Meet the Purdue EDGE in Ag Team
Purdue EDGE (Empowerment, Development, Growth, Education) in Ag Team is dedicated to equipping individuals with the skills, confidence, and network needed to succeed in agriculture. By fostering education, advocacy, and personal growth, we create a community that empowers voices, and cultivates leaders.
Team Members
Abby Anspach - Extension Educator, 4-H, STEM
Amy Webster- Extension Educator, ANR, Livestock
Anya Aulbach - Extension Educator, 4-H, Agriculture & Animal Science
Courtney Schmidt - Extension Educator, ANR, Farm Management, EDGE Co-Chair
Ed Farris - Extension Educator, ANR, Farm Management
Jenna Nees - Extension State Specialist, Farm Management
Jessica Riffle- Extension Educator, HHS
Jessica Thurman- Extension Educator, ANR, Field Crops
Mathias Ingle - Extension Educator, ANR, Horticulture
Michele Jones - Extension Educator, ANR, Farm Management
Sabrina Gregory- Extension Educator, ANR, Livestock
Shalee Bradley - Extension Educator, ANR, Field Crops, EDGE Co-Chair
Tricia Herr - Purdue Extension, ANR, Farm Management
Kelly Heckaman - Purdue Extension Area Director
Team HiSTORY
In 2002, Purdue Extension hosted the first Midwest Women in Agriculture conference. Due to its popularity over the next several years, the annual event led to the formation of the Purdue Women in Agriculture Team in 2006. In 2025, the team was renamed to Purdue EDGE (Empowerment, Development, Growth, Education) in Ag. This change better reflects the team's mission of empowering individuals, providing opportunities for growth, supporting professional and personal development, while expanding education in agriculture.
In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance at vpec@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830.