize a hands-on approach to learning diagnostic skills and the problems associated with forage crops," he said. The workshop brings together elements of several other training programs Purdue and the council have offered in separate sessions. "This is our first approach to a daylong activity," Johnson said. Topics to be discussed include: which forages fit a farmer's needs, potato leafhopper management, establishing forage crops, forage cutting, grazing, corn silage harvest issues, and enhancing soil and water quality. Purdue forage experts and representatives from the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service will lead the discussions. Those attending can earn continuing education units as Certified Crop Advisors and Pesticide Applicators in Indiana and neighboring states. The registration fee is $60 and includes training materials, lunch and refreshments. Enrollment is limited to the first 60 pre-registered. No walk-up registrations will be accepted. For more information, contact Connie Foster at (765) 494-4773 or visit Purdue's forage Web site. CONTACTS: Keith Johnson, (765) 494-4800, johnsonk@purdue.edu; Greg Willoughby, director, Purdue Crop Diagnostic Training Center, (765) 494-7731, gregw@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page