January 20, 2006
Purdue offers organic farming program
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service will offer the Beginning Organic Farming program on Feb.1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) in Pfendler Hall on the West Lafayette campus.The event also can be seen by videoconferencing in Daviess, Elkhart, Hendricks, Knox, Orange, Perry, Scott and Tipton counties. Preregistration is encouraged and can be made by calling (888) EXT-INFO.
"This program will present discussions on economics, such as how people are making money, what are some of the challenges and what are some strategies used during the transition from non-organic to organic farming," said Liz Maynard, Purdue Extension specialist.
The program includes presentations about the economics of organic farming, a panel discussion that includes buyers sharing market trends and future expectations, sessions on frequently asked questions, managing the soil and providing mineral nutrients to the crop, methods for controlling organic crop pests, and management of organic poultry and dairy operations.
"It will give people a chance to hear from university specialists, as well as farmers," Maynard said.
Those planning to get started in organic farming will have an opportunity to meet with farmers, buyers, researchers and Extension specialists to get ideas on organic production.
The Small Farms and New Ventures teams of Purdue Extension are event sponsors, with partial funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.
Writer: Chelsea Carter, (765) 494-8402, carterc@purdue.edu
Source: Liz Maynard, (219) 785-5673, emaynard@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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