October 20, 2004

Extension ag and natural resources educators honored

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Indiana Extension Educators Association on Tuesday (Oct. 19) recognized four Purdue University ag and natural resources Extension educators during the annual Extension conference.

Steve Engleking, Extension educator in LaGrange County, received the IEEA Innovator Award for developing a program on farmstead milk processing workshops and organic certification. Engleking held workshops about on-farm milk processing, organic farming, and how to become certified in organic farming. Overall, 82 producers attended each workshop; one-quarter of the participants were interested in more information and seven producers were scheduled to receive their organic certifications.

Eric Biddinger, Extension educator in Porter County, received the IEEA Junior Award for his effort in developing a landscaping and lawn maintenance guide to people in environmentally sensitive communities. Lawns vs. Lakes: Striking a Balance, provides homeowners with advice on how to reduce the environmental impact of lawn care and proper use of fertilizers. Biddinger collaborated on this project with the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed and the Lakes of the Four Seasons Conservancy.

Doug Akers, Extension educator in Boone County, received the IEEA Senior Award for his chicken embryology program geared towards kindergarten children and children at the Zionsville Public Library. During his Chick Care Class, Akers discussed the responsibilities of caring for chicks and allowed the children to take chicks home. Akers developed a Web page and enabled the public to come into the library and view the hatching process.

Lonnie Mason, Extension educator in Jefferson County, was presented with the IEEA Career Award for his work as an assistant youth agent in Switzerland and Jefferson Counties and his later position as agriculture and natural resource educator in Ohio and Jefferson counties. Then in 1982, Mason added county Extension director to his title. Mason has been an Extension employee for 35 years and has become a valuable resource for community members and Extension educators on burley tobacco production.

Writer: Meggie Issler, (765) 494-8402, missler@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Note to Journalists: Photos will be available online by 5 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 20)

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