Congratulations, you’ve made it to the year of 2024. I know I am not the most seasoned adult out there, so my life advice on New Year’s resolutions can be open to doubt. But I would say most resolutions could be avoided if we seized new opportunities when they presented themselves to us.
I can’t tell you how many times I looked up birding hikes in Indiana and then didn’t go on them. My new resolution is to do the difficult things and the uncomfortable things. Improving myself and my relationships requires putting myself in the rooms I want to be in, no matter the insecurities.
How many chances of bettering yourself did you let pass by in 2023? Will you do the same in 2024?
Upcoming programs from Purdue Extension
• Bi-State Garden Conference from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Jan. 23 at the Beef House, Covington.
Join Purdue and Illinois Extension at the Beef House to learn more about invasive species, smart purchasing at the nurseries, organic lawn care and how to manage difficult weeds. Cost is $30. Call 765-364-6363 or email triciaherr@purdue.edu.
• Keeping The Business In The Family: A Roadmap to Successful Succession, is a three-part program that focuses on the succession planning process and conflict management. It will meet 9-11 a.m. Feb. 1, 8 and 15 at Russellville Community Center. Cost is $50 per person. Register by calling 765-653-8411.
• Ag Women Engage Conference will be Feb. 22 at Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne. Registration is open until Feb. 13. To register and learn more about the Ag Women Engage Conference, visit https://purdue.link/AWE2024 or contact Jenna Nees at smith535@purdue.edu or 765-653-8411. The conference is designed to bring women together involved in various aspects of agriculture, including farmers, researchers, educators and industry professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, share experiences and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing women in the agricultural field. Keynote speaker Amanda Radke, fifth-generation rancher and author, will discuss navigating the dynamics of multi-generational family agricultural businesses.
• Bi-State Homesteading Conference will be 5-8 p.m. Feb. 22 Eastern at the Beef House, Covington. The Illinois and Purdue Bi-State Extension Team is hosting its first ever homesteading conference. Come have a great meal and learn more about produce food safety, how to build a customer base, and adding chickens to your backyard. Cost is $30. To register, call 765-364-6363 or email triciaherr@purdue.edu.
• Master Gardener Basic Training Class in Crawfordsville will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 3 through Nov. 7. Call 765-364-6363 ore email triciaherr@purdue.edu.
Tricia Herr is the Montgomery County Extension Educator, Ag and Natural Resource. The office is at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville; 765-364-6363. She may be reached by email at triciaherr@purdue.edu.
