AGEC Student Envoys
Landon Barr
Hometown: Middletown, IN
Graduation Year: 2029
Growing up in the swine industry sparked my passion for agriculture and my desire to pursue a career in the industry. On campus, I serve as vice president of NAMA, a student representative for the Agriculture Council, class president of Alpha Gamma Rho, an AFA member and a teaching assistant for AGEC 298. Last summer, I gained valuable experience through my internship with Elanco Animal Health on the swine sales team, where I worked alongside producers and industry professionals to support strategic sales decisions. Through these experiences, I am grateful to have found a family within Purdue’s agricultural economics department and to continue building relationships that will shape my future in agriculture!
Jacob Clapp
Hometown: Decatur, IL
Graduation Year: 2028
My time at Purdue has given me many great opportunities to get involved through the Ag Week Task Force, Agriculture Future of America (AFA), and Alpha Gamma Rho. I have had the opportunity to meet new people and get more involved in the Purdue agriculture community through these organizations. This past summer, I interned with ADM in Valdosta, GA, as a Commodity Trader, where I gained experience working with commodity markets, customers and logistics.
Faith Frey
Hometown: Columbia City, IN
Graduation Year: 2027
Growing up on a small animal farm, I was so excited to expand my knowledge here at Purdue’s College of Agriculture. Within Purdue, I have been fortunate to get involved in many organizations and leadership roles. I currently serve as a leader in my sorority, Delta Gamma, on the Panhellenic Board as the Director of Scholastics and Leadership, and I am a member of Ag Council, Letters of Love and Block & Bridle! Beyond campus, I gained valuable experience through an internship with Keystone Cooperative, where I learned about agronomy and innovation! I have truly been welcomed with open arms and couldn’t be more thankful to be in the College of Agriculture!
Josephine Kile
Hometown: Cicero, IN
Graduation Year: 2028
Growing up in 4-H and showing small animals sparked my love for agriculture, and I’ve loved experiencing all sides of the industry through the College of Agriculture. On campus, I’m a member of Twin Pines Cooperative and serve on the Purdue Cooperative Council board as Vice President of Marketing. This summer, I interned with Old Town Design Group in sales and marketing, where I gained experience in client relations and strategic marketing that I’m excited to bring back into the agriculture industry. These experiences have grown my passion for agriculture and pushed me to keep learning as I look toward my future career
Leonard Klemm
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
Graduation Year: 2029
Agriculture has always been a part of my life. Although I grew up in the city, I knew in high school that I wanted to work in agriculture, and Purdue is helping me reach that goal both academically and personally. Here at Purdue, I’m involved in Purdue Student Government, where I serve as a Senator for the College of Agriculture, the Soybean Innovation Challenge and Agricultural Economics Envoys. This past summer, I interned at Heartland Co-op as a Grain Origination Intern, where I worked directly with farmers across Iowa to purchase and market grain. I coordinated with grain merchandisers to sell grain to processors and feedlots across the state and abroad, and strategized logistical routes for grain transportation.
Grace Klinkhamer
Hometown: West Lafayette, IN
Graduation Year: 2027
On campus, I’m very involved. Along with being an Envoy, I am also a member of the National AgriMarketing Association (NAMA) and the Vice President of the Indiana Junior Beef Cattle Association. Additionally, I am very active in the Maclure Cooperative and am an intern for the Center for Food and Ag Business.
Owen Martin
Hometown: Arcadia, IN
Graduation Year: 2027
Getting involved across campus has been amazing, being part of the Purdue Student Government as a College of Agriculture Senator and NAMA. I have had the great opportunity to study abroad with other Ag students in Portugal. Lastly, I spent my last summer doing swine research for United Animal Health in Sheridan, IN.
Laci McGinnis
Hometown: Portland, IN
Graduation Year: 2027
With my agricultural background only beginning in 2018, I can gladly say I have found my home within these few short years. While at Purdue, I have found myself involved in Shoemaker Cooperative, Agriculture Future of America, Collegiate 4-H and as a teaching assistant for multiple courses. I have been a Foodservice Sales Intern with Grande Cheese Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan and a Milling and Baking Central Sales Intern with ADM at their headquarters in Decatur, IL. Post-graduation, I plan on returning to ADM as a Merchandiser for the Milling and Baking group. I encourage everyone to become involved and take advantage of all that Purdue has to offer!
Kyra Meister
Hometown: Hope, IN
Graduation Year: 2027
Outside of serving as an Ag Econ Envoy, I enjoy being involved with the Ag Week Task Force and attending the AFA Leaders Conference, where I have had the opportunity to grow my leadership skills and connect with others in the agriculture industry. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Southern Italy, which was an experience that allowed me to learn about ag and food culture in other parts of the world. Through internships with Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Corn and Soy, and Advanced Agrilytics, I gained experience in agricultural policy while developing a broad range of skills in communications, outreach and agronomy.
Theertha Ramesh
Hometown: Princeton, NJ
Graduation Year: 2028
In addition to serving as an Ag Econ Envoy, I am an active member of MANRRS at Purdue and stay involved with the organization’s national committees, where I have the opportunity to support and represent students across agriculture and related fields. I also serve as the Secretary of Swipe Out Starvation at Purdue and work as a teaching assistant for data analysis in the Agricultural Economics department. This past summer, I interned with BASF Agricultural Solutions as a Data Intern on the Business Operations team in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, where I gained valuable experience applying data and analytical skills in an industry setting. I also participated in the Spring 2025 Student Soybean Innovation Competition, where my team developed a soy-based baby pacifier component, and I continue to grow my personal calligraphy card business. I am truly grateful for the opportunities Purdue has provided me and excited to continue contributing to and being part of this community!
Emily Recker
Hometown: Jasper, IN
Graduation Year: 2027
Growing up in a small rural town, I never imagined finding true community at a university as large as Purdue, but the Purdue Cooperative system quickly became my home. Living in Glenwood Cooperative has given me family-like connections and the confidence to pursue my goals. With that support, I stepped into campus life and served as President of the Purdue Cooperative Council, Community Events Chair of the Purdue Ag Council, a member of the Student Life Student Advisory Board, a member of the Purdue Mortar Board, and have held multiple leadership roles within Glenwood. I’ve also found meaningful community through the Ag Econ Envoy program and my internship with Purdue Athletics Strategic Communications. Each experience has helped me grow as a leader, communicator and teammate, and I’m passionate about helping others find their place and thrive, too!
Kelby Roberts
Hometown: Rushville, IN
Graduation Year: 2027
Growing up on a multigenerational Hereford cattle operation, my love for agriculture has been deeply rooted in the livestock industry and has since grown to touch every aspect of agriculture. While at Purdue, I’ve had the opportunity to tap into my passions for agriculture, advocacy and leadership, both individually and at their intersections with involvement in various organizations. In addition to being an Envoy, I am the Student Senate Parliamentarian serving on the Purdue Student Government Cabinet, Ag Week Task Force Media Chair, an active member of Sigma Alpha, have represented Purdue at the Ag Future America Leaders Conference and have worked on the Indiana Lifeline Law Coalition. Professionally, I’ve enjoyed working with Elanco Animal Health as both an academic-year employee and a summer intern on the Corporate Communications team. I am deeply grateful for the people, experiences and opportunities that have shaped my time at Purdue so far.
Kylie Saathoff
Hometown: Manteno, IL
Graduation Year: 2027
Being involved with my family’s Pioneer seed agency and row crop operation sparked my passion for agriculture and motivated me to continue pursuing it when I came to Purdue. In addition to being an Envoy, I am a part of Ann Tweedale Cooperative, Purdue Agricultural Council and Purdue Foundation Student Board, and I conduct research in a soybean production lab. I have also studied abroad. I have been able to apply real-world skills learned at Purdue through internships at Heritage FS as an agronomy intern and at Corteva Agriscience as the Illiana Area Commercial Sales Intern for Pioneer. This experience directly aligns with my post-graduation goal of returning to and contributing to the family seed operation. I am forever grateful for all of the opportunities and support that not only Purdue provides, but the agricultural economics department as well.
Ali Sottong
Hometown: Tipton, IN
Graduation Year: 2028
I currently serve as president of the Purdue Agriculture Council. I have also completed internships with Reynolds Farm Equipment in sales and Beck’s Hybrids, where I supported the Country Store and helped prepare for field shows.
Levi Traylor
Hometown: Montgomery, IN
Graduation Year: 2029
Growing up in a rural area in Southern Indiana, agriculture has always played a role in my life, and that is why I chose to pursue a degree in agriculture. On campus, I am currently a member of Chauncey Cooperative. Aside from campus, this summer I had an amazing opportunity to work for Helena in my hometown.
Mary Van Ness
Hometown: Danville, IN
Graduation Year: 2028
My passion for agriculture began through my involvement in 4-H and FFA, where I developed a strong appreciation for the industry and the people within it. I was excited to attend Purdue University to expand my agricultural knowledge, build connections, and grow as a leader. On campus, I am also part of Ag Council, serving as Vice President and a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau and Letters of Love, which has given me opportunities to strengthen my leadership skills and stay involved in the agricultural community. Beyond campus, I have gained valuable experience through internships with North Salem State Bank and Keystone Cooperative, where I learned more about the agricultural industry and developed skills that will help me pursue a career in agriculture.