By MARK BUTZOW
Indiana Correspondent INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — For the past several years, as Purdue University extension packed up its booth after at the annual Indiana-Illinois farm show, educator Curt Emanuel would write an evaluation of the show and make a suggestion. This year, organizers acted on his suggestion, and pesticide applicator training will now be part of the Indiana Farm Equipment and Technology Expo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in December. “Because it’s late in the season, if somebody needed one more certification credit before the deadline, this might help them,” he explained – and holding it at an event that’s likely to bring many producers together anyway makes it more convenient for them. The training, which will begin at 1 p.m. on Dec. 13, will include three presentations: •Jason Ackerson, Purdue Agronomy Department, “Soil Testing Basics” •John Scott, Purdue digital extension coordinator, “The Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) in Field Scouting” •Austin Pearson, extension educator, Purdue – Tipton County, “Utilizing Precision Ag to Comply with Setbacks” The cost is $10 for those seeking pesticide credit, and participants need to stay for all three parts to earn the credit. Attendees must also bring a copy of their license with them. Registration for the program will begin at 1 p.m. on the exhibit floor of the West Pavilion. This program has been approved as a Private Applicator Recertification Program, one of three that private applicators need to renew their license every five years. Continuing Certification Hours (CCHs) for commercial applicators have also been approved, and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for certified crop advisors have been applied for, which likely will attract a number of commercial applicators and certified crop advisors, in addition to private farm operators. In recent years, Emanuel said, the state Certified Crop Advisors conference occurred at the same time as the farm show, but that conflict doesn’t exist this year. What had previously been the Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Power Equipment Show has changed owners and names. After 39 years operating it, Richard Sherman bowed out. The radio network Hoosier Ag Today and Farm World’s parent company, MidCountry Media, Inc., have bought the show from Sherman. The first Indiana Farm Equipment and Technology Expo will focus on new technology and product innovation in farm equipment, seed genetics, bioscience, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence and Big Data. “This is not a gathering of geeks, but a practical showcase of the latest technology and innovation that farmers can take home and out to work,” said Gary Truitt, president of Hoosier Ag Today. He and Gary Thoe, publisher of Farm World, promise the Expo will be interactive, with daily live demonstrations of new products. The website www.indianafarmexpo.com is being updated as features and exhibitors are added, and pre-registration for the Expo – which will run Dec. 11-13 – can be done on the site. There is no cost to enter the show, but there may be a parking fee for the Indiana State Fairgrounds. For details on exhibit space, contact Toni Hodson at 800-876-5133, ext. 280. |
