Purdue University News

Bean leaf beetles more prevalent in Indiana this fall

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 11:45:00 EDT

Indiana farmers are seeing higher numbers of a beetle that can damage soybeans and reduce yields, a Purdue Extension entomologist says.

Advisory council supports Purdue's focus on commercial ag

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 10:41:00 EDT

The Center for Commercial Agriculture, a Purdue University farm management research and education program, has announced the establishment of an industry advisory council. The council will support the center's vision of being a leading source of management education and knowledge generation for commercial farmers, said Brent Gloy, a Purdue agricultural economist and the center's director.

U.S. unlikely to hit Renewable Fuel Standard for cellulosic biofuels

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:50:00 EDT

The biofuel industry will not be able to meet the cellulosic production requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard without significant advancements in technology or investment, according to a National Academy of Sciences study prepared for Congress.

Purdue takes second in solar home competition

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 16:10:00 EDT

Purdue University finished second in the Solar Decathlon 2011, a solar house competition in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Students, employers both will benefit from career fair

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:38:00 EDT

The Purdue University Agricultural Career Fair on Oct. 4 will help both employers and students as the number of positions in agricultural fields increases and more students seek jobs and internships.

Waterhemp weed showing greater resistance to glyphosate

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:09:00 EDT

A Purdue Extension weed specialist urges farmers to take necessary steps now to better control yield-reducing waterhemp next year as it spreads through Indiana with increasing resistance to glyphosate.

Joern to receive Spirit of the Land Grant Mission Award

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:43:00 EDT

Agronomy professor Brad Joern, who has made a name worldwide as an expert on nutrient management, has been selected to receive Purdue University's 2011 Spirit of the Land Grant Mission Award.

Purdue gets $3.8 million to study, educate on bioenergy crops

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:54:00 EDT

Purdue University researchers will use a portion of a $25 million grant to determine the potential of grasses as environmentally responsible bioenergy crops and to educate farmers and others about the findings.

Additives meant to protect vitamin C actually cause more harm

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:08:00 EDT

Anti-caking agents in powdered products may hasten degradation of vitamin C instead of doing what they are supposed to do: protect the nutrient from moisture.

Low yields mean more unused grain storage space than usual

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:49:00 EDT

With poor spring and summer weather drastically reducing Indiana's expected corn and soybean production, a Purdue Extension agricultural economist says more storage space in commercial grain elevators and on-farm grain bins will go unused than in nearly 10 years.

Gene may be good target for tough-to-kill prostate cancer cells

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:27:00 EDT

Purdue University scientists believe they have found an effective target for killing late-stage, metastatic prostate cancer cells.

Publication gets to root of tree planting problems, practices

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:53:00 EDT

Spring is planting season but not necessarily the only season when it comes to trees. Many species survive better when planted in the fall, a Purdue Extension urban forestry specialist says.

Purdue solar home ready to be judged

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:32:00 EDT

After being built, then rebuilt twice, it's showtime for Purdue University's INhome solar house.

Cool weather in Indiana a sign of frost, freeze soon?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:32:00 EDT

With unseasonably cool weather in Indiana lately, a question farmers and home gardeners might be asking is when they will get their first freeze or frost.

Career night to provide information on pork industry careers

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:22:00 EDT

As students begin their search for internships and regular jobs, a career night on Oct. 3 will give them the chance to learn about opportunities in the pork industry.

Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry set for Feb. 4 in Indianapolis

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:25:00 EDT

The 2012 Purdue University Agricultural Alumni Association Fish Fry has been scheduled for Feb. 4 in Indianapolis, with Howard G. Buffett as featured speaker.

Purdue study: Indiana farm accidents claim 23 lives

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:59:00 EDT

Twenty-three people died in farm accidents in Indiana in 2010, the fourth consecutive year farm-related deaths totaled at least 20, according to a Purdue University study released Tuesday (Sept. 20).

High milk prices keep some struggling dairy farms afloat

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:48:00 EDT

In a world of increased feed costs, uncooperative weather and problems with forage quality, high milk prices and strong demand are helping some dairy producers make ends meet.

Cash rents to increase in 2012 with production costs, incomes

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:05:00 EDT

The amount farmers pay to rent farmland will be on the rise again in 2012 as Indiana corn and soybean prices generate higher farm incomes.

Tree-climbing arborists to compete at Purdue for state title

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:37:00 EDT

Professional tree climbers will compete Sept. 24 in the Indiana Arborist Association's Tree Climbing Championship at Purdue University for the right to represent the state in an international contest.

Imprelis herbicide banned from sale, use in Indiana

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:26:00 EDT

The Office of Indiana State Chemist has banned the sale, distribution and use of Imprelis in the state after investigating hundreds of complaints and finding that the herbicide was responsible for damage to trees and ornamental plants.

Green stem syndrome among harvest, late-season concerns

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:40:00 EDT

As Indiana soybeans near maturity, a Purdue Extension agronomist says farmers should watch for green stem syndrome, a condition that can trick them into delaying harvest, possibly lowering yields.

Purdue launches Indiana soils and landscape website

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:47:00 EDT

A website created by Purdue University faculty and students and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will serve as an educational resource in crop, environmental science and soil science classes this fall and help the public better understand soils and landscapes

Purdue partners with Ohio State for 2011 Farm Science Review

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:16:00 EDT

Purdue University this month enters its seventh year as a partner at Ohio State University's 2011 Farm Science Review.

Purdue ABE undergrad program rated best in nation

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:41:00 EDT

U.S. News & World Report's selection of Purdue University's agricultural and biological engineering program as the best such undergraduate specialty in the country follows the graduate program's top ranking earlier this year.

USDA: Crop yields down nationally, Indiana hit hardest

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:41:00 EDT

The latest estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show lower-than-normal corn and soybean yields across the nation, with the biggest crop losses in Indiana.

Study finds more effective way to dry ethanol, reduce costs

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EDT

Purdue University researchers have found an alternative environmentally friendly and energy-efficient way to dry corn ethanol, and their proof is in the pudding.

Workshop to provide marketing, selling help for entrepreneurs

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:08:00 EDT

A Purdue Extension workshop on Sept. 23 will help small business owners looking to improve marketing and sales skills and entrepreneurs who are ready to put a product on the market.

Drought stress blankets Indiana, likely continues into harvest

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 15:17:00 EDT

The abnormally dry and drought conditions that most of Indiana is experiencing don't appear to change as farmers statewide prepare for harvest, according to the associate state climatologist.

20 years of AgrAbility offer hope, disability assistance

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 10:35:00 EDT

The message that the National AgrAbility Project wants to get out to farmers, ranchers and others in agriculture who have suffered a disabling injury or illness is one of hope.

Students ready to send solar house on the road

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 13:28:00 EDT

Purdue University's INhome solar house will leave campus by truck early Monday (Sept. 12) for Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon 2011 competition.

Competitions teach innovation, entrepreneurship to students

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 14:21:00 EDT

Purdue University students again have the opportunity to put their heads together to create new products using corn and soybeans.

Scientists make turfgrass safer for animals, deadly for insects

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 12:14:00 EDT

The right combination of compounds produced by a beneficial fungus could lead to grasses that require fewer pesticides and are safer for wildlife and grazing animals, according to Purdue University scientists.

Food prices rise with commodity prices - eventually

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 10:52:00 EDT

Food prices will continue to rise for the remainder of this year and well into 2012 because processors now are beginning to pass along higher costs of commodities to consumers, a Purdue University agricultural economist says.

Farm incomes to reach record levels despite low crop yields

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:28:00 EDT

High worldwide grain demand coupled with lower-than-expected yields means U.S. farmers can look forward to a record-high farm income total from the 2011 crop, according to a new U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

Poor kernel set likely decreases corn yield potential

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 09:54:00 EDT

A period of extremely hot, dry weather in Indiana this summer has led to problems with corn ear development and kernel set, a Purdue Extension agronomist said,

Economist: Short corn supply to force reduced consumption

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:58:00 EDT

With the 2011 corn crop not likely big enough to meet demand and as prices continue to rise, livestock producers soon might be facing a critical decision: whether they should reduce their use of corn for feed.

Pretreatment, proper harvest time boost ethanol from switchgrass

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:39:00 EDT

Adding a pretreatment step would allow producers to get more ethanol from switchgrass harvested in the fall, according to a Purdue University study.

Purdue Agriculture team wins national WeedOlympics

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:10:00 EDT

Purdue University weed science graduate students recently won the inaugural national WeedOlympics in Knoxville, Tenn.

Purdue Extension to help 2 regions' economic development

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:14:00 EDT

Two multicounty regions in Indiana will create economic development plans under a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that Purdue Extension will support.

AgrAbility to observe 20th anniversary at national conference

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:49:00 EDT

AgrAbility will celebrate its 20-year anniversary in November with its premier training conference featuring commemorative events while also addressing issues of disability in agriculture.

Purdue 'tool box' could be ace in the hole for golf courses

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:14:00 EDT

Below par looks great on the leaderboard but never when it describes the appearance and playability of golf course putting greens. Purdue University researchers are working to help course managers produce winning greens at lower cost and with less labor.

Indiana weather conditions favor potential ear rot development

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:33:00 EDT

Three types of corn ear rot have the potential to appear in Indiana fields because of the extremely hot, dry weather.

Open house offers last chance to see inside solar home

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:15:00 EDT

Purdue University's INhome solar house will be open to the public Thursday through Saturday (Aug. 25-27).

Survey: Indiana farmland values reach new heights

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:14:00 EDT

Indiana farmland values have hit an all-time high after jumping an average of 24 percent from 2010 -- a rate of increase not seen since 1977.

Workshop to discuss forage selection and management

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EDT

Forage producers can learn about best management practices that will improve forage production and use at a Sept. 1 workshop.

E. coli, Salmonella may lurk in unwashable places in produce

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EDT

Sanitizing the outside of produce may not be enough to remove harmful food pathogens, according to a Purdue University study that demonstrated that Salmonella and E. coli can live inside plant tissues.

2 receive Women in Agriculture awards at state fair

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:20:00 EDT

Purdue Extension gave special recognition to two women at the Indiana State Fair on Friday (Aug. 12) by presenting them with Women in Agriculture awards for their career-long achievements and leadership.

Indiana expected to come up short again in corn, soybeans

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:03:00 EDT

Delayed planting of crops in Indiana in the spring because of rain followed by a prolonged dry spell this summer is likely to result in what farmers and economists already expected: Indiana farmers won't produce as much corn and soybeans as they had hoped for the second consecutive year.

Financial crisis delivers indirect blow to agriculture

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:14:00 EDT

While the uncertainty on Wall Street directly affects the financial sector, a Purdue Extension agricultural economist says it's the indirect consequences coupled with weather concerns that has the agriculture industry on edge.

Extension to help rural landowners start business

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 11:24:00 EDT

Rural landowners can better understand how to run a successful business enterprise by attending one of two workshops sponsored by Purdue Extension and other organizations with expertise in natural resources.

Soybean aphids start to appear in northern Indiana

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 09:55:00 EDT

Soybean aphids have begun establishing in new growth soybean foliage in northern Indiana, but according to Purdue Extension entomologist Christian Krupke, farmers shouldn't panic.

Purdue research: Varied yields from fungicide, insecticide

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 09:44:00 EDT

As Indiana soybeans move from flowering to beginning pod, farmers may consider applying foliar fungicides and insecticides to their crops. But according to Purdue Agriculture research, yield increases from either treatment are inconsistent when disease and insect pressures aren't present.

Harvest-time yield assessments dictate insurance indemnities

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 15:25:00 EDT

Farmers with corn or other crops damaged by this summer's thunderstorms or dry weather will have to wait until harvest to know whether they will qualify for crop insurance indemnity payments.

Awards honor wines of year at 20th Indy International

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 13:08:00 EDT

For the second year in a row, an Indiana wine took home a major trophy at the 20th Indy International Wine Competition, which wrapped up over the weekend at Purdue University.

Field day focuses on mid-season crop management

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 11:46:00 EDT

Mid-season crop protection and yields will be topics of discussion at the Northeast Purdue Agricultural Center's field day Aug. 18 in Columbia City.

Nominations for Purdue's Hovde Award are sought

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 10:36:00 EDT

Nominations are now being accepted for this year's Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence, given annually to a Purdue University staff member with an outstanding record of educational service to rural Indiana.

Scientist urges government ruling on genetically engineered salmon

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 15:20:00 EDT

A Purdue University scientist is urging federal officials to decide whether genetically engineered salmon would be allowed for U.S. consumption and arguing that not doing so may set back scientific efforts to increase food production.

Ag panel to analyze USDA's projection of crop yields

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 11:48:00 EDT

A frustrating spring for many Indiana corn and soybean farmers who had to wait out a month of rain before they could plant has given way to a challenging summer for the crops themselves as they endure record heat and a prolonged dry spell.

Purdue Day at Indiana State Fair set for Aug. 12

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 09:45:00 EDT

Purdue Day at the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 12 will feature more than 50 tents and exhibits that include robotics demonstrations, an obstacle course from the new College of Health and Human Sciences, and a spelling bee.

New research to be featured at Twilight Tour for produce growers

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 13:02:00 EDT

Vegetable, fruit and flower growers can learn about new research for specialty crop production at Purdue University's Horticultural Crops Research Twilight Tour on Aug. 10 in Lafayette.

Exhibits, crop report, among Purdue Ag events at state fair

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 12:01:00 EDT

Educational displays about bed bugs, grain bin safety and how veterinary medicine can advance human health will be featured among Purdue University exhibits at the Indiana State Fair Aug. 5-21.

Soybean management strategy depends on growth stage

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:44:00 EDT

With some soybeans in Indiana blooming and setting pods while others are in early vegetative stages, a Purdue Extension agronomist says growers should be making crop management decisions based on plants' development.

Beef producers to learn about grazing management at field day

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:37:00 EDT

Beef producers will discuss how grazing-management strategies can improve efficiency and help the environment on Aug. 11 at a Purdue Veterinary Medicine field day.

Students experience agriculture, business, research at their farm

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:24:00 EDT

A new farm at Purdue University is providing practical experience to students who are learning not only how to grow vegetables, but also how to manage a small business and conduct research.

Indy International wine competition gearing up for 20th year

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:53:00 EDT

Indiana winemakers will soon learn how their vintages stack up against wines from across the country and around the world.

Plant pathologist: Bacterial blight unlikely to lower yields

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:38:00 EDT

While reports of bacterial blight in soybeans are high this year, a Purdue Extension plant pathologist says the disease is unlikely to hurt yields.

Undergraduate research program plans symposium

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:06:00 EDT

The 2011 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program will hold its annual Research Symposium on Aug. 3.

Avoid use of herbicide Imprelis, Purdue experts advise

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:11:00 EDT

Lawn care providers should not use the herbicide Imprelis on residential and other properties such as golf courses as experts try to determine whether it is injuring trees and ornamental plants and can be used safely, a team of Purdue University specialists advises.

Wheat growers can consider harvest, storage options to manage scab

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:33:00 EDT

A Purdue Extension plant pathologist says wheat growers can take steps during harvest and in storage to control head scab in the crop.

Insect expert: Watch for hornworms, other garden pests

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:14:00 EDT

Now that the weather is getting warmer, gardeners should be on the lookout for hornworms and other garden pests, says a Purdue Extension insect specialist.

European corn borer numbers up this year

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:11:00 EDT

Reports of European corn borer damage have increased this year, but a Purdue Extension entomologist says there is little cause for alarm.

Purdue economists report on causes of high commodity prices

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:42:00 EDT

Growing demand for corn to use in biofuels and for soybeans to help feed a booming Chinese economy are among key forces driving commodity prices higher this year, according to a report by three Purdue agricultural economists.

Workshop helps grant writers prepare winning proposals

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EDT

Purdue Extension is offering a course on preparing grant proposals for those who work for nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Grain production not keeping up with demand, economist says

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:06:00 EDT

Grain crops are being gobbled up faster than farmers can grow them, and that could portend trouble down the road if production doesn't catch up, said a Purdue University agricultural economist.

Webinars, workshop to teach processing to fish producers

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:43:00 EDT

Fish producers can learn how they can meet the needs of processors and consumers by attending a Purdue Extension aquaculture webinar series and workshop.

Purdue expert: Forage crops are an option after winter wheat

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:24:00 EDT

Farmers can consider seeding an annual forage crop after their winter wheat, says a Purdue Extension forage specialist.

Nominations open for Purdue Ag, alumni honors

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EDT

Purdue University's College of Agriculture and its Agricultural Alumni Association are seeking nominees for two annual awards that recognize achievement and service to their profession.

Popular fungicides failing, may cause hard choices for apple growers

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:10:00 EDT

Orchard growers have started finding that some of the most commonly used fungicides are no longer effective at controlling apple scab, according to a Purdue University study.

High feed costs and increased exports lead to rising pork prices

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:11:00 EDT

Pork prices are on the rise as international exports increase and high feed costs are passed on to consumers, said a Purdue Extension agricultural economist.

Leaf blight can reduce yields, but farmers can manage disease

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:56:00 EDT

Farmers can take steps to manage and prevent the foliar disease northern corn leaf blight, which can reduce yields, a Purdue Extension crop specialist says.

Cover crops are focus of prevented-planting decisions

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 12:21:00 EDT

Farmers who were unable to plant their corn and soybeans because of bad weather might consider planting cover crops this summer to build soil quality and prevent erosion, a Purdue University Extension specialist says.

Purdue scientist writes comprehensive turfgrass fungicide book

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 12:06:00 EDT

Purdue University turfgrass expert Richard Latin has compiled more than a decade of work into a comprehensive guide for golf course superintendents and professional turf managers.

Purdue hosting meeting of international animal behavior group

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:47:00 EDT

Purdue University's Department of Animal Sciences will co-host the 45th Congress for the International Society for Applied Ethology in Indianapolis this summer with the Purdue-based Livestock Behavior Research Unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service.

Termites' digestive system could act as biofuel refinery

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 13:29:00 EDT

One of the peskiest household pests, while disastrous to homes, could prove to be a boon for cars, according to a Purdue University study.

Ag economist: Higher commodity prices the "new normal"?

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 13:12:00 EDT

Higher commodity prices might be the rule rather than the exception in the coming years, a Purdue University agricultural economist says.

Production workshop to focus on financial strategy, technology

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:51:00 EDT

To succeed in crop production today, Purdue Extension agricultural economist Bruce Erickson says farmers must be on top of economics and technology, which is why these strategies will be key elements in the 2011 Top Farmer Crop Workshop.

City officials discover emerald ash borer in Lafayette

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:02:00 EDT

The destructive emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Lafayette by a Purdue entomologist, the city forester and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Ethanol mandate means corn demand less responsive to price

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:46:00 EDT

Federal law that helped jump-start the ethanol industry in the United States also is shifting normal supply-and-demand forces within commodities markets, said a Purdue University agricultural economist.

Indiana produce unlikely ready for July 4 holiday celebrations

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:05:00 EDT

After months of wet weather, Purdue Extension experts say melons, sweet corn and other Indiana-grown produce may not be ready for Independence Day barbecues.

Grant will help farmers deal with changes to climates

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:02:00 EDT

Purdue University researchers will get a $5 million grant to develop decision-support tools to help corn and soybean growers adapt their practices to changes in climate.

Late-planted soybeans cause concern about rust, other diseases

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:51:00 EDT

Late-planted soybeans may be at risk for potential yield loss from soybean rust and other diseases, said a Purdue Extension crop disease specialist.

Public invited to tour Purdue's solar house

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:52:00 EDT

Purdue University will throw an open house at INhome, the solar home that will compete in an international competition this fall.

Beauty of butterflies to be shown at annual Encounter

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:28:00 EDT

Nature enthusiasts can learn about butterflies and how to photograph them at the annual Tippecanoe County Butterfly Encounter on July 16 at Prophetstown State Park.

New Purdue Extension guide teaches hitch system safety

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:56:00 EDT

Motorists can reduce hitch-related truck and trailer accidents by following key safety steps offered in a new Purdue Extension guide.

Residual herbicide restrictions affect cover crop decisions

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:13:00 EDT

With interest in cover crops increasing among farmers unable to plant corn because of bad weather, Purdue Extension plant experts say growers should consider herbicide residue restrictions when making planting decisions.

Fungicides may not increase corn yields unless disease develops

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:08:00 EDT

Unless a corn crop is at risk of developing fungal diseases, a Purdue University study shows that farmers would be smart to skip fungicide treatments that promise increased yields.

Dairy farmers to tour operations during Kentuckiana exchange

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:29:00 EDT

The Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange will highlight dairy industry challenges and developments as farmers tour six farms near Fort Wayne, Ind., in August.

Insect control proves essential in livestock production

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:22:00 EDT

Fly season is in full swing, and a Purdue Extension entomologist says insect control is essential as these pests can lead to disease and decreased growth rates in livestock.

Cooling system may build eggs' natural defenses against salmonella

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:31:00 EDT

Once eggs are laid, their natural resistance to pathogens begins to wear down, but a Purdue University scientist believes he knows how to rearm those defenses.