About Purdue Extension
The Purdue Extension serves all 92 Indiana counties by providing research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, community development, youth education, food systems, and environmental stewardship. As the outreach arm of Purdue University, Extension connects residents, farmers, businesses, homeowners, and local governments with practical solutions based on the latest scientific research.
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Indiana’s economy is deeply connected to agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, and community development. From productive corn and soybean fields to urban neighborhoods and forested landscapes, Purdue Extension develops programs that address the unique needs of communities throughout the state.
Core Services Offered
Purdue Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that contribute to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Indiana is one of the nation’s leading producers of corn and soybeans. Purdue Extension specialists work closely with growers to improve productivity and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Irrigation and water management
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Extension programs support producers growing corn, soybeans, wheat, specialty crops, and forage crops throughout Indiana.
Livestock and Animal Agriculture
Indiana maintains a strong livestock industry that includes cattle, swine, poultry, and other animal production systems.
- Livestock management
- Animal health education
- Forage production
- Pasture management
- Biosecurity planning
- Nutritional management
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardeners rely on Purdue Extension for practical guidance on gardening, landscaping, and plant health.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape management
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn maintenance
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who provide horticultural education and support within their communities.
Master Gardeners help residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Sustainable gardening practices
- Pollinator-friendly landscaping
- Native plant gardening
Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue Extension helps landowners and communities manage forests, wildlife habitats, and natural resources responsibly.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Watershed protection
- Conservation planning
- Natural resource management
Food Safety and Community Development
Extension educators provide programs that support healthier communities and stronger local economies.
- Food safety education
- Nutrition programs
- Community leadership training
- Economic development initiatives
- Consumer education
- Health and wellness programs
4-H Youth Development
The Indiana 4-H program provides hands-on learning opportunities that help young people build leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Public speaking
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Indiana
Indiana agriculture, forests, landscapes, and urban environments face a wide variety of pest challenges each year. Purdue Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents and producers manage these problems effectively.
Field Crop Pests
Indiana’s corn and soybean fields are vulnerable to numerous insect pests that can reduce yields and profitability.
Important field crop pests include:
- Corn Rootworms
- European Corn Borers
- Soybean Aphids
- Bean Leaf Beetles
- Armyworms
- Western Bean Cutworms
Purdue Extension entomologists provide pest monitoring information and management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Stored Product Pests
Stored grain and food products can be affected by a variety of insects that reduce quality and create economic losses.
Common stored product pests include:
- Indian Meal Moths
- Flour Beetles
- Sawtoothed Grain Beetles
- Rice Weevils
- Granary Weevils
- Grain Mites
Extension publications help farmers, grain managers, and homeowners prevent and manage infestations.
Household and Structural Pests
Indiana homeowners commonly encounter pests that invade homes and other buildings.
Common household pests include:
- Termites
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Bed Bugs
- Rodents
- Spiders
Purdue Extension emphasizes prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout Indiana are affected by numerous insect pests and plant diseases.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Japanese Beetles
- Squash Bugs
- Spider Mites
Extension specialists provide educational resources that help gardeners identify pests and select effective management strategies.
Turfgrass Pests
Lawn care remains a major area of interest for Indiana homeowners and landscape professionals.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Billbugs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Armyworms
Purdue Extension promotes healthy turf management practices that reduce pest pressure and improve lawn health.
Tree and Forest Pests
Indiana’s forests, urban trees, and ornamental landscapes face threats from both native and invasive pests.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spongy Moths
- Bagworms
- Bark Beetles
- Scale Insects
- Wood-boring Beetles
Extension forestry specialists help landowners and municipalities monitor tree health and respond to pest threats.
Invasive Species
Indiana continues to face challenges from invasive species that threaten agriculture, forests, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
Purdue Extension works closely with state and federal agencies to support detection, monitoring, and public education efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as the foundation of Purdue Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial organisms and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
Purdue University conducts extensive research on crop protection, pest management, forestry, food systems, and environmental sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Stored product pest management
- Biological control
- Urban pest management
- Forest health monitoring
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate research findings into practical recommendations for Indiana residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
Purdue Extension publishes a wide range of educational materials covering agriculture, pest management, gardening, forestry, food safety, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Crop production guides
- Pest identification resources
- Stored grain management publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Turfgrass management guides
- Forest health resources
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact Purdue Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a crop, protecting stored grain, improving a lawn, maintaining a garden, or addressing forestry concerns, Purdue Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout Indiana.
Residents can contact their local Purdue Extension office or visit the Purdue Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.