Purdue Extension East Central Region

09/08/2026

Invasive species taking over your property? Learn what you can do about it!

Join SICIM and Purdue Extension for a FREE virtual session focused on practical ways to manage invasive species — with or without herbicides.

📅 Friday, September 11
⏰ 12–1 p.m. ET
💻 Virtual

Register here: https://forms.gle/MSL7fFCT8VmQ4e5p9

Help protect your property and Indiana’s natural resources by learning how to manage invasive species effectively!

09/04/2026

Join us in celebrating two outstanding Henry County, Indiana 4-H volunteers, Janet and Larry White!

For decades, Janet and Larry have dedicated their time to supporting the Henry County Swine Club and mentoring generations of young exhibitors. Larry recently attended his 74th Henry County 4-H Fair and has announced the Swine Show and Round Robin Showmanship Contest for approximately 40 years. Behind the scenes, Janet coordinates the many details that help each show run smoothly.

Their service has earned statewide recognition. After receiving the Indiana State Fair Lifetime Pass Award in 2022, Janet and Larry were honored twice more this year:

- Inducted into the Indiana Livestock Breeders Association Hall of Fame
- Received the Sesquicentennial Hoosier Homestead Award

Thank you, Janet and Larry, for your extraordinary commitment to Indiana 4-H, agriculture and youth development. Your legacy will continue through the countless young people you have encouraged and supported along the way! 🍀

09/01/2026

Ready to take steps toward a healthier you?

Join Purdue Extension for Steps to a Healthy You, a four-week program focused on helping you build healthy habits and make positive lifestyle choices.

📅 Wednesdays: September 16, 23, 30 & October 7
⏰ 12:30–2:00 p.m.
📍 West Jay Community Center

📞 Call 260-726-4707 to register.
Registration deadline is September 9, 2026.

Make your health a priority this fall and join us!

08/31/2026

DPAC Field Day is just TWO DAYS away!

There’s still time to make plans to join us Wednesday, September 2 at the Davis Purdue Ag Center in Farmland for a morning of agricultural education, continuing education credits and connections with fellow ag professionals.

📅 Wednesday, September 2, 2026
⏰ Registration: 7:30 a.m. | Program begins: 8:00 a.m.
📍 Davis Purdue Ag Center, 6230 IN-1, Farmland, IN

Attendees can earn 1 PARP point, category credits and CEUs in Soil & Water Management, IPM and Crop Management.

Lunch is provided at no charge!

📞 Call 765-584-2271 to check registration availability and reserve your spot.

Don’t miss this opportunity. We’ll see you in two days!

08/31/2026

Learn what it takes to build a sustainable garden in your community with Purdue Extension's Grass To Garden Virtual Course!
Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6-8 pm ET.
Register at https://cvent.me/DAMMMg
The $50 course fee includes:
- Four live virtual sessions
- Asynchronous education & activities
- Participant manual & online resource library
- Support from experienced educators

08/31/2026

is offering a free hybrid Invasive Species Natural Resources Training this fall. The series covers invasive species identification, reporting, management and more across a variety of ecosystems. Learn more about the program and field day locations here: https://extension.purdue.edu/events/2026/09/invasive-species-natural-resources-training.html

08/28/2026

Grow your homesteading skills at the 2026 Indiana Homesteading Conference!

Join us Saturday, October 17, at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Bloomington for practical workshops and expert guidance on sustainable living, gardening, livestock, food preservation, small-farm management and more.

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.
📍 Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 Airport Road, Bloomington

Registration options:
💛 Full day, including lunch: $20 by September 1; $25 after
🖤 Half day, featuring two consecutive sessions: $10 by September 1; $15 after

Register by October 9 at ➡️ https://bit.ly/HomesteadingConference2026

Payment must be submitted by cash or check to Purdue Extension Monroe County. Payments are nonrefundable.

Questions? Contact Purdue Extension–Monroe County at 812-349-2575.

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

Support Mental Health in Indiana’s Agricultural Communities

Purdue Extension’s Farm Shield Program is offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training for those who live, work and serve in Indiana’s rural and agricultural communities.

This training provides practical skills to help you:
• Recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges
• Respond effectively during a mental health crisis
• Offer support in a nonjudgmental way
• Connect individuals with appropriate resources
• Help build a stronger culture of wellness and support in agriculture

This training is especially valuable for farmers, family members, agricultural professionals, educators, lenders, veterinarians, agribusiness representatives and community leaders.

📅 Tuesday, September 8, 2026
⏰ 9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET
📍 Indiana Soybean Alliance, 8425 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis
🔗 Register: https://cvent.me/K87DXW
⚠️ Registration deadline: TODAY, August 25 — online pre-work is required.

Help strengthen the network of support available to Indiana’s farming communities. 💚

08/24/2026

Join us for Adult Mental Health First Aid training on September 18 from 9 AM–4 PM at Henry County REMC. Learn how to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, offer support, and connect someone with appropriate help.

This training is sponsored by the Henry County Health Department and the LIVE Coalition, making registration free for participants.

🔗 Register by September 4: https://cvent.me/eQK0Go