Notes from Julie... This newsletter is composed mostly of information

on current events and popular topics. I appreci-

ate the opportunity to work for such wonderful

people in Randolph County.

While autumn is one of my favorite seasons of the year, it

often brings a sight that bothers me: thousands of bags of

fallen leaves left on the curb. It’s such a waste for this free

source of organic material to be dragged to the landfill,

when it could be used right on our own properties.

The first thing homeowners should do is mow these leaves up. Mowing or using a

leaf-shredder reduces the volume of leaves to 10 percent of the original pile. So,

instead of creating 50 bags of leaves, you’d only create five.

Ambitious gardeners can take these shredded leaves and add them to a compost bin.

Composting reduces the volume by another 50 percent. A simple compost bin can

be made out of chicken wire; more elaborate bins can be made out of treated lum-

ber, old pallets, leftover building materials, or whatever you have handy. A bin four

feet high and four feet wide is ideal, and not too large for most gardeners to deal

with.

Mowing up the leaves also adds some grass clippings, which supply the nitrogen

that microbes need to break down the leaves. Spray some water on the leaves as you

fill the bin: the shredded mass needs to have the moisture level of a wrung-out

sponge. Turn the pile every 3 or 4 weeks, and by springtime, you should have some

excellent organic material to add to your flower and vegetable gardens.

If you find that composting is a bit too much work for your busy schedule, instead,

you can take the shredded leaves and spread them directly over the garden. Once the

last of the leaves have been dumped, you can rototill them directly into the garden.

The earthworms and microbes can then decompose them directly into the soil over

the winter.

Don’t have a garden? Then use the shredded leaves as mulch. Spread them 4 to 6

inches deep over the root systems of trees and around shrubs, taking care not to pile

the mulch onto the bark itself. After a few rains, the mulch will pack down to a

depth of 3 or 4 inches, which is perfect for protecting tree roots and keeping grass

and weeds from competing with your tree for water and nutrients. With a little bit of

careful maneuvering, you can have your mower gather the shredded leaves under

the tree for you, so you don’t even need to rake!

Speaking of leaving leaves under trees… Some homeowners spend all weekend rak-

ing the needles out from under their pine trees, and then call me and ask what they

can do with the needles. My advice: put them back under the pine trees! It’s free

mulch to prevent weeds and turfgrass from getting too close to the pines. Plus, the

needles help keep the soil acidic, which pine trees need. Why work harder than you

have to?

For more information on fall leaves, contact the Purdue Extension Service at (765)

584-2271.

Like our Facebook page, Purdue Ex-tension Randolph County, for contin-ued updated on events, workshops, important dates and much more.

November 2016 Volume 1, Issue 3

Randolph

County ANR

Newsletter

Randolph County BOAH Veterinary Feed Directive Program

Changes are just on the horizon for livestock and poultry owners. Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, new rules adopted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will affect how farmers purchase and use some feed-administered medications for their animals.

Dr. Melissa Justice, a district veterinarian for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), will present an overview

of the changes and help livestock and poultry owners know what to expect under the new rule on December 7 at 6.30 pm. The meeting, hosted by Purdue Extension of Randolph County, will be at the county fairgrounds in Winchester, and is open to the public.

FDA’s new veterinary feed directive (VFD) law applies to the use of some families of medica-tions when fed to livestock or poultry. FDA’s goal is to minimize the opportunity for drug-resistant organisms to develop from the use of “medically important antibiotics” (or MIAs) in food-producing animals. The scientific community if concerned that, over time, continued use of MIAs in food animals will lessen the drugs’ effectiveness in treating human disease.

Consequently, some feed-based animal drugs may not be available to farmers through usual channels. Small (or hobby) farmers who need to treat their animals with an MIA will likely be most affected, as many medicated pre-mixed, bagged feed products will no longer be sold at local farm supply stores. Livestock and poultry owners will have to work closely with a veterinarian to obtain certain medications, while some may no longer be availa-ble for certain uses.

More information about the new rule and what livestock owners can expect if available online at: www.fda.gov/safefeed .

RSVP: By December 1, 2016 at 765-584-2271

Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 2

Call Before You Dig!

Digging can be an expensive and potentially dangerous venture. Underground facilities are extremely vulnerable

to damage during any type of excavating. Each year millions of dollars in property damage, personal injuries

and even loss of life occur because of careless digging, boring and blasting when underground facilities were

not located prior to excavating. With each passing year, more and more lines are being installed and the prob-

lems increase for everyone involved.

Anyone who digs should contact Indiana 811 first, whether it is to

plant a tree, put in a new fence or children’s play set, or dig for

any other reason. Indiana 811 is a non-profit corporation made up

of operators of underground facilities within the State of Indiana.

It is a free statewide system, designed to save time, money, costly

lawsuits, and dramatically reduce accidental dig-ins.

Farmers Grow Communities Nominations Open

Farmer enrollment for America’s Farmers Grow Communities is now open! Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, this program offers farmers the chance to direct $2,500 donations to rural nonprofit organizations of their choice. To enroll or find a complete list of eligibility requirements, farmers can visit www.GrowCommunities.com or call 877-267-3332. Enrollment runs until November 30 and winners will be announced in January 2017.

FAQ: FDA VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVE (VFD) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has changed federal laws regarding the use of some medically im-

portant antibiotics to minimize the opportunity for drug-resistant organisms to develop. These changes will affect how livestock producers purchase and use some feed-administered medications to animals on or before Jan. 2017. This FAQ seeks to answer basic questions. More details are available through your veterinarian or at:

www.fda.gov/safefeed.

What is a VFD? A VFD is a written statement issued by a veterinarian that authorizes the use of a VFD drug/combination in or on an animal feed. The VFD describes specific terms of use for the drug. A VFD is similar to a prescription, but more detailed.

When is a VFD required? A VFD is required for all drugs that are considered “medically important antibiotics”, or MIAs. MIAs are the medicine family used in human health. The scientific community is concerned that, over time, continued use of MIAs in food animals will lessen their effectiveness in treating human disease. As a result, the FDA is strictly limiting their use as feed-based animal drugs. A VFD drug is limited to use under the profession-al supervision of a licensed veterinarian. How do I know if a drug is a VFD, rather than an OTC drug? Read the label. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs do not have a VFD cautionary statement. What is an “expiration date” on the VFD? The expiration date specifies the last day the VFD feed may be fed. This is a requirement. VFDs expire based on the label or, if not specified, up to 6 months from date of issue. As a client, can I feed a VFD feed past the VFD expiration date? No. A VFD feed/combination VFD feed must not be fed to animals after the expiration date on the VFD. Continued use requires a written renewal by the DVM. How does a producer obtain VFD feed? Producers must obtain a VFD order from a veterinarian, then send (or take) the order to a feed manufacturer or supplier to obtain the VFD feed. Producers who manufacture their own feed must have a VFD to obtain the medicated VFD feed ingredient(s). Producers who manufacture feed for oth-ers should be aware that they are acting as a distributor and additional requirements apply. More information on manufacturing and distributing VFD feeds is available at: www.fda.gov/safefeed. What does professional supervision mean? The veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is the basis of pro-fessional supervision. The veterinarian writing the VFD must be licensed to practice in the state the VFD is issued, and have sufficient knowledge of the animal(s), and be available for emergency follow-up, if needed. How do I use a VFD feed? The VFD feed must be used only according to the VFD order and label specifications. What is “extralabel use” of a VFD drug and is it allowed? “Extralabel use” is use of a drug in a manner not in accordance with the approved labeling. Extralabel use of medicated feed, including feed containing a VFD drug/combination, is not permitted, including changing drug level and species use. Client’s Responsibilities As a client, a producer must: Only feed feedstuffs containing a VFD drug/combination to animals as prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Not feed a VFD feed/combination to animals after the expira-tion date on the VFD. Provide a copy of the VFD order to the feed distributor (unless the issuing veterinarian sends it directly to the distributor). Maintain a copy of the VFD order for a minimum of 2 years. Provide VFD orders for inspection upon request. What is not covered? Water-soluble medications require a prescription, not a VFD. This rule does not affect Ionophores such as Bovatec, Rumensin, and anti-coccidials drugs.

Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 3

Purdue Extension is offering 3 Farmer Coffee Hour Programs.

Purdue Extension-Randolph County will be hosting the Farmer Coffee Hour series beginning

in late January. All programs will be held at the Randolph County Fairgrounds. Please see the

dates, times, topics, and speakers listed below.

Farmer Coffee Hour Programs

Thursday, January 19, Agricultural Outlook Program, Chris Hurt Purdue Extension Specialist

Thursday, January 26, “Transition Planning for Farmers”, Matt Golliher, First Merchants Bank Investment

Consultant.

Thursday, February 2, Drones and on-farm uses, Dr. Dharmendra Saraswat, Purdue University Agricul-

tural Engineering Professor

The Farmer Coffee Hour Programs will begin at 8:00 am and breakfast

will be served. The breakfast will be sponsored by First Merchants

Bank. Preregistration is requested 3 days before by calling the Ran-

dolph County Extension office at 765-584-2271.

Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 4

Purdue Custom Rates at: www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/EC/EC-130-W.pdf

Purdue Agricultural Economics Report: https://ag.purdue.edu/agecon/Pages/Purdue-

Agricultural-Economics-Report.aspx

Certified Livestock Producer Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture will hold four trainings this winter for Indiana livestock producers interested in

completing the Certified Livestock Producer Program.

In addition to attending a one-day training, producers enrolled in the program will develop biosecurity and emergency

plans, meet with their local fire department, participate in their industry’s animal wellbeing program (Beef Quality Assur-

ance, Pork Quality Assurance, F.A.R.M., etc.), and complete various self assessments about their farm practices.

Applications are available at www.in.gov/isda/2395.htm. To register for the trainings listed below, return an application to Kimmi Devaney at KDevaney@isda.in.gov or by mailing it to One North Capitol, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

December 14-Whitley County

January 28-Decatur County

February 7-Martin County

February 15-White County

Shrimp Cousin Did You know that sow bugs and pill bugs are actually crustaceans. They live in moist areas so they can get oxygen through gilllike struc-tures just like lobsters and shrimp.

Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 5

Purdue Extension Offering Lawn & Garden Workshop Series

Have a garden? Want to improve your lawn?

Wonder why your vegetables or trees are dying?

Want to keep critters out of your home or landscape?

Purdue Extension in Randolph County is offering a six-week series of Lawn & Garden Workshops on Monday afternoons from 1:00-3:00pm in the Extension Office. The series will begin on January 9

th and continue

through February 13th. The cost for the workshop series is $25, and each participant will receive a notebook

with valuable Purdue Extension publications and a certificate for a free soil sample or a diagnostic sample to be submitted to the Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab (a $15 value).

The schedule for the workshops is:

SCHEDULE:

January 9 – Lawncare Basics

January 16 – Weed Identification & Management

January 23 – Gardening for Wildlife & Animal Pests

January 30 – Plant Disease Diagnosis

February 6 – Vegetables

February 13 – Tree & Shrub Care

Participation in this series of programs is limited to the first 15 paid applicants. For more information or to reg-ister, please contact the Purdue Extension Office at 765-584-2271.

Purdue University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory

The Purdue University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory is a central facility for receiving

both physical samples and digital images submitted for identification of insects, plants and

plant diseases or diagnosis of plant and pest problems. This service is provided to private

businesses and citizens of Indiana. Contact your local Extension Educator to help submit

your samples.

What is PCARET? PCARET is the Purdue University branch of the national CARET organization. The purpose of the PCARET is to

provide a means for Indiana citizens to have input into program development, budgetary matters, and legislation.

Members work with decision makers at all levels - local, state, and national.

PCARET represents the grassroots needs and concerns of the people of Indiana. Its members are advocates for

land-grant agricultural programs in research, extension, and teaching with county officials, state legislators, and

other decision makers.

PCARET also serves as an advisor to the land-grant university, offering valuable input on programs and helping

the university be responsive to public needs.

In addition, PCARET provides Indiana with lay leadership and expertise about the federal and state budget pro-

cesses and about issues affecting agricultural research, extension, and teaching. Members serve as advisors and

advocates for the land-grant system. They are often asked to "tell the story" as beneficiaries of research-based

education.

Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 6

Ag law specialist: Notification for farm lease changes should be made in writing WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Indiana landowners and tenant farmers who want to renegotiate or terminate farmland leases should deliver clear, timely, written notification of their intentions rather than relying on word-of-mouth, a Purdue Extension agricultural law specialist says. The Indiana notification deadline is three months before the end of the current crop year unless the two sides have agreed on a different date. By custom, crop years end the last day of February - in this case, Feb. 28, 2017 - meaning the deadline for delivering notification is before Dec. 1, 2016. If no changes are made to the lease, the existing terms remain in place for the next year. Gerald Harrison, professor of agricultural economics and a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, said a 2012 ruling by the Indiana Court of Appeals indicated that notification to terminate a lease agreement must be made in writing, properly identify the property and be delivered in a timely manner. In that case, the tenant had an oral notification to terminate the lease on two farms but only one farm was identi-fied in the written notice. "Traditionally, oral notification did the job and will likely will satisfy some in the future," Harrison said. "When a tenant does not want to part with the leased land, even for one more year, is when a prop-er written notice to quit is important, as it was in the case that went to the court of appeals." Harrison suggested that landowners and tenants might also want to agree on an earlier date for the notification deadline rather than waiting until end of November. "I presume most tenants would like to know by Sept. 1 of the current crop year if they will have a given farm or par-cel of land to farm in the coming year for good management reasons," Harrison said. "Planning ahead for fall till-age, cover crops, lime and fertilizer applications, as well as farm machinery needs, is important so it is important to know what acreage will be farmed in the coming year." One problem with setting an earlier deadline could be determining a fixed, cash rent payment. Landlords are typi-cally reluctant to adapt to market changes, Harrison said. According to the annual Purdue Farmland Value Survey released in August, cash rents in Indiana declined in 2016 from 2015 as grain prices remained weak after several years of big harvests and slackening global demand. Indi-cations are producers could be facing financial struggles again next year. "Budgets for crop production in 2017 show big losses for producers at the 2016 cash rents," Harrison said. "Thus considerable pressure exists for lowering cash rents, especially the leases that have fixed cash payments rather than rents based on flexible rates." For more information on Indiana farmland lease law, go to https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/EC/EC-713.pdf. For information on the decline in profitability of crop production, go to https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/Pages/Resources/Farmland/Cash-Rents/Evaluating-Farmland-Rental.aspx. For corn and soybean budgets for average land go to:

http://www.farms.com/expertscommentary/purdue-how-to-compute-crop-breakeven-prices-99721.aspx. Writer: Darrin Pack, 765-494-8415, dpack@purdue.edu Source: Gerald Harrison, 765-494-4216, harrisog@purdue.edu

5th Annual Indiana Small Farm Conference

The 5th Annual Indiana Small Farm Conference is scheduled for March 2-4, 2017 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex, Danville, IN. Deep dive into full day workshops on Thursday, March 2 on Hops Production, Starting a Small Farm in In-diana, On-Farm Produce Food Safety, and more. On Friday and Saturday, the conference features concurrent sessions on topics ranging from vegetable and livestock production to farm management and marketing. The trade show is open Friday and Satur-day for you to network and interact with farm supply and services businesses, non-profit organizations, state agencies, and more. Don’t miss this annual networking and educational program geared to the unique needs of the growing In-diana small farm community! Keep an eye on our website as we add details about the agenda and registration during the fall months. Follow us on Facebook for timely updates on the 2017 conference and other Small Farm programs and resources.

The Science Of GMO’s

Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are a major issue about which many of us know relatively little.

We want to know what we’re eating, and we want to know how this issue is impacting the environment.

Knowing more equips us to make the best decisions for ourselves and generations to come.

What’s the story on GMO’s and label-

ing?

Back when GMOs were introduced into

the market in the 1990s, the federal gov-

ernment didn’t require a label if a food

product contained an ingredient that had

been genetically modified. The United

States regulating agencies determined

that there were no notable differences in

nutrition and food safety from other

foods we eat that would require special

labeling.

In subsequent years, some members of the public have advocated for having more information about what

their food contains. In response, in the summer of 2016 Congress passed a bill that was subsequently signed

by President Obama. This legislation establishes a federal standard for labeling foods that have been made

with genetically modified organisms. The bill requires food manufacturers to use one of three types of labels

to inform consumers when GMO ingredients are in their products: a statement on the package, directions to

a website or a phone number, or a QR code.

For addition information on Genetically Modified Organism check out the Purdue’s College of Agriculture

website at https://ag.purdue.edu/gmos/pages/scienceofgmos

You can always count on this site to address this complicated and evolving issue with neutral, scientifically

sound information.

Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 7

Pesticide Applicators Certification Program (PARP Training & CCH-

CEU Cat 1, 14 and RT)

The program will be Friday, December 16, 2016. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the

program will start at 9:00 a.m.. The program will be at the Randolph County 4-H fair-

grounds (1885 South Us Hwy 27, Winchester, In 47394).

Private Applicators will have a $10 fee. Checks should be

payable to “Randolph County Purdue CES”

RSVP: By December 12, 2016 at 765-584-2271

Purdue Extension—Randolph County Office Staff

Julie Elsbury Joanie Thornburg

Extension Educator 4-H Program Assistant

CED/ANR/4-H Youth jmcollin@purdue.edu

jelsbury@purdue.edu

Sue Thornburg Casey Seliga

Office Manager NEP Assistant

lthornbu@purdue.edu cseliga@purdue.edu

Office Phone: 765-584-2271

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

www.extension.purdue.edu/randolph

PRESORTED

STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID

WINCHESTER, IN 47394

PERMIT NO. 15

PURDUE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

Randolph County

1885 S US Hwy 27

Winchester, IN 47394

Cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture