Empowerment - Development - Growth - Education
Team formerly known as Purdue Women in ag The Purdue Extension Women in Ag team has a new name! We are now Purdue EDGE (Empowerment, Development, Growth, Education) in Ag.
Field-ready meals for farm families a success! Participants enjoyed sharing ideas and discussing healthy ways to ensure farm families were fueled this harvest season at Bradley Farm Enterprises.
2025
Pictured: Field Meals group-photo by s. bradley
PUrdue EDGE in Ag
Know Your numbers, know your options Are you ready to take control of your farm’s financial future? Join our 4-week virtual workshop designed for ag producers who want to better understand their numbers.
our highlights
november
“
The Purdue EDGE in Ag Team is dedicated to equipping individuals with the skills, confidence, and network needed to succeed in agriculture. By fostering education, advocacy, and personal growth, we create a community that empowers voices and cultivates leaders.
01
02
“I really enjoyed these types of workshops that I can take home ideas to use!”
Purdue Edge team designs a new workshop focusing on practical tools, recipes, and organizational strategies to create healthy, field-ready meals for farm families
Field Meals Program Attendee / September 2025
On September 20th, a group gathered at Bradley Farm Enterprises in Johnson County for a hands-on workshop designed to make mealtime during harvest easier, healthier, and more organized. The Field-Ready Meals for Farm Families program equipped participants with practical strategies for preparing portable, balanced meals that keep farm families fueled during the busiest seasons. What We Covered: Nutrition & Food Safety: Participants learned how to balance protein, carbs, and fats using MyPlate guidelines, hydration essentials, and safe food temperatures. Meal Prep Systems: Tips for batching, freezing, labeling, and transporting meals in containers like mason jars and bento boxes. Hands-On Make & Take: Attendees prepared hearty wraps, mason jar salads, and energy snacks to take home. Community Sharing: Favorite recipes like Taco Salad in a Jar and clever hacks like using a crockpot in a cooler were shared. What Participants Loved: Confidence Boost: Most attendees left feeling very confident about keeping field meals safe and nutritious. Practical Tips: Meal prep and packing strategies were rated as very useful. Hands-On Fun: The make & take activity was described as “so fun” and “very valuable.” Favorite Ideas: Taco salad jars, Greek yogurt swaps, and snackle boxes were big hits. Impact & Takeaways: Participants plan to make changes such as: adding more healthy snacks, creating weekly meal plans, and reducing fast food by prepping ahead. One attendee summed it up perfectly: “I really enjoyed these types of workshops that I can take home ideas to use!” Next Opportunity to Join Us If you missed this event, don’t worry! Another Field Meals program is scheduled for March 12th, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds Community Building, 1029 W 200 N, Peru, IN 46970. quunduc ipietus volor reicatemquos intin peratiae quamus volo omnis moluptate deniaec turibus con cum restesequi cor acerum et quis et, solo vercil im quam nonsequ ossus. Adi ad eturerro con pernati cum quis aut fuga. Ut ommo explaborrum et utas quis demolorae doluptas doluptam quunt voluptae nost, quam es magnam invelit eatempore volupti aped ut odit abor aruntus alit ut et quae dis vendisquam con pel minciate ea dolecto rumquam unt quiandionsed modit re non cus im ventemque pel iusam et aspicitiis simagnis es aut ullupta tistius sam veliquae de quis magni ipsant aut et, ullat ute aut et vendiatent. Delesequi nulpa quataesequod quodia qui officid quiasin pre am ad maio. Am nes quaturem sum quodipsa verro volupture sundic tem rae derrum ut labor maio eum rem si doluptiae. Itat ea nonem facim reptate ctiusdam, sed et que dolorio rehenihic tem nonsequid quos volorei ctiiscit labo. Itatur, core cuptamus aut ommodit atemquatia quis rem nonseque endae vel Cus di bearcia dolupta quatemp ernatiae et fuga. Debis cidebis modicit adi berum eum volorro doluptas nos modia dolupis et, ommod quatendae veles vellaut ipsam velibus. Abore et et, vento quo endis inihiciis dus num nobita se antiiste prem ea dolorit aspero essitatis ratur? Ro erferum quod quatectota nis et eicatque sincti aut quaepel es accae simet, cor arum laut fuga. Evelis aperiaspic tenimi, se prae pe nulpa volorro quaturem et officae et occus remquae exeria corione quatem imin con cus ex enet faceptatur? Bustin cullupt atiostent ut que explignim dolorrovid et ex eossit qui tempe vent hitae. Et estis di accum quianis nectorr ovidunt omnim ulpa quas autest, sequasimini dolorendipid eribus inctotatum quae dolut rendis reseque arciaeperum quaernam exceribusdam dolore, sam ut ad quasped molutem il moloris incto dendem quatia dem ipsumqui tet quae. Sunt, exeremp orerrum qui adignis cipsaero volectum quam ex Nullab imperio nsedita tquunto quat ea doluptu riaepel lessin eturescid endi ditempe verum quiante simustibus nisquam, vollaborit reperes nime nem sit volectus im re non remperchil est apedige nitatium que volorer endebit occuptur sus ped eum rerestrum res aut landem etur aut landige ndicae paribus delenih itibus dus etus net, nost, explaciae. Sedit expedist. Eque voluptas aut ut omnim net, aliberum quate ni te sit, aut ut autem non ressequ idionecepere perum res et atia susam sunt vel il is quod que nos et voles dis num rehenit ut libusciae plam, quunt, ullam exerae nis adi si rerferum doluptatet, voluptae eturio. Nem quiscimperum quunduc ipietus volor reicatemquos intin peratiae quamus volo omnis moluptate deniaec turibus con cum restesequi cor acerum et quis et, solo vercil im quam nonsequ ossus. Adi ad eturerro con pernati cum quis aut fuga. Ut ommo explaborrum et utas quis demolorae doluptas doluptam quunt voluptae nost, quam es magnam invelit eatempore volupti aped ut odit abor aruntus alit ut et quae dis vendisquam con pel minciate ea dolecto rumquam unt quiandionsed modit re non cus im ventemque pel iusam et aspicitiis simagnis es aut ullupta tistius sam veliquae de quis magni ipsant aut et, ullat ute aut et vendiatent. Delesequi nulpa quataesequod quodia qui officid quiasin pre am ad maio. Am nes quaturem sum quodipsa verro volupture sundic tem rae derrum ut labor maio eum rem si doluptiae. Itat ea nonem facim reptate ctiusdam, sed et que dolorio rehenihic tem nonsequid quos volorei ctiiscit labo. Itatur, core cuptamus aut ommodit atemquatia quis rem nonseque endae vel Cus di bearcia dolupta quatemp ernatiae et fuga. Debiscidebis modicit adi berum eum volorro doluptas nos modia dolupis et, ommod quatendae veles vellaut ipsam velibus. Abore et et, vento quo endis inihiciis dus num nobita se et hillupta alictur, occupti antiiste prem ea dolorit aspero essitatis ratur? Ro erferum quod quatectota nis et eicatque sincti aut quaepel es accae simet, cor arum laut fuga. Evelis aperiaspic tenimi, se prae pe nulpa volorro quaturem et odio minvelit post eossimus, officae et occus remquae exeria corione quatem imin con cus ex enet faceptatur? Bustin cullupt atiostent ut que explignim dolorrovid et ex eossit qui tempe vent hitae. Et estis di accum quianis nectorr ovidunt omnim ulpa quas autest, sequasimini dolorendipid eribus inctotatum quae dolut rendis reseque arciaeperum quaernam exceribusdam dolore, sam ut ad quasped molutem il moloris incto dendem quatia dem ipsumqui tet quae. ///
Purdue EDGE in Ag-Fall Newsletter 2025
field meals Program a Hit in johnson county
03
Barn Quilt Workshop: Creativity Meets Community
Photo credits: Jennifer Logue & Courtney Schmidt
45
minutes
Union and Madison Counties host an EDGE AFTER HOURS workshop focused on A creative way to manage stress and build community connections
Earlier this fall, participants gathered at the Union and Madison County Fairgrounds for a unique EDGE After Hours experience—the Barn Quilt Workshop, hosted by Purdue Extension. This hands-on event wasn’t just about painting a colorful 2' x 2' geometric masterpiece; it was about fostering well-being and connection. learning & wellness Attendees explored the history of barn quilts and learned about the connection between crafting and mental health. Research shows that just 45 minutes of creative activity can significantly lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Studies also indicate that engaging in arts and crafts can improve life satisfaction and happiness at levels comparable to employment. For those in agriculture, where farm stress is a daily reality, creative outlets like this can provide a healthy way to manage stress and boost overall well-being. building community Beyond the art, the event created opportunities for collaboration and networking. Participants shared stories, exchanged ideas, and built relationships that strengthen our local agricultural community. Creative activities also help reduce loneliness and foster social connection—critical components of mental health. why it matters Crafting is linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. About 37% of people engage in craft activities annually, reporting higher happiness and life satisfaction. Creative hobbies increase dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, and promote resilience. Events like this remind us that mental health matters and that creativity can be a bridge to wellness and community. Another Barn Quilt Workshop is scheduled for January 24th, 2026 in Fulton County. ///
According to Art therapy: journal of the american art therapy association, just 45 minutes of creative activity can significantly lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone.
November 2025
04
05
Protecting Your Legacy from Life’s Uncertainties
Farm shield
Farming isn’t just a business—it’s a way of life, a family tradition, and a legacy worth protecting. Yet, every farm faces risks that can shake its foundation: death, division, debt, disagreement, dysfunction, disaster, and disability. These “7 D’s” can threaten not only your operation but also your family’s future. That’s why Farm Shield was created—a one-day, power-packed conference designed to give farm families the tools they need to safeguard their operations for generations to come. Why Attend Farm Shield? Expert Guidance: Learn from leading professionals who understand the unique challenges of agriculture. Actionable Strategies: Walk away with practical steps to address succession planning, financial stability, family conflict, and emergency preparedness. Personalized Support: After the sessions, take advantage of one-on-one consultations tailored to your farm’s needs, including succession planning, financial assessments, and conflict resolution tools. Meet Our Keynote Speaker We’re thrilled to welcome Jolene Brown, a nationally recognized advocate for agriculture. Known for her humor, authenticity, and deep understanding of farm family dynamics, Jolene’s presentation—“There is a Better Way: Navigating the Succession and Transition of Your Family Business”—will leave you inspired and ready to take action. After the keynote, you’ll dive into focused sessions that tackle the most pressing challenges farm families face: Estate & Succession Planning: Learn how to create a clear, legally sound plan for transferring your farm to the next generation. This session covers wills, trusts, and strategies to prevent costly disputes and ensure your wishes are honored. Managing Financial Responsibility: Explore practical tools for reducing debt, improving cash flow, and making informed financial decisions. Experts will share resources to help you strengthen your farm’s financial foundation and weather economic uncertainty. Addressing Family Conflict: Family disagreements can derail even the most successful operations. This session provides proven communication techniques and conflict resolution strategies to keep relationships strong while making tough business decisions. Preparing for the Unexpected: Disasters and disabilities can strike without warning. Learn how to develop an emergency plan that protects your farm and family, including insurance considerations, contingency planning, and crisis management tips. Event Details January 27, 2026 – Kokomo, IN January 28, 2026 – Bloomington, IN Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: $40 (includes catered meal, program materials, and consultations) Don’t wait until a crisis hits—take proactive steps now to protect your farm and your family. Join us at Farm Shield and invest in the future of your operation. Learn more: https://bit.ly/farmshield
One -day, power-packed conference offered in Bloomington or Kokomo to give farm families the tools they need to safeguard their operations.
Keynote Speaker Jolene Brown National Advocate for Agriculture
06
January 27th in Kokomo / January 28th in Bloomington
07
Conference Website & Registration:
08
62.5
annual ag engage conference to be held in bloomington february 19th
Join us for the 2026 Ag Engage Conference (formerly Ag Women Engage Conference). This annual event is designed to educate, inspire, and connect women across all facets of the agricultural industry. Dates & Location Pre-Conference Sessions: February 18, 2026 Main Conference: February 19, 2026 Venue: Monroe Convention Center, Bloomington, Indiana This year’s conference will also feature the Emerging Ag Leaders Conference, previously known as the Young Ladies in Ag Forum, offering unique opportunities for leadership development and networking. Keynote Speaker We are thrilled to welcome Zoe Kent (@farmwithzoe), an 8th-generation grain farmer from Ohio and social media influencer with over half a million followers. Zoe’s journey from agribusiness graduate to managing Kent Family Farms exemplifies resilience and innovation. Her keynote will inspire attendees to embrace change and share their agricultural stories with the world. Why Attend? Gain insights into risk management and farm financial strategies. Network with women leaders and peers in agriculture. Participate in breakout sessions tailored to your interests. Explore tools and resources to strengthen your farm or agribusiness. Attendees leave ready to act: Nearly 88% plan to apply what they learned, with one-third intending to evaluate new business ventures and others focusing on financial monitoring, risk assessments, and stress-relief strategies. Past participants show the impact—62.5% adopted new practices, leading to 75% reporting increased efficiencies and 37.5% seeing higher economic returns. ///
8th-Gen Grain farmer zoe kent headlines at ag engage 2026!
percent
https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/conference.html
Adopted New Practices
“I absolutely love this conference. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other women in agriculture. It’s truly inspiring and motivates me to start my own small operation before eventually taking over my family’s.” -2025 conference attendee
09
EA/EOU
Purdue university is an equal opportunity/equal access institution.
Purdue EDGE in Ag is still dedicated to innovative education for our ag communities
let’s stay together.
Photo caption here. Em qm fugitatem lam voluptatia nectini hillam as eos eos es et entio .
Contact us: purduewia@purdue.edu ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/index
10
new name, but same passion
The Purdue Extension Women in Ag team has a new name — we are now Purdue EDGE in Ag (Empowerment, Development, Growth, Education). This change reflects our mission more clearly: to empower individuals, foster growth, support professional and personal development, and expand education in agriculture. While our name has changed, our heart and purpose remain the same. We are still the same dedicated team committed to providing valuable programs, resources, and connections that strengthen those working in and around agriculture. Our history of supporting those in agriculture continues, and this new name gives us an EDGE as we look toward the future. Stay tuned for upcoming Purdue EDGE in Ag events and opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with us!