The 2017 edition of Pinney Purdue Field Day is scheduled for Aug. 23. Pinney Purdue Agriculture Center is located at 11402 County Line Road, Wanatah, two miles. Participants will have opportunities to get updates on current ag production issues, visit with neighbors and fellow producers as well as ag supply and service exhibitors, and enjoy a great sponsored meal. Registration and exhibitor booths open at 7:30 a.m. CDT in the new machinery shed on the east side of County Line Road; parking is also on the east side of the road. The Field Day program starts at 8:15 a.m. CDT.
The program begins when Dr. Michael Langemeier, Purdue Extension ag economist and assistant director of the Center of Commercial Agriculture, will discuss crop net return prospects for this growing season and beyond.
Field tours will begin at 9:20 a.m. and will include stops with Purdue Extension Specialists Bill Johnson, weed science specialist, on weed management; and Shaun Casteel, soybean specialist, on soybean management. Lyndon Kelley, irrigation educator for Michigan State and Purdue Extension, and Bruce MacKellar, Michigan State field crops educator, will cover water use efficiency, irrigation scheduling and N losses using irrigation. Derek Lamonte, undergraduate researcher in Purdue's Crop Phenotying program, will discuss and demonstrate current and future uses of drones in agriculture.
The field day will conclude with a sponsored pork chop lunch cooked by Birky Family Farms of Kouts. Participants are welcome to visit with Field Day exhibitors, who will be recognized for their help in sponsoring the Field Day, and talk to neighbors and presenters.
A twilight program is planned on the same day again this year for those unable to attend the morning programs. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and twilight presentations start at 6 p.m. CDT. Jim Camberato, Purdue Agronomy soil fertility specialist, will discuss nutrient issues for field crops. Peter Goldsbrough, Purdue professor of botany and plant pathology, will help participants better understand the facts and myths of genetic engineering in field and food crops. Phil Woolery, Purdue Extension Educator (Starke and Pulaski counties), will review the updated Worker Protection Standards to help workers stay safe in fields.
Those needing recertification credits for their private pesticide applicator licenses can receive a credit at either the field day or twilight program (a $10 fee will be charged for PARP credits; please bring your license with you). Commercial pesticide applicators can get Continuing Certification Hours (CCHs). Certified Crop Advisers can also acquire needed continuing education units.
For more information, call the Purdue Extension, LaPorte County office at 219/324-9407. A field day flyer with more details can be accessed at www.exten sion.purdue.edu/laporte.More information is also at the Pinney Purdue Ag Center website at www.agricul ture.purdue.edu/pac/ppac/.