August Announcements

As we develop strategies to deliver programs regionally, we are focusing on broader reach, depth of expertise, reduced duplication, applied research, innovation and continued service for communities. Stay tuned for updates on the transformation in the next newsletter. 

If you have any questions about the transformation, please email ExtensionTransformation@purdue.edu, and your question will be sent to the appropriate department.  

By Amanda Graupner, Extension administrator for CES digital support

For someone considering a home freeze dryer, an internet search can provide plenty of information — but it can't replicate tasting the finished product, seeing the equipment in action or asking questions directly to a Purdue Extension educator. 

First-hand experience was provided at the center of Discover Freeze Drying by regional HHS educator Janel Franks on July 9. Thirteen participants attended the program to learn about the food preservation technology that is growing in popularity but can require significant financial investment. 

Participants compared freeze drying with other preservation methods, learned about its advantages and limitations and watched a demonstration of the equipment. They sampled freeze-dried fruit and candy and tasted rehydrated mashed potatoes, which surprised several participants with how closely they resembled freshly prepared potatoes. The group also discussed using freeze drying to preserve fruits and vegetables, prepare shelf-stable foods and support emergency preparedness, as properly stored freeze-dried foods do not require electricity to remain shelf stable. 

“Offering Discover Freeze Drying lets our community members experience this technology,” Franks said. “In a culture that seeks information through internet searches, attending a program that allows people to have first-hand knowledge through demonstration and taste tests assists them in making informed decisions.” 

Participants left with information they could immediately put to use. Several said they had already been considering purchasing a freeze dryer and felt better equipped to make that decision after the program. At least three people indicated plans to purchase one, including a family of adult siblings interested in sharing a unit. A couple, who had previously attended Purdue Extension canning programs, was excited to add another preservation option to what they had already learned. 

“Freeze dryers are a significant financial investment,” Franks said. “I hope that through this program, community members are able to make an informed decision that is best for their situation.” 

Franks delivered the program locally, but its development reflects a broader Extension effort. She collaborated with HHS educator Monica Nagele and former HHS educator Mandy Gray to develop the program, with additional review from Purdue Extension's Food Preservation Team and campus specialists. Rather than recreating resources each time the topic is requested, the collaboratively developed presentation is now available to Purdue Extension educators. It has already been delivered in other communities and at the Rooted and Resilient Homesteading Conference. 

By Amanda Graupner, Extension administrator for CES digital support

For 14 youth attending the 2nd annual Indiana 4-H Ag to Athletics Camp, drones, nutrition, turfgrass and golf each offered a different look at the ways agriculture connects to sports. 

On July 29, the camp welcomed 4-H'ers in grades 3–6 for a day of hands-on learning and career exploration at Purdue University's William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center. By hosting the program at a Purdue research facility and connecting youth directly with professionals, participants gained experience and expertise beyond what would typically be available through a single, local program. 

Throughout the day, youth learned about nutrition from Purdue clinical assistant professor of nutrition science Adam Huffield, practiced putting with PGA head professional Daniel Ross, explored horticulture and landscape architecture careers and degree paths with student success specialist Rachael Carter and discovered how drones are used in agriculture with regional ANR educator Adam Tyler. Regional 4-H youth development educator Will Walls, who organized the camp, challenged participants to create and design their own miniature golf holes, which highlighted how the lessons made the youth Beyond Ready to tackle new challenges in the future.  

“I hope participants see that there are more career paths to discover within the agriculture industry than standard farming, as well as see how much agriculture influences their daily lives,” Walls said. 

The range of experiences was made possible through partnerships formed across Purdue Extension, the university and industry. Educators, office staff and interns worked together to support the camp while guest presenters contributed specialized knowledge in agriculture, nutrition, horticulture and golf. Tippecanoe and Fountain Farm Bureau provided $650 to support meals and take-home materials for campers and Cori Lane, from Tippecanoe Farm Bureau, visited with the youth to share what Indiana Farm Bureau provides to our community. 

For the youth, the day was an opportunity to try something new, meet others and learn by doing. As one camper said, “I wish school was like this camp!” 

Indiana 4-H Ag to Athletics continues to expand the types of experiences available to young people by connecting them with professionals, Purdue resources and new career pathways they may not have encountered before.

By Olivia De Young, communications specialist 

All county Facebook pages in the East Central Region (Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush, Union and Wayne) have been sunset or transitioned to county 4-H pages. East Central regional content can now be found on the page Purdue Extension East Central Region. 

Counties in the West Central Region (Benton, Fountain, Montgomery, Parke, Putnam, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Vigo, Warren) are in the process of shifting content to the Purdue Extension West Central Region Facebook page.  

Amanda Graupner, Extension administrator for CES digital support, is leading the transition to regional Facebook pages and currently manages both the East Central and West Central pages. The Extension Communications Committee will share further updates in September about how other regions will transition their Facebook accounts.

by Extension Communication Committee (Jenny Clark, Olivia De Young, Rachel Dillhoff, Amanda Graupner, Molly Hunt, Lily Thill) 

Photos featuring Extension participants, educators, volunteers and community spaces often perform better in communications than generic stock images because audiences recognize familiar faces and places. Authentic images build trust, strengthen community connection and help tell the story of Extension’s local impact.  

High-quality photos also help create a professional image for Purdue Extension. Clear, well-lit images with strong composition are more likely to capture attention on social media, websites, newsletters and printed materials. Most images found via general internet search are copyrighted and cannot legally be reused without permission or proper licensing. Using copyrighted images can create legal and reputational risks. Always use photos you created, have permission to use, or obtained from approved licensed sources.  

Recommended sources include:  

• Photoshelter- Purdue-approved image library 

• Flickr - Purdue and Extension photo collections 

• National 4-H Council Flickr Account/Indiana 4-H Flickr Account/College of Ag Photo Library: Libris (for access, contact Gina Price at gprice@purdue.edu)  

• Adobe Stock - Professional stock imagery through university access  

Quick tip – Plan ahead for event photos 

When leading a program, consider making a list of possible photo opportunities. Ask these questions to start your photo idea list: 

• Is there a part of the program where participants are engaged in an activity, such as cutting vegetables or flying a drone?  

• Does the event take place in a visually appealing location that you could capture?  

• Are there any opportunities to showcase educators working directly with program participants?  

You can use the College of Agriculture’s Photoshelter account or a stock image website to get inspiration. 

The day of the event, make sure to ask participants for permission to use their photograph in any Extension marketing materials or channels and to sign a photo release that you should be sure to save in an accessible online file.  

Purdue University’s photo release form can be found at https://marcom.purdue.edu/app/uploads/2021/10/Photo-Release-Form-1.pdf .