sponsoring an issue please contact the office and we will send you more details. Change is definitely constant and we hope ours improves the lives and livelihoods of our community! Valerie Clingerman Extension Educator- County Extension Director /Agriculture and Natural Resources

Happy New Year to everyone, I hope you had a great holiday season! This time of year many people set new years resolutions to change something in their life. At the Extension office we change as well bringing new programs to our county and trying different ways to reach new audiences. I know in my programming I am hoping to offer at least two new programs this

year. One is called becoming the employer of choice. This program is to help farms hire and keep employees. I will also be offering drone programs this year that are new. We are also trying something new by offering sponsorship opportunities for our newsletter. For this issue we want to thank the Knox County 4-H Council for their sponsorship. If you are interested in

PURDUE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1

KNOX COUNTY EXTENSION NEWSLETTER

Inside this issue:

4-H News 2-6

HHS 7-10

Ag news 11-12

horticulture 13

Make use of your kitchen gadgets!

Did you get a new appliance that you’re not really sure how to use? Maybe you’ve had it a while but never taken it out of the box. Here is your chance. Check out the cooking demo series on page 8 that will help you gain confidence using these appliances. After

all, they aren’t doing you any good in the back of the cabinet! Learn how to put these gadgets to use so they do all the work for you.

In each program, the featured appliance will be used in a cooking demonstration. For the electric programmable pressure cooking class, participants will prepare two dishes as they compare how

different models operate.

Come prepared to learn, taste and share in all three classes.

See you there!

Tonya

It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.

Volume 9 Issue 1

Page 2

Mitch Wagoner,

Extension Educator

4-H Youth Development

mwagone@purdue.edu

4-H & Youth Development

News January/February 2020

LAST CALL 4-H Enrollment!

Index

4-H Enrollment

Project Changes

4-H Camp

Tractor Driving

4-H Scoop

Jr. Leaders Retreat

Upcoming Dates

4-H Scholarship

Who is

4-H for?

Answer: Everyone

The following projects have changes or more clarification:

Please visit our website to see the handbook. https://extension.purdue.edu/Knox/

If you don’t have internet access please contact the Extension Office at

812-882-3509. Also Club Leaders will have a copy of the handbook

Parents can go into 4hOnline (https://in.4honline.com) to

enroll/re-enroll their children in 4-H for 2020

Ends: January 15, 2020 Certificated adult volunteers need to go into 4hOnline

(https://in.4honline.com) to re-enroll as an adult volunteer and to sign your

2020 Adult Behavior Expectations by Jan. 15! If you do not have internet access please contact the Extension Office

(812-882-3509) so we can help!

4-H Project Changes

Cake Decorating Communication Computers Construction

Toys

Electric Fashion Design Gift Wrapping Potato

Sewing Small Engines Welding Woodworking

Page 3 4-H & Youth Development News

2020 4-H Camp

One of the specialty clubs in Knox County is the Tractor Club and they will start meeting soon.

You must attend the meetings to compete in the county contest!

If you are interested in joining or to be put on the list to receive a letter with dates and times for the 2020 meetings call

the Extension Office at 812-882-3509.

Ag Tractor and Lawn & Garden Driving

CAMPER: Campers: 3rd—6th graders Camper Forms due by Friday, February 14 When: June 2 - 4 Where: Historic Santa Claus Campground, Santa Claus Cost: Estimated to be around $95.00

The cost covers: transportation to & from camp; 2 nights lodging; 7 meals & 2 snacks; Camp shirt; and All the games, craft, & fun!

COUNSELOR: Counselor: 9th—12 graders Counselor Forms due by Friday, January 10 Camp Counselor Training: VU Gibson for April 23 & May14 Historic Santa Claus Campground for June 1 Camp When: June 2 - 4 Camp Where: Historic Santa Claus Campground, Santa Claus Cost: Estimated to be around $115.00

Page 4 4-H & Youth Development News

Page 5 4-H & Youth Development News

Page 6 Knox County Extension Newsletter

Upcoming Dates Office Closed: Dec 24, 25, 31, &

Jan 1

“NEW TO 4-H?”: Get the 4-H Scoop: Jan 6

Extended Office Hours: Jan 7 from 4 - 6 pm

4-H Scholarship Workshop: Jan 8

4-H Camp—Counselor Apps DUE: Jan 10

4-H ENROLLMENT ENDS:

January 15

Extended Office Hours: Jan 15 from 4 - 6 pm

4-H Scholarships due: Jan 25

Annual Extension Board Meeting: Jan 27

4-H Camp—Camper Apps DUE: Feb 14

Teens as Teachers Conference: Feb 21-23

Junior Leader Winter Leadership Retreat: Feb 28-29

Beef Tagging: Feb 22

Ag Day: March 12

Area Livestock Judging CDE: April 1

Global Gateway Exp.: April 17-19

Animal ID Deadline: May 15

Drop & Add Deadline: May 15

Find us on Facebook at:

“Purdue Extension: Knox County 4-H”

Like us on Instagram at:

“@knoxcountyin4h”

Like us on Twitter at:

“@knox_in4h”

4-H Accomplishment Scholarship – Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, & College Freshman are eligible to apply for this scholarship!

4-H Foundation Scholarship – All Seniors are eligible to apply for this County & State Scholarship.

4-H Club Scholarship - Senior in high school or who is currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution and will be transferring to Purdue University in the fall semester.

2020 4-H scholarship applications will be submitted through 4HOnline!

Scholarships need uploaded and submitted by January 25th!

For scholarship forms please visit this website:

https://extension.purdue.edu/4h/Pages/scholarships.aspx

4-H Scholarship

HEALTH & HUMAN SCIENCES

PAGE 7 Tonya Short, Extension Educator

Health & HumanScence short43@purdue.edu

Upcoming Events

Jan 6: Extension Homemaker County Council meeting, Extension Office

Jan 22: Dining with Diabetes 3 month reunion class, Salvation Army

Jan 25: How to Instant Pot

Jan 29: Open Class meeting, Extension Office

Jan 29: Be Heart Smart begins, Salvation Army

Feb 5: Captain Cash begins at South Knox

Feb 8: Slow Cooker Meals

Feb 17: Work Ready begins at North Knox

Feb 22: Using Your Air Fryer

March 5: Mental Health First Aid, Greencastle

March 5: Matter of Balance begins, Washington

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any HHS program, at least 10 business days prior to the event, contact Tonya Short at 812-882-3509.

Open Class 2020 January 29, 2020, 9AM-Noon at the Extension Office

Our final meeting before 2020 is made official! The help of all superintendents and assistants is needed to make 2020 a success. Last chance to give input about the new building design, 2020 open class book and more. Thanks to everyone who attended the last meeting and volunteered to take on duties. YOU ARE THE ONES WHO MAKE OPEN CLASS A SUCCESS! Please come prepared to share a progress report with the group. If you have any questions contact Tonya Short or Pat Summers.

Quality is not an act, it is a habit. ~Aristotle

Knox County to Host Spring District meeting

Yes!!! Spring….we will soon be sweeping away the last of the 11 snows we are expecting this year….on to spring…

This spring it is our turn to host the Spring District meeting. I have reserved the 4-H building at Bicknell for March 18th. Registration will be 10:00 AM. We will need help with refreshments, noon meal, and decorating the night before. Also, we will need to provide lodging for three state officers. I have scheduled a meeting with our District Representative to help make plans on Jan 7th at 1:30 PM at the Knox County Extension Office. Please plan to have a representative from your club to attend this meeting. We need everyone's input on this.

This district meeting is fun and very informative. Since it is close this year, I hope to see several of our members attend. If you have some good and fun ideas please contact me or Barbara Holscher. Our numbers are in the program booklet. We will promise to discuss everyone’s ideas.

See you January 7th if possible and please plan to attend the Spring District Meeting on March 18, 2020. Hope it doesn’t snow that day!!!

Pat Summers,

Knox County Extension Homemakers County President

PAGE 8 KNOX COUNTY EXTENSION NEWSLETTER

Cooking Under Pressure: How to

Instant Pot January 25, 2020 9:30-11:30 AM

What’s an Instant Pot? How does it differ from a

traditional pressure cooker? Is it safe? How does it work?

Come find out in this hands-on class as we prepare and taste test recipes together using electric programmable pressure cookers! Class size limited to 12. Cost $15

Now Serving: Slow Cooker Dinners

February 8, 2020 9:30-11:00 AM

What foods can you cook in a slow cooker?

Are there food safety concerns?

How can you make this appliance work for you?

Can you really fix it and forget it?

Learn how your slow cooker can save you time in the kitchen! Complete with cooking demonstration. Cost: $10

Using your Air Fryer

February 22, 2020 9:30-11:00

How does an air fryer work? What can I use it for? Is it really healthier? Is it safe? Learn all this and more as you learn how to use your new appliance! Complete with cooking demonstration. Cost: $10

Making Your Kitchen Work Hard So You Don’t Have To

All classes will be held at the Purdue Extension office. You MUST register to reserve your spot. Classes without the minimum required registrations are

subject to cancellation. Deadline to register is the Wednesday prior to each class. Questions call 812-882-3509 or email Tonya at short43@purdue.edu

To reserve your spot please complete the following and mail with your payment to:

Purdue Extension - Knox County, 4259 N. Purdue Rd., Vincennes, IN 47591

Name:______________________________________ Phone no: _____________________

Email:_______________________________________

Please sign me up for:

How to Instant Pot ($15)

Slow Cooker ($10)

Using your Air Fryer ($10)

Sign me up for all three! ($25)

Make Checks Payable to: Purdue Education Fund

HEALTH & HUMAN SCIENCES

PAGE 9 KNOX COUNTY EXTENSION NEWSLETTER

Captain Cash

Captain Cash will soon be setting sail at South Knox Elementary School. Third graders will sail the seas of money with the “Captain” for four weeks learning about the financial concepts of earning, saving, spending and borrowing. A parent newsletter will go home each week with activity ideas to help parents continue these important conversations at home. If you are a South Knox parent, be sure to ask your student what they are learning with Captain Cash in the month of February.

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. --Benjamin Franklin

Untreated cardiovascular disease can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, leg pain, erectile dysfunction, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, memory loss, dementia, and damage to organs such as eyes and kidneys. In short, it can seriously disrupt your life. If you have diabetes, your risk is even higher. Do you know if you are at risk? What are you doing to avoid these detrimental side effects?

What: A four -week course to learn about risk factors for cardiovascular disease and action steps to prevent or reduce the potential for negative outcomes

When: Wednesday evenings January 29-February 19th from 6-7PM. (Feel free to come early for dinner at 5:15)

Where: Salvation Army, 2300 N. 2nd St., Vincennes

Cost: Free, but there is a class limit so RSVP is required. Please call 812-882-3509.

In the event of bad weather we will follow the Vincennes Schools cancellation schedule.

PAGE 10

HEALTH & HUMAN SCIENCES

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 PAGE 10

ServSafe Manager Certification Training

The ServSafe program is recognized by the state of Indiana to become a certified food protection manager. To find an exam proctor or class being offered near you contact your local Purdue Extension office or visit www.purdue.edu/servsafe. The next class is April 13, 2020 in Washington. To register or look up other class dates and locations visit www.purdue.edu/servsafe.

Credit Scores What you need to know to help your clients get back on track

Lunch & Learn Session

March 11, 2020 12-1PM

Eva Hill Auditorium Participants will learn: What is a credit score What are free ways to check it How to deal with debt collectors How to dispute an error on your credit report Why having a low credit score can cost you money Steps to fix bad credit Feel free to bring your lunch as your join us for this session to understand how credit scores work and learn about other resources available to help manage finances.

Extension Homemaker Scholarship Awards

A big thanks to our scholarship committee for reviewing applications. Congratulations to this years winners! Brandon Fickling (Mary Louise Hess, grandmother, Wabash Homemakers) studying Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science Nicole Sterling (Judy Ruppel, grandmother, Wabash Homemakers) studying Environmental Science Paige Ruppel (Peggy Wagoner, grandmother, Wabash Homemakers) studying Nursing Tanner Brunson (Elva Manning, grandmother, Lower Johnson) studying Advanced Manufacturing Lauren Parker (Michelle Parker, mother, Wabash Homemakers) studying Business Administration

Matter of Balance

An 8-week fall prevention class for those who have fallen or are afraid of falling. Thursdays March 5-April 23, 2020 from 9-11AM in Washington. For more information or to sign up call 812-254-8668.

AG & NATURAL RESOURCES

PAGE 11

*PARP=Private Applicator Recertification Program **CCH= Commercial Applicators Credits ***CEU=Certified Crop Advisor Conference

If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in Purdue Extension-Knox County Ag and Natural Resource programs, one week prior to the meeting, contact Valerie Clingerman at (812) 882-3509, clingerman@purdue.edu, 4259 N Purdue Rd. Vincennes 47591.

Valerie Clingerman, Extension Educator

Ag & Natural Resources clingerman@purdue.edu

Like Purdue Extension Knox County Ag and Natural Resources on Facebook.

If you would like to receive a monthly e-letter let me know and I will add you .

Date Event Location Time (Eastern)

Contact info.

Jan. 1 Office closed - - -

Jan. 6-Feb. 24 (Mondays)

Farm Winter Workshops Topics: Stuck equipment, PARP,* estate planning, forage manage-ment, hemp, weathering storm in ag, corn production, invasive plants

Gibson Southern High School

8:00pm 812-385-3491

Jan. 15 IBCA & Purdue Area 3 Beef Meeting

Stoll’s Country Inn, Evansville

7:00pm RSVP by Jan. 3 by calling 812-385-3491

Jan. 16 & 23

Posey County Winter Seminars Topics: Hemp and Broadband

Mt. Vernon HS 7:00pm 812-838-1331

Jan. 23 Farm Profit Preview-(PARP, CCH)

Highland Woods, Vincennes

9:00-11:00am

812-882-3509

Jan. 28 Sheep and Goat Webinar-How Poor Hay Can Affect You

Webinar 7:00-9:00pm

Registration details: https://ag.purdue.edu/ansc/sheep-site

Jan. 29 Crop Management Workshops (PARP, CCH, CEU)

Huntingburg 8:30-4:30pm

Registration: http://www.purdue.edu/conferences/crop

Jan. 30 & Feb. 25

Farming Together: Enhancing Your Worth as a Farm Business Partner

Chrisney TBD 812-362-8071

Feb. 22, 29 Hemp production Vincennes TBD 812-882-3509

Feb. 27 Manure Management Workshop (PARP, CCH, CEU)

Loogootee 8:00am 812-295-2412

Mar. 4, 5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) Training

Princeton TBD 812-882-3509

Upcoming Events

PAGE 12 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1

AG & NATURAL RESOURCES

High Soybean Moisture will Make Grain Handling a Challenge

This year was unfortunately another challenging year for many growers. This fall started fairly well then ended rainy and wet which seemed to halt soybean drying in the field. I heard many reports of soybeans being harvested at 16% moisture (13% is the standard for soybean moisture). Recommended storage moistures vary a bit due to length of storage and grain temperature but general recommendations for storing soybeans are: Just storing over winter 13% or less, 12% or less for up to a year, and 11% for more than a year. High moisture soybeans can spoil in just a few days in a bin which causes mold growth and encourages insects. If these soybeans were not dried appropriately this fall and placed in a grain bin too wet this could lead to some major safety issues later when emptying this bin.

Wet soybeans can crust over and cause a grain bridge. As the bin is unloaded it can cause an air pocket under this bridge. This bridge will need to be broken up but remember to keep safety first. Do no stand on this bridge as you break it as it can collapse and you can fall into the grain below (See images above from Pennsylvania State University Ag Safety and Health). The best option would be to use a long rod from outside the bin to break-up the grain.

If you have to enter a bin:

Wear a body harness that is securely attached to outside of the bin

Always work with a buddy outside of the bin. If there is an emergency they can quickly respond.

Use hand signals to communicate over loud equipment and make sure employees are trained to understand them

Turn auger off and put a tag or lock on the controller so someone doesn't turn it on while inside

Keep safety tools at the grain bins

Remember once entrapped it takes less than a minute for a person to be engulfed in grain and suffocate so always make safety a priority.

For more information visit: The University of Nebraska’s publication on grain handling safety https://tinyurl.com/vkd4v4f, Iowa State University’s Soybean drying and storage publication https://tinyurl.com/r9f7mkz, or contact the Extension Office (812-882-3509).

How to Navigate the Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC) Website to Find Records and Programs

As many have noticed the OISC website to look up pesticide license records has changed over the last year or so. Here are some quick tips to navigating this website:

1. The new website is https://www.inplants.oisc.purdue.edu/USAPlantsIN/Index.aspx

2. To check credits for your license click Pesticide Programs, then click applicator login. Enter your name and last four digits of your Social Security number. This will open all the details of your license including expiration date, meetings you have attended and the credits earned, and you can print a new license from here.

3. To check for upcoming Commercial Applicator programs click Pesticide programs, then click CCH courses. You can then search by the category, state, county, or date (s) that programs are offered.

4. To check for upcoming Private Applicator Recertification Programs (PARP) visit: https://ppp.purdue.edu/private-applicators/recertification-parp/parp-events/. You can then search by location in the state, dates, and categories. You can then click on the title of the program to get event details.

5. Lastly if you have limited internet or cannot find the information that you need call the Extension Office (812-882-3509) and we will be happy to help.

Horticulture

PAGE 13 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1

Ferns: A Unique Plant for Gardeners

I have always found ferns to be interesting plants for numerous reasons. One of the most interesting facts about ferns is that they are a nonflowering plant with an unusual lifecycle. If you are not familiar with this terminology (or ferns) this means they do not produce flowers like a typical landscape plant such as a petunia.

This should spark a question if it does not flower how does it reproduce? If you have ever had a fern you have likely noticed brown bumps on the underside of the leaf. Oftentimes when you first see bumps on a leaf of a plant you may think of a disease or insect. In this case these brown bumps are spore cases called sporangia and they contain many individual spores for the fern and cause no harm to the plant. These spores germinate into a flat leaf-like body called a prothallium. Sexual organs develop on the prothallium, fertilization occurs, then the first fronds will appear. That seems simple enough but in reality this process can take 2-6 months before the first frond will start growing.

The nice thing about ferns is that they can be propagated in different ways. Generally, for greenhouses and typical gardening conditions we do not propagate these with spores. So how do we get more ferns if we don't use the spores? We divide plants. Dividing plants is the process in which we take an existing plant and separated into several pieces by dividing the roots. We divide ferns when they outgrow their current container. The best way to divide the roots is to use a sharp knife to cut the roots into half or quarters. Once the plant is divided you simply replant the new plants into new containers and water thoroughly.

Remember a few basic methods when raising ferns:

Temperature: Prefer nighttime temperatures below 60°F, daytime temperatures not to exceed 72°F.

Light: Low light, will vary depending on the type of fern

Humidity: 40-50%

Grooming: Remove dead or diseased fronds (leaves)

Watering: Will vary depending on the time of year, check soil moisture for dryness before watering

Additional information: Visit https://tinyurl.com/uervew2 or call the Extension Office (812-882-3509).

Why is Tree Work Expensive? Complexity – Trees being removed often need to be cut apart in sections to avoid dropping the whole tree or large pieces onto the lawn or landscape or into the street. This is a safer approach and also prevents serious damage to the turf and landscape below. Usually, specialized equipment is needed which is costly to acquire and

maintain. Difficult and dangerous – A tree that has been dead for several years usually becomes brittle and inflexible. When you try to cut it down, controlling the direction of fall is a challenge and it will often shatter, throwing broken branches in an uncontrolled manner. Often, tree workers are in trees that have electrical conductors running through the branches. Insurance, Licensing –Because tree work can be hazardous, qualified companies will have expensive liability insurance to protect the homeowner’s property, as well as workers’ compensation insurance to help cover injuries sustained by the crew, should they occur. Trained and Certified Workers – Its best to choose a tree care company where the crew has current industry credentials and a history of training and experience. Ask to see their credentials and look for programs such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Certified Treecare Safety Professional which are indicators of a professional business with the expertise to perform the work. Ask to see a copy of the current insurance certificate as well as copies of the crew’s competency credentials. Find a professional A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best course of action to care for and maintain the trees and shrubs in your landscape. You can use this service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a ZIP Code search on www.treecaretips.org. Also, to check for an ISA Certified Arborist in your area, visit the website www.treesaregood.org then click on the link “Find an Arborist”. By entering your zip code, a list of credentialed arborists can be found nearest your location. To find the full article written by Lindsey Purcell, Purdue University visit https://tinyurl.com/v4p6ew6 or call the Extension Office (812-882-3509).

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Knox County 4259 North Purdue Rd. Vincennes, IN 47591

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Vincennes, IN Permit No. 39

4-H INSPIRES KIDS TO DO

4-H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn

best by doing. Kids complete hands-on

projects in areas like science, health, agriculture, civic engagement, and are

encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

This Purdue Extension-Knox County newsletter is sponsored by Knox County 4-H Council.

Look inside for agriculture & natural resource, health and human science, and 4-H updates.