Purdue University's Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center, part of the university farm system, is trying a unique approach to get families from the surrounding rural community and even urban areas to visit the farm. The field day on Saturday, Sept. 28, is in two parts. The morning is all about fun and family events in a rural setting. The afternoon is more hard-core Extension programming geared to helping forage and beef producers pick up tips that may help them do a better job.
The activities for the morning will take place at SIPAC at 11371 AAAE Purdue Farm Road, Dubois. It's just north of the Patoka Lake dam entrance.
Jason Tower, superintendent of the farm, says a 4 mile run/walk event starts at 8:30 a.m. local time. Runners can expect to travel over asphalt, rock, grass pasture and dirt. Entry is $20 per person by Sept. 20 and $30 after. The first 100 people get t-shirts included in their registration cost. There will be awards to the top male and female in various age categories. Call 812-678-4427 for Jason Tower or 812-482-1782 at the Dubois County Extension office to register.
Not into running? How about geocaching, fish cleaning, goat milking or learning about a weather station? These activities geared to a family audience will also be offered in the morning, Tower says. Bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic on the farm.
Afternoon sessions begin at 1:30 p.m. and run until 5 p.m. Cattle care and concerns, hay storage and using goats to control invasive plants in woodlands will all be discussed. There will also be a pasture walk and more information provide about the center as a whole before the day concludes.
This should be one of the most unique field day activities held at a Purdue farm yet. Plan now to attend. You can learn more online at ag.purdue.edu/arp/pac/Pages/sipac-home.aspx