Empowerment - Development - Growth - Education
All things Ag engage conference Get the details including breakout speakers and topics, pre-conference opportunities and the Emerging Ag Leaders Conference.
Grain Market Navigator program to teach the basics This 4-session virtual or in person workshop opportunity will help you have a better understading of grain marketing.
2026
Pictured: Zoe Kent, keynote speaker
PUrdue EDGE in Ag
The Farm Legacy Letter What goes into creating a farm legacy letter and why do you need one to help secure the future of your farm?
our highlights
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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 Ag Engage conference attendee
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“I really enjoyed these types of workshops that I can take home ideas to ue”
The annual event is set for February 18-19 in Bloomington.
February 18th and 19th, 2026 Bloomington, IN
https://ag.purdue.edu/ department/extension/ wia/conference.html
Bloomington, IN –Purdue EDGE in Ag is inviting farmers, agribusiness professionals, and emerging leaders to gather at the Monroe Convention Center in Bloomington, Indiana, for the 2026 Ag Engage Conference, February 18–19. This annual event brings together experts and innovators to share strategies for managing risk, improving farm operations, and building stronger agricultural communities. The two-day program kicks off on February 18 with pre-conference workshops, including Annie’s Project, a nationally recognized program designed to strengthen farm business leadership, and a session focused on Indiana’s growing wine industry at Owen Valley Winery. That same day, the Emerging Ag Leaders Conference will welcome high school and college students eager to explore careers in agriculture. On February 19, the main conference will feature keynote speaker Zoe Kent, an eighth-generation grain farmer from Ohio who has built a thriving online community of more than 500,000 followers through her @farmwithzoe social media presence. Kent will share her journey from college graduate to farm operator and influencer, offering insights on leadership and connecting with consumers. Attendees will also choose from four breakout tracks covering topics such as herbicide resistance, rotational grazing, grain marketing, farm financial planning, childcare solutions for farm families, drone technology, and even prescribed grazing with goats. “Ag Engage is more than a conference—it’s a chance to learn, connect, and leave with practical tools that make a real difference on the farm,” said Jenna Nees, Purdue Extension Educator and conference organizer. “We’re excited to offer sessions that address today’s challenges while inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.” Early bird registration is $125 through January 22; regular registration is $135. The deadline to register is February 6, 2026. For details and to register, visit the conference website. WOPgwhphttps://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension website.wehttps://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/conference.html. https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/conference.html.https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/conference.html. website:https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/conference.html. https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/conference.html.//ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/conference.html. ///
Purdue EDGE in Ag-Winter Newsletter 2026
Purdue EDGE in Ag Unveils Full Schedule for 2026 Conference
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SPEAKER SPOTLIGHTS
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Ag Engage Conference Sponsers
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silver Sponsors:
gold Sponsors:
Platinum sponsors:
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Purdue EDGE in Ag - Winter Newsletter 2026
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Program launches february 2026
Empowering indiana farmers: grain Market Navigator
Indiana farmers seeking to strengthen their grain marketing strategies during uncertain economic times now have a powerful resource: the Grain Market Navigator Program. This four-session Extension series is designed to provide the knowledge and tools farmers need to confidently navigate grain markets and make informed decisions. This series will be held from 6:30-8:30 P.M. Eastern/5:30-7:30 P.M. Central on Feb. 17, Feb. 24, Mar. 3, and Mar. 10 at sites across Indiana and virtually. Topics covered will include grain marketing terminology, differences between cash and future markets, real-world examples, current market trends and projections, and insights from grain buyers. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. “Marketing risk is one of the biggest challenges farmers face today," said Jenna Nees, Purdue Extension – Putnam County Ag & Natural Resource Educator. This program gives producers the tools to understand grain markets, evaluate different outlets, and make informed decisions about contracts. It’s about building confidence and flexibility in a rapidly changing marketplace. This program will be hosted at 12 locations across Indiana. Those locations include: LaPorte, Jasper, White, Elkhart, Whitley, Huntington, Carroll, Putnam, Johnson, Knox, Dubois, and Spencer Counties. If you are unable to join us at an in-person location, you are welcome to join our virtual cohort. The registration fee for in-person attendance is $40. A virtual option is available for $55. Please register by February 12, 2026. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions. More information and registration is available at https://bit.ly/GrainMarkets This program not only equips farmers with essential marketing knowledge but also fosters community engagement and resilience by connecting producers with experts and peers. Register today and take control of your grain marketing decisions!
“Marketing risk is one of the biggest challenges farmers face today."
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Jenna Nees / Ag & Natural Resources Extension Educator Putnam County
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Purdue university is an equal opportunity/equal access institution.
Purdue EDGE in Ag is still dedicated to innovative education for our ag communiti
Boost Your Farm Safety and Well-Being
EA/EOU
Running a farm comes with unique challenges, but these trusted websites offer practical tools and guidance to make your work safer and easier: https://farmsafety.org– Learn essential tips and best practices to prevent accidents and protect your family and workers. https://agrability.org– Discover resources that help farmers with disabilities or health conditions continue farming successfully. https://agsafety4youth.info– Access educational materials to teach youth about farm safety and build lifelong habits. Explore these sites today to create a safer, healthier farm environment for everyone!
let’s stay together.
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Contact us: purduewia@purdue.edu ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/index
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boost your farm safety & WEllbeing
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