Dr. Laura Montenovo, Assistant Professor in the Purdue University Department of Agricultural Economics, will show a broad picture of the evolution of labor market outcomes, both farm and non-farm, in Indiana and the Midwest. She will show how such trends are linked to caring stress, as measured by the gap in supply and demand of childcare and seniority care, and some key health outcomes.

Dr. Tommy Butts, Clinical Assistant Professor, Purdue Extension Weed Scientist, will explore the fundamentals of herbicide resistance, concerns in Indiana, and how we can better manage it. Additionally, tools such as the Weed Control Guide and the Take Action Herbicide Classification Chart will be discussed on how they can be used to more effectively make herbicide selection decisions.

Managing livestock on pasture comes with unique challenges—and opportunities. In this session, learn about the wide range of technical and financial assistance available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). From cost-share programs for fencing and water systems to conservation planning and soil health support, NRCS offers tools to help you enhance your operation’s sustainability and efficiency. Join us to find out how to tap into these valuable services.  This presentation will be given by Robert Zupancic, is the NRCS Southeast Area Grazing Specialist. 

Get an inside look at how agricultural policy really works—beyond the headlines and political talking points. This session will explore key issues such as biofuels, trade and market access, regulations, and the Farm Bill, breaking down why they matter, their impacts on farmers, consumers, and communities, and where things stand today. Learn how agricultural organizations are engaging with communities, leaders, and officials through both policy efforts and checkoff programs. This session will be presented by Emily McNiff,  Industry Affairs Project Manager with Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Growers Association and Indiana Corm Marketing Council. 

Jessica Thurman, Purdue Extension Ag & Natural Resource Educator in Grant County, will provide an overview of the significance of micronutrients, nutrient availability, deficiency conditions, plant uptake timing, and application methods.

Sweat equity arises when an on-farm heir is paid less than their true opportunity cost to work for the business, and/or in situations where the business has grown substantially in value due to the managerial ability and efforts of the on-farm heir. Michael Langemeier, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, will discuss where sweat equity fits when a farm is adding an individual to the farm.

This session is designed to help farm participants enhance their understanding of how childcare intersects with farm risk management and family quality of life. Throughout this session, you will become more aware of various childcare options, including strategies for integrating childcare costs into your farm or household budget. You will also learn about valuable resources for weaving childcare into your overall farm plan. While you don’t need to be a childcare expert, your goal is to understand how these issues impact farmers and to equip them with the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions for their families and operations. This will be presented by Beth Vansickle, Purdue Extension Ag & Natural Resources Educator in Madison County  & Brieanna Slonaker, Purudue Extension  Ag & Natural Resources Educator in Marshall County. 

Whether you're launching your first farm, partnering with family, or stepping into a new leadership role unexpectedly, this session is designed to meet you where you are. Led by women with firsthand farming and merchandising experience, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you build confidence in grain marketing.  Join Christine Pool, Commodity Manager, POET Shelbyville and Shirley Matlock, Grain Merchandiser, POET Shelbyville for this educational grain marketing session. 

Farm families often find themselves at an impasse when a difficult situation arises. Even with the family and the farm being so integrated, having difficult conversations can have implications for both the family and the farm. During this presentation, Renee Wiatt, Purdue Extension Research and Extension Specialist, will cover how and when to have difficult conversations, how to navigate family meetings, and more.  

Join Nicole Larkey, Finanical Officer, Farm Credit Mid-America and Emily Adkisson, Account Specialist, Farm Credit Mid America, for a comprehensive exploration of farm financials, where they will break down key metrics, uncover trends, and identify opportunities to strengthen financial performance. Whether you're new to Ag finance or looking to refine your strategy, this deep dive will equip you with tools and understanding to navigate the financial landscape of agriculture.

Join Ann Kline, Purdue Extension Ag & Natural Resources Educator in Noble County, for an overview of pesticide application focusing on both best practices to reduce risk as well as an understanding of licensing requirements. Attendees will learn what licenses are available, the steps to obtain licensing in Indiana, and the importance of following the label. Practical tips to reduce the risks of pesticides will be shared so ag women can confidently manage pest control while protecting their farms and communities.

Farm women are the backbone of agriculture, juggling farm responsibilities, family needs, community commitments, and often off-farm jobs. Yet the pressure to “do it all” can leave women feeling exhausted and unseen. This lighthearted and empowering session shines a spotlight on the strength of farm women while also acknowledging the stress and struggles that often go unspoken. Through humor, relatable stories, and simple stress-busting strategies, Angela Sorg, LMHC, PMH-C, EMDRPT-II Health and Human Sciences Educator, will leave participants feeling validated, energized, and reminded that they are not alone in carrying the weight of farm and family life. Expect laughter, validation, and tools you can actually use.

Join Jessica Riffle, RD, HHS Educator-Fulton County, for this condensed version of Field Ready meals for Farm Families focuses on the importance of building nutrient dense and satisfying snacks. Label reading is an important skill to help decide what gets planned and packed into meals and snacks. We’ll also look at components of the larger-scaled program, sharing images and teasers of what could be done in your communities!

This session is limited to only 20 participants due to the hands-on nature of the lesson. 

Shalee Bradley, Purdue Extension Ag & Natural Resource Educator in Johnson County and Henry Quesada, Ag & Natural Resource Program Leader and Assistant Director of Extension, will show how Lean Thinking tools can help make everyday farm work run smoother. They will talk about simple ways to cut out wasted steps, get more done in less time, and keep things organized. With real farm examples, you’ll see how small changes like setting up work areas better or creating routine can save time, money, and stress. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, and making the farm a little easier to run day to day.

Drone technology has developed rapidly and may be the next tool you need for your farm. Learn about practical ways drones can be used in a farming operation, and then try your hand at flying a drone! No experience required. Join Heidi Potter, Purdue Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator in Clark County and diversified farmer at Summer Solstice Farms in SE Indiana for this unique educational opportunity. 

Join Sara Dzimianski, Purdue Extension Ag & Natural Resource Educator in Perry County to learn how to use goats effectively for forest management with prescribed grazing techniques. During this session, you will be given recommendations for equipment, stock selection, and strategies for managing goats in a forest setting.