2026 Purdue Farm Management Tour
Highlights from July 10, 2026 in Harrison County
Purdue Farm Management Tour Showcases Innovation, Diversification in Harrison County
More than 100 farmers, agribusiness professionals, and industry partners gathered in Harrison County on Friday, July 10, for the 2026 Purdue Farm Management Tour. Hosted by Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture and Purdue Extension, the annual event gave attendees an opportunity to step away from their own operations and learn directly from two Indiana farm families who are navigating today’s agricultural challenges through innovation, diversification, and thoughtful management.
The Purdue Farm Management Tour has long focused on more than production practices alone. Each stop highlights the management decisions behind successful farm businesses—from adapting to changing markets and family transitions to evaluating new enterprises and technologies. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas with fellow producers, and hear firsthand how host farmers are positioning their operations for long-term success.
Building Value Beyond the Feedlot at Jmax Cattle
The morning tour stop took visitors to Jmax Cattle near Laconia, where Chad and Paige Baker shared how they’ve built a diversified cattle operation centered on adding value at every stage of production.
The Bakers, along with sons Jude and Maddox, walked attendees through their stocker and feeder cattle enterprise, explaining how a forage-based feeding program, detailed production records, and participation in on-farm research have helped improve cattle performance and management decisions. They also discussed one of the operation’s newest ventures—an on-farm butcher shop and restaurant—which has expanded on more than 15 years of direct freezer beef sales.
Discussions throughout the morning focused on balancing traditional cattle feeding with direct-to-consumer marketing, the importance of maintaining accurate production records, and how research partnerships can support better management decisions. Questions from attendees led to conversations about grazing systems, cattle health, retail marketing, and adapting to rising feeder cattle costs.
Diversification Creates Opportunity at Jones Farm
Following lunch, attendees traveled to Jones Farm near Palmyra, where the Jones family demonstrated how diversification can strengthen a modern crop operation.
The family shared the history of the farm and how it has evolved from its dairy roots into a diversified business producing corn, soybeans, popcorn, grass hay, and oats while also operating complementary agricultural businesses. Visitors learned how the farm’s partnership with Preferred Popcorn has created opportunities in specialty crop production, including differences in production practices, fertility management, and marketing compared to conventional field corn.
The discussion extended beyond crop production as the Jones family explained how their off-farm businesses—including crop input sales, grain bin construction, equipment maintenance, and metal fabrication—support the farming operation while creating additional income streams and helping manage risk during changing market conditions.
Learning From One Another
One of the greatest strengths of the Purdue Farm Management Tour continues to be the opportunity for farmers to learn directly from other farmers. Throughout both stops, attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions about profitability, diversification, recordkeeping, specialty crops, value-added agriculture, and the management decisions shaping today’s farm businesses.
Whether participants were interested in expanding livestock enterprises, evaluating specialty crops, or improving business resilience, the day’s conversations reinforced that there is no single formula for success. Instead, successful operations continue to adapt by identifying opportunities that fit their resources, family goals, and local markets.
The Center for Commercial Agriculture and Purdue Extension extend their sincere appreciation to the Baker and Jones families, and everyone who attended the 2026 Purdue Farm Management Tour for making this year’s event a success. We also thank our sponsors, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and Farm Credit Mid-America, for their continued support of this long-standing tradition. We’re looking forward to the 2027 tours and hope to see you there!
