Purdue Extension-Decatur County

10/08/2026

🌱 A new way to connect with Purdue Extension in Southeast Indiana!

We’re excited to announce the creation of the Southeast Purdue Extension page! 🎉

As Purdue Extension continues to grow and work more collaboratively across county lines, this page will be a place to share regional programs, resources, events, success stories, and ways Purdue Extension is helping communities thrive.

Whether you’re looking for educational opportunities, community resources, 4-H, agriculture and natural resources, health and human sciences, community development, or simply want to see what’s happening across Southeast Indiana, we’d love to have you along for the journey!

👉 Give the page a follow and stay connected with Purdue Extension across the Southeast Region!
What can we build together? How can Purdue Extension help your community thrive? 💛🌱

Welcome to Purdue Extension Southeast Region! 💛🖤

This page highlights the programs, people and impact of Purdue Extension serving Southeast Indiana.

Here you’ll find updates on education, events and community efforts in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, health and human sciences and community development.

We’re glad you’re here and look forward to sharing the work happening across our communities.

08/26/2026

08/19/2026

07/29/2026

🏡Join us for the Indiana Homesteading Conference on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for a day filled with practical workshops, expert speakers, and valuable resources for anyone interested in homesteading, sustainable living, gardening, livestock, food preservation, and small farm management. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your knowledge, you'll leave with ideas and skills you can put to use at home.

📝Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Check-In: Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds 5700 Airport Road Bloomington, IN 47403
Registration Options
Full-Day Conference
Attend all conference sessions throughout the day.
Lunch is included with full-day registration.
Early Bird: $20.00 (payment received by September 1, 2026)
Regular Registration: $25.00 (after September 1, 2026)
Half-Day Conference
Attend one educational track consisting of 2 consecutive sessions.
Early Bird: $10.00 (payment received by September 1, 2026)
Regular Registration: $15.00 (after September 1, 2026)

✉️How to Register
Complete this registration form: https://bit.ly/HomesteadingConference2026 and submit your payment (cash or check payable to Purdue University) to Purdue Extension–Monroe County. 3400 South Walnut St Bloomington, Indiana. Office is open Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Closed Holidays.
Registration Deadline: October 9, 2026
Payment is nonrefundable.
We look forward to welcoming you for a day of learning, connecting with fellow homesteaders, and gaining practical knowledge to help you grow, preserve, and sustain your homestead!
Once you have completed registration and payment, a welcome packet will be sent to you via email!

Questions? Contact Purdue Extension-Monroe County at 812-349-2575. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Closed Holidays

07/29/2026

🌫️ Wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest may impact air quality across Indiana later this week, adding to the challenges of summer heat and humidity.

If you're planning to spend time outdoors or attend community events, be sure to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area. Children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions may be especially sensitive to poor air quality.

Stay informed by monitoring local air quality conditions, limiting strenuous outdoor activities when air quality is poor, and taking extra precautions during periods of excessive heat.

Learn more and check your local AQI through the resources below:

✅www.airnow.gov – EPA managed website with real-time AQI monitoring for specific locations and a wide range of educational resources.
✅https://www.purdue.edu/engineering/ABE/INPREPared/extreme-heat-resources/ - Indiana PREPared resource site for heat-related issues which often accompany air quality challenges.

Indiana PREPared

07/21/2026

Join “The Indiana Flock Exchange” this Summer & Fall!

Sheep producers, this is your opportunity to level up your flock health knowledge and connect with fellow shepherds across Indiana! Hosted by the Indiana Sheep Association and Sheep & Wool Checkoff, this workshop series is packed with practical, hands-on learning.

What to expect:

✅ Discounted FAMACHA Certification (included in your registration!)

✅ Hear the latest updates from the Indiana Board of Animal Health

✅ Engage with an experienced producer panel

✅ Great conversation and dinner included



Choose a session near you:

July 26 – Purdue West Lafayette (Creighton Hall)

September 13 – Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center (Registration upcoming)

November 22 – Pinney Purdue Ag Center (Registration upcoming)

Registration: $10 per person (includes dinner + training value!)

Reserve your spot for Flock Exchange Central on July 26th today: https://cvent.me/dw5z2O

Registration upcoming for the other two sessions. Stay tuned!



Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills, protect your flock, and grow your network. See you there! 🐑💚

07/16/2026

The fairgrounds may be quiet tonight, but the memories made this week will last for years to come.

The Decatur County 4-H Fair has come to a close.

A year of preparation. A year of hard work. A year of early mornings, late nights, practice, planning, learning, and growing. A year of caring for animals, perfecting projects, overcoming challenges, celebrating successes, and making memories—all culminating in one incredible week.

Today, the barns emptied. The exhibit buildings grew quiet. The midway lights dimmed. The laughter that filled the fairgrounds has faded, and for the first time in a week, there is a peaceful stillness.

But what remains is so much greater than ribbons, trophies, or placings.

What remains are the lessons learned through hard work and perseverance. New friendships formed. Confidence gained. Acts of kindness witnessed. Moments shared between parents, grandparents, volunteers, leaders, and young people that will be remembered long after the fairgrounds are empty.

To our 4-H families—thank you.

Thank you for the countless miles driven, the early mornings, the late nights, the encouragement after disappointing moments, and the celebrations after successful ones. Thank you for teaching your children the value of responsibility, commitment, and resilience. Your support is the foundation that allows our 4-H members to grow into capable, compassionate, and confident young leaders.

To our volunteers, judges, superintendents, donors, sponsors, and community members—thank you for investing your time, talents, and resources. Your generosity creates opportunities that shape lives far beyond fair week.

And to our 4-H members: we are incredibly proud of you. Whether you brought home a champion banner or simply completed a project you once thought impossible, you have accomplished something meaningful. The true success of 4-H isn't measured by the color of a ribbon—it's measured by the character you build along the way.

As one fair ends, another 4-H year quietly begins. New goals will be set. New projects will be chosen. New members will join. Before we know it, the barns will once again be filled with excitement, the exhibit halls will showcase your creativity, and the fairgrounds will come alive with the spirit of 4-H.

Until then, take time to rest, reflect, and be proud of all you've accomplished.

Thank you for making the 2026 Decatur County 4-H Fair one to remember. We are grateful to have shared this journey with each and every one of you.

We'll see you next year. 💚🍀