Purdue Extension To Take Part In Agricultural Forum

Feb 20, 2014

By Emma Hopkins

Purdue Extension will again co-sponsor and provide programming for the Indiana Livestock, Forage and Grain Forum on March 13 in Indianapolis.

The educational forum is organized by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and aims to bring together all facets of Indiana commodity production for a keynote address, tradeshow and breakout sessions. This year's forum will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 W. Maryland St.

The keynote address will feature KennethCukier, data editor at The Economist and co-author of Big Data: A Revolution that will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think. Cukier's talk, "Big Data - The Big Picture," will be followed by a panel discussion and question-and-answer session.

Purdue Extension educators Ed Farris and Tamara Ogle of Purdue's Land Lease Team will present "Making Your Land Lease Work for You" during an afternoon breakout session from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Other breakout presentations during that time:

"More Than a Load of Crap: Thinking About Manure in a New Way," sponsored by Indiana Pork, the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Farm Bureau.

"Recent Forage Improvements that will Benefit Producers," sponsored by the Indiana Forage Council.

"Yield Grades and Quality Grades: What They Mean and Why You Should Care," sponsored by the Indiana Beef Cattle Association.

"Insider's Look on Farm Policy," sponsored by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance.

Also during that time, the Indiana Dairy Producers will host their annual meeting, followed by "Vision for ISDA," presented by Indiana State Department of Agriculture director Ted McKinney.

Advance registration of $25 per person is required. The fee includes a pre-forum continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and lunch. More information and online registration are available at http://www.indianasoybean.com/forum.

Other sponsors are the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, American Dairy Association, Indiana Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana Horse Council.

Source:ag.purdue.edu

Video: Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Neoseiulus californicus)

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus is an effective natural enemy of various species of spider mites, including the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). As a key player in biological pest control, this predator helps growers protect their crops sustainably.

How does Neoseiulus californicus work?

•Specializes in targeting the larval and nymphal stages of spider mites.

•Also consumes spider mite eggs, ensuring population control.

•Detects prey through webbing and leaf damage rather than sight.

•Feeds by sucking out the contents of its prey.

Why use Neoseiulus californicus for spider mite control?

•Highly adaptable to different environments, including warm and dry conditions.

•Works as both a preventive and curative solution for spider mite infestations.

•Complements other predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, for integrated pest management (IPM).

•A natural, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.