Purdue Agricultural Centers

What We Do

Researchers from diverse agricultural disciplines use the eight Purdue Agricultural Centers (PACs) to test ideas that are created and developed on campus in conjunction with PAC staff. The PACs offer diverse land and soil types as well as extensive resources for in-field study and testing. These farms enable scientists to advance agricultural research in real-world conditions and to take risks that eventually might benefit producers in each area.

Indiana has more than 300 soil types and many microclimates. Each section of farmland reacts differently to fertilizers, cultural practices, pesticides, and tillage systems, just as each parcel of forest reacts differently to varying management practices. The PACs offer a unique advantage to Purdue scientists with large plot research in field scale size trials that utilize precision equipment to collect and analyze data, but also offer small plot research for more complex research protocols. The PACs are strategically located across the state to encompass different soil and climate types so that research is tested in different environments.

Each PAC serves the practical agricultural needs of its part of the state, and provide local weather data accessible to researchers and the public. Researchers, extension educators, and other specialists at the PACs not only identify and solve production problems, but also demonstrate the results of Purdue agricultural research. The PACs host meetings and events of special interest to producers, industry, and the general public. Especially popular are annual PAC Extension-sponsored Field Days where researchers share their latest scientific discoveries with local producers and industry professionals.

Contact Us

Jon Leuck
Director, Purdue Agricultural Centers, and Project Coordinator
615 Mitch Daniels Blvd
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2053
Phone: (765) 494-8368
Email: leuckj@purdue.edu​

Alex Helms
Assistant Director, Purdue Agricultural Centers 
615 Mitch Daniels Blvd
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2053
Phone: (765) 494-8367
Email: helms0@purdue.edu