Issues 360 Communications Workshop

Several Agricultural Economics students participated in Purdue’s College of Agriculture Issues 360 Workshop during the weekend of January 23-24. The two-day workshop included a panel of communication experts, engagement training from the Center for Food Integrity, an overview of the current state of agriculture, case studies and learning about corporate communication patterns. As Class Twelve Fellows, students are currently conducting their community outreach projects, which were due in mid-April.

First-year student Sara Zarse (Goodland, IN) applied to Issues 360 “because it was an opportunity to grow as a communicator and leader within agriculture. I knew the program focused on understanding perspectives, navigating difficult conversations and representing the industry. I wanted to challenge myself, learn from experts and become more confident in how I communicate about issues in agriculture and beyond.”

Ella Powell (first-year student; Columbus, IN) believes, “This experience will significantly influence my future career by enhancing my understanding of effective communication, both within and outside the field of agriculture. It has encouraged me to use empathy and passion to promote outreach and raise awareness of the agricultural industry, while maintaining an open mind about controversial issues. Additionally, it has contributed to my personal growth, making me more open-minded and boosting my confidence when engaging in respectful discussions about challenging topics.”

Senior Angie Bao (Ningbo City, China) added, “Beyond technical skills, what this experience taught me is how to take something I deeply believe in and present it in a way that resonates with others. In any career path within ag econ, whether it’s policy, consulting or research, the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly is just as important as the analysis itself. I used to feel uncertain about my major when people questioned it. Now I feel equipped to not only defend it, but to genuinely inspire others to see its importance in a world increasingly shaped by AI, climate change and global food challenges.”

Kylie Saathoff (Junior; Manteno, IL) explained, “The final component of the program is to complete an advocacy action plan within the community. For my project, I plan to host a farmers’ market-style event at my cooperative house, where students can learn about where different foods come from. The event will include an interactive demonstration in which participants will see how individual ingredients come together to create a finished dish that they can enjoy. Through this hands-on experience, the goal is to strengthen understanding of the farm-to-table process while making the learning experience engaging and memorable.”