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From the
Dean
Colleagues,
Over the last few weeks we have been putting together Purdue Agriculture’s report for our mid-year management review with the Provost. As we gathered all the information from our departments and units, I was reminded again what a dynamic, productive place Purdue Agriculture is! In the face of a very challenging funding environment, Purdue Agriculture researchers have continued to find funding – more than $20m since July 1. More importantly, the focus of our research, from genetics and genomics (plant and animal), to renewable energy, to assessing environmental problems, to fertility recommendations for Indiana farmers, is making a difference in our state, nation, and world. From floods to financial crisis, Purdue Extension has continued its history of providing immediate, relevant response and information to improve the lives and livelihoods of Indiana citizens. We have continued to work with the state’s agricultural industries to increase their competitiveness and profitability. In academic programs, our faculty have been engaged in a comprehensive, systematic review of our undergraduate curriculum. Our undergraduate program has enjoyed robust growth – at 2535 this year, the highest enrollment in the last 11 years. Our graduates move into the workforce or on to graduate/professional school at an exceptional rate—93% last year. The new Steve and Sandra Hageman Center for Student Access and Leadership opened this fall – an incredible resource for our students. In the international arena, we are well on our way to reaching 8000 villages through the PICS project in Niger and Burkina Faso. Agriculture faculty developed and delivered five days of instruction to nearly 30 Indiana National Guardsmen who will be teaching agricultural practices in Afghanistan. We are moving our diversity efforts forward with initiatives like the Ag Discovery Camp that brought 27 minority high school students to campus in July. During the six months since July 1, we have moved our strategic planning process forward with the development of white papers in the areas of discovery, engagement, learning, and international programs, and our working groups will present those white papers to the College in January. A new web-site will come on line next year. These are terribly uncertain times and there are many challenges ahead for our college, our university, and our stakeholders. But I could not be more confident in Purdue Agriculture’s ability to both manage whatever the budget environment brings, and more importantly, to continue to serve the very broad stakeholder base that looks to us for scholarship and education that makes a difference. Thank you for all you do for Purdue Agriculture – you make this place the terrific organization that it is! Have a safe and happy holiday!
All the best, Jay Akridge
News around Purdue Agriculture
Researchers find nature's shut-off switch for cellulose production
Full story: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008b/081217CarpitaRNA.html
'Blending wall' stands in way of ethanol growth
Full story: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008b/081219TynerEthanol.html Holiday firewood should be purchased, burned locally Full story: http://www.entm.purdue.edu/news/eabHolidayFirewood.html
Conference helps growers learn the ins and outs of organicsThe fifth annual Midwest Organic Production and Marketing Conference and Trade Show, held in conjunction with the Indiana Horticulture Congress, will be Jan. 21-22 at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Indianapolis. "Participants will leave the conference with a better understanding of organic production techniques," said Jim True, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service educator and co-conference planner. "Once a grower can produce the product, they'll need to market it and we've got sessions explaining different marketing strategies such as community supported agriculture and how to sell to wholesalers." Full story:http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008b/081215TrueConference.html
To cut back on calories, eat at homeWhen you choose Swiss Chalet over McDonald's, don't be thinking you're doing your waistline any favours. According to a new study, table service meals typically contain more calories than fast food meals because they have bigger portions and offer more variety. "People are always talking about how bad fast food is, but they're both pretty bad from a standpoint of calories and so forth," said James Binkley, the lead researcher and a professor of agricultural economics. Full story: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/reallife/story.html?id=cbefbdaf-027f-402c-bdf8-be22c49fe135
Fish back on the menu for Ag Alumni Fish FryThe Ag Alumni Fish Fry on Feb. 7 will reintroduce fish into the menu - in addition to pork - at the 11:30 a.m. luncheon in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The Indiana Soybean Alliance is sponsoring the fish that will be served as part of its Aquaculture Initiative. The Indiana Packers Corp. will continue to sponsor the pork, as the group has since 1999. Full story: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008b/081216LesterFishfry.html
Randy Woodson recognized for rural service
Full story: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008b/081205AkridgeHovde.html ABE to honor Don Jones on his retirement
Terry Stewart honored by national society
Mike Boehlje receives distinguished service award
Sustainable Agriculture Outreach Award goes to Maria Marshall
Grad student named Teaching Academy Associate FellowNadia Carmosini, a graduate student in Agronomy, has been inducted into the Purdue Teaching Academy as an Associate Fellow. The Teaching Academy honors and supports excellence in teaching and works to strengthen teaching quality throughout the university. Nadia was one of 14 members inducted at the Teaching Academy ceremony in October. Purdue's Animal Welfare Judging Team wins intercollegiate contest
University News
Purdue takes series of steps to address economic downturnOn December 20, Purdue officials outlined the university's plan to address the uncertain economic times and continue its legacy of strong fiscal management. James S. Almond, the university's chief financial officer, summarized discussion from the Purdue board of trustees' regular meeting, saying several steps will be taken. Full story: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008b/081220BOTMeritpay.html Purdue among best buys in higher educationIn a new twist on traditional college rankings, an article in the January issue of Smart Money quantified the long-term value of a college education by spotlighting the relationship between tuition costs and graduates' earning power. Purdue was ranked 9th among public universities in the nation. Full story: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/in_focus/2008/December/Smart Money Jan 09.pdf Purdue names new associate VP for government relationsThe executive director of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and former aide to U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar has been named Purdue's new Associate Vice President for Governmental Relations. Timothy J. Sanders, a 1977 Purdue graduate who has led the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority since its launch in 2006, will serve as Purdue's chief liaison between the university and state officials. He also will have oversight of Purdue's interaction with federal officials. Full story: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008b/081222SandersGovt.html
Mark your calendar
January 12: Spring Semester begins January 12-14: Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts annual conference in Indianapolis. Bob McCormick, Jane Frankenberger, and Laura Esman will represent their activities in the college at this event. Contact Danica Kirkpatrick at 494-9113 for more information. January 12-14: Indiana Green Expo at the Indiana Convention Center. Contact Mike Mickelbart at 494-7902 for more information. January 13-15: Fort Wayne Farm Show at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Purdue Extension in area XI will represent the college at this event. Contact Danica Kirkpatrick at 494-9113 for more information. January 19-21: Indiana Horticultural Congress at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Indianapolis. Contact Tammy Goodale at 494-1296 for more information. February 3: PCARET Legislative Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Indianapolis. Contact Teresa Rogers at 494-8489 for more information. February 4-6: HASTI (Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc.) at the Indiana Convention Center. Hours are Thursday (8:00 am – 5 pm) and Friday (8:00 am – 2:00 pm). Contact Danica Kirkpatrick at 494-9113 for more information. February 7: Ag Alumni Fish Fry in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds at 11:30 a.m. Main event will be preceded by the Ag Forecast in the Old National Bank Grand Hall at 9:30 a.m. Contact Donya Lester at 494-8593 for more information. February 11-14: National Farm Machinery Show and Tractor Pull at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Purdue Extension in areas I, II, and V will represent the college at this event. Contact Danica Kirkpatrick at 494-9113 for more information. March 6: Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Awards convocation and reception. Contact Debbie Claeys at 496-7894 for more information. April 18 & 19: Spring Fest on campus from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. College of Agriculture and other units from across campus present this educational event. Contact Danica Kirkpatrick at 494-9113 for more information.
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