Keynote Presentation 

Can you identify potential toxic plants in a pasture? How can one reduce sickness and death when livestock are on pasture? This interactive session presented by Forage Enthusiasts will give some pointers so livestock can be healthy when grazing occurs.

Presented by Keith D. Johnson, Purdue Extension Forage Specialist & Michele Jones, Purdue Extension Educator

Join in on an interactive breakout session where we will dive into how you can use your voice to advocate for agriculture. No one is an expert in this field – we all have a thing or two to learn and improve upon. But through simple steps, each and every one of us can work to amplify our voices to better the future of agriculture for generations to come. Agriculture is the single only industry that touches every single human being on the planet through food, fuel, and fiber, so we must continue to AMPLIFY our voices to show the industry’s importance and impact on everyone.

Presented by Rachel Hyde, Field Sales Marketing Coordinator at Beck’s Hybrids, a Farm Bureau Member,  & a 7th Generation Farmer

We can all pretty much identify with stress on some level. Knowing we are stressed is not always the main issue. Knowing how to handle everyday stress can oftentimes be extremely frustrating and overwhelming. You might think, “I don’t have time for therapy, I don’t have time to search for ways to combat stress because that stresses me out, I do not know where to start, and/or please someone just give me something practical I can do without having to put too much thought into it. This program will offer everyday steps you can take to reduce stress such as the food you eat, what you expose yourself to on social media, and things you can do during your work day no matter if you are at a desk, out in the field, or driving your car. Learning practical and easy techniques can not only help you during your day but can also help you implement coping strategies in your family.

Presented by Angela Sorg, Purdue Extension Educator, and Purdue Farm Stress Team member.

Presented by Nathan Selking, Agent with Williamson Crop Insurance

During this hands-on session, individuals will put their pens to work as they develop a written land lease agreement based on a case study. They will learn about current land lease trends and key points to keep in mind when negotiating a land lease for their farming operation.

Presented by Jenna Nees, Purdue Extension Educator and Purdue Land Lease Team member 

Purdue Extension Educators participated in the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program in Trinidad and Tobago in March 2023. The purpose of the F2F program is to generate sustained economic growth and international development in the agricultural sector. The assignments that Abigail and Molly taught to farmers were on making flour from root vegetables, food preservation and food product development. Numerous root vegetables are grown in the Caribbean Islands, due to their resistance to drought, pest, and disease; and therefore, provide a significant source of nutrition to the people. Root vegetable flour allows them to make a variety of gluten free baked goods and preserve the root vegetables during their peak season, by dehydrating and making it into flour for later use. Learning to properly and safely preserve and extend the shelf-life of nutritious crops provides a means of sustainability, especially during off-peak season.

Presented by Abigail Creigh, Purdue Extension Educator and Molly Hoag, Purdue Extension Educator

During this presentation, participants will learn about the basic mechanics of grain marketing.  They will learn what creates market movement, key items to watch for when making marketing decisions, and gain ideas on how to take advantage of potential marketing opportunities.

Presented by Ginny Nobbe, Grain Merchandiser for Falmouth Farm Supply, INC

Indiana is considered a state with many rural counties.  Essentially, 42 of the 92 counties in Indiana are considered rural with a county population under 40,000; population density less than 100 people per square mile; and the population of the largest city in the county less than 10,000.  Although many believe that rural counties don't face the same crime issues as urban areas, they do.  Join an Indiana State Police Officer during this session as he helps you learn to identify Indiana gangs and understand their activity.

Presented by Chris Everhart, Indiana State Police

Presented by Ben Wicker, Executive Director of Indiana Ag Nutrient Alliance

Presented by Dr. Brady Brewer, Associate Professor, Department Of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University

Presented by Bridgette Wanhainen, FSA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator

Presented by Dr. Kristine Marceau, Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Science

With climate changing at such a rapid pace, how can one keep up with all the information and apply that to decisions that may reduce risk? This presentation will review what we know about the rate of climate change and its uncertainty regarding agricultural production in the Midwest. Free resources will be shared to continually monitor and assess risks pertaining to climate that may enhance decisions for the future.

Presented by Dr. Beth Hall, Director of Indiana State Climate Office

This program will discuss recommended practices for hiring and managing farm labor, including writing a job description, interviewing, legal and financial issues, communication and evaluations, and conflict resolutions. Participants will leave this session with resources and publications that go further in-depth on a variety of human resource related issues. 

Presented by Bill Horan, Purdue Extension Educator

Presented by Susan Hobeck, Financial Manager of Stoy Farms

Panel Members include Brett Stephan and Veronica Bullock