Cory Larson, one of three Purdue Extension EDGE in Ag award winners, was presented with the Agriculture Achievement Award on Aug. 13 at the Indiana StateFairgrounds. Pictured from left to right: Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith; Angie Abbott, associate dean of agriculture and director of Extension; Cory Larson; and Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. (Photo provided by Indiana State Department of Agriculture)
Empowerment - Development - Growth - Education
a different ag engage Ag Engage will take a new approach in 2027 with the Farm Finance Forum focused on the financial, economic and succession issues affecting today’s farm families.
The Edge team has a podcast EDGE of the Rows, available on Apple Podcasts, brings timely agricultural conversations, practical insights, and relevant topics straight to listeners.
2026
Fall Edition
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
Hancock county field meals program participant august 2026
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Everyone was super kind, helpful, and informative. I learned a lot of valuable information. Thank you!
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Emerging Ag Leader Awardee: Kelby Roberts (Photo provided by the ISDA)
written by Jenna nees, Purdue Extension Farm Managment field Extension specialist
Field Meals Program Attendee / September 2025
Purdue Extension’s EDGE in Ag program recognized three outstanding individuals for their leadership and contributions to Indiana agriculture during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 13. “Each year, Purdue Extension celebrates the accomplishments of three outstanding individuals in Indiana’s agriculture industry,” said Angie Abbott, associate dean of agriculture and director of Extension. “It is a pleasure to highlight these individuals’ many accomplishments.” Cory Larson of Marion County received the Agriculture Achievement Award for her work leading Corteva Agriscience’s Harvest for Hunger Garden. Over eight years, Larson helped transform the project into a two-acre urban farm that has donated more than 100,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries while providing agricultural education opportunities for students and community members. Kasey McIntosh of Warren County earned the Agriculture Leadership Award for her dedication to supporting farmers and rural communities through her work with the USDA Farm Service Agency. She is also a strong advocate for youth development through her leadership with Warren County 4-H and the Warren County Fair. Kelby Roberts, a Purdue University student, received the Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award. A former Indiana FFA state president, Roberts has been active in agricultural advocacy, leadership development and food accessibility initiatives. She currently serves in several leadership roles at Purdue and is the university’s incoming student body president. The annual awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service and commitment to strengthening Indiana agriculture and its future. Awards were presented during the Indiana State Fair by Purdue Extension’s EDGE in Ag program. ///
Agriculture Leadership Awardee: Kasey Mcintosh (Photo provided by the ISDA)
Purdue EDGE in Ag-Fall Newsletter 2026
Purdue Extension EDGE in Ag honors three indiana agriculture leaders
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same great opportunity to come together
Ag Engage to Offer Farm Finance Forum in 2027
Purdue Extension’s Ag Engage will take a different format in 2027, offering a one track Farm Finance Forum on February 24th at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville. As Purdue Extension continues through a period of transformation, the traditional full Ag Engage Conference will not be held in 2027. Instead, the Ag Engage team will offer a focused educational program addressing financial and management issues facing Indiana farms. The team hopes to bring back the full Ag Engage Conference in 2028. The Ag Engage: Farm Finance Forum will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature sessions on farm succession and estate planning, agricultural policy, the agricultural outlook, and the economics of soil health. The program will begin with “The Accountant’s Role in Farm Succession,” presented by a representative from Huth Thompson LLP. The session will examine the role accountants can play as farm families consider the financial and tax aspects of transferring a farm to the next generation. Dr. Joana Colussi of Purdue's Center for Commercial Ag will provide an agricultural outlook, followed in the afternoon by Emily McNiff of Indiana Corn and Soy, who will share an agricultural policy update. Soil Health Specialist Dr. Megan Bourns will discuss the economics of soil health. The forum will conclude with Attorney Scott Linneweber presenting “Farm Succession & Estate Planning: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls.”The session will address legal considerations for families planning for the future ownership and management of their farms. In addition to educational sessions, attendees will have opportunities to connect with agricultural professionals, sponsors and other producers throughout the day. The Farm Finance Forum will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2027, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville, Indiana. Registration is $50 per person through January 24, 2027, and $60 per person after January 24. While Ag Engage will look a little different in 2027, the Farm Finance Forum continues the program’s focus on providing practical education and resources to help Indiana farm families make informed decisions for their farms, businesses and futures.
More Info and Registration at our website:
One -day, power-packed conference offered in Bloomington or Kokomo to give farm families the tools they need to safeguard their operations.
https://purdue.ws/FarmFinanceForum
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January 27th in Kokomo / January 28th in Bloomington
Website & Registration:
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A farm financials program brought to you by annie's project
How well do you know your farm's financial numbers? Understanding your operation's financial position is one of the most important steps in making informed business decisions. Whether you're evaluating opportunities for growth, negotiating land leases, planning for the future, or simply wanting a better understanding of your farm's profitability, strong financial records can provide valuable insights. The Purdue Extension EDGE in Ag Team is offering Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options, a four-session virtual workshop designed to help agricultural producers strengthen their financial management skills and gain confidence in using financial information to make business decisions. Participants will engage in discussion-based learning alongside agricultural experts and fellow producers, creating opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others facing similar challenges. The workshop series will cover a variety of topics, including goal setting and recordkeeping, cash flow documents and income statements, financial ratios, land lease negotiations, and strategies for bringing financial information together to support future planning. The program will be offered virtually via Zoom on November 17, November 24, December 1, and December 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. EST. Registration is $20 per participant, and interested individuals should register by November 15. Invest a few evenings this winter to gain practical tools, valuable insights, and greater confidence in managing your farm business. To register, visit https://cvent.me/lbMK32 or call 317-736-3724 with questions. Purdue Extension encourages all interested producers to take advantage of this opportunity to better understand their numbers and explore the options available for their farm's future.///
November 2026
know your numbers, know your options
https://cvent.me/lbMK32
The series moves from goals and recordkeeping cash flow and income statements ratios, leases and negotiations planning for the future.
Purdue EDGE in Ag is still dedicated to innovative education for our ag communities
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EA/EOU
Purdue university is an equal opportunity/equal access institution.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/edge-of-the-rows/id1887277338
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
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Edge of the rows, a podcast
Edge of the Rows is where agriculture meets empowerment, growth, and innovation. Produced by the Purdue EDGE in Ag team, this podcast goes beyond the boundaries of the field to explore the ideas, stories, and skills shaping the future of agriculture. Each episode brings you conversations with leaders, advocates, and emerging voices who are cultivating change—whether in the classroom, on the farm, or in the boardroom.