On May 16th, the Switzerland County SWCD, along with Purdue Extension, Switzerland County Farm Bureau and the County Homemakers; hosted the Switzerland County Ag. Day Event. This day is planned as an educational event for the county's fourth grade students highlighting the contribution of agriculture in everyday activities. Our goals with the event are to give an understanding of the production of food and fiber and the influence of agricutlure economically. Our volunteers include: NRCS, Switzerland County Homemakers, Switzerland County Farm Bureau, Switzerland County Animal Shelter, Duke Energy, Thorton's Motorcycle Sales, FARM, the Switzerland County FFA and numerous individuals.
The Switzerland County SWCD partnered with Farm Bureau of Switzerland County and Purdue Extension to sponsor a Forestry Field Day for the county's fifth grade students on October 24th. The day included four sessions related to forestry topics with speakers from the DNR, and several Switzerland County FFA members. The students were treated to lunch served by several members of Farm Bureau. All students were given a forestry activity book and their own White Pine sapling. In all, the day was a success for both the students and the partners involved with planning the event. Farm Bureau provided funding for the program through a grant obtained from the Indiana Farm Bureau.
A beef and forage field day was held on July 24th at North Bend farm near Patriot, operated by John Schroer. The farm is known for its extensive use of rotational grazing. Robert Zupancic, grazing specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, discussed grazing and answered questions related to the drought and how to help pastures recover. He also discussed alternatives to hay and traditional forages for dairy and cattle producers. Keith Johnson, Purdue University forage specialist, discussed alternatives for feeding and described various forages that might be options. He also touched on forage harvest management and weed control in pastures and hayland. John Schroer discussed herd health and what has worked for North Bend Farms.