2026 Purdue Farm Management Tour
The 92nd annual Purdue University Farm Management Tour will take place July 10 in Harrison County. .
“The tour offers producers the opportunity to hear directly from successful Indiana farm families and to take home practical ideas and management strategies they can apply to their own operations. This year’s tour highlights innovative approaches to diversification, value-added agriculture and long-term business sustainability.”
-Michael Langemeier, director of CCA and Purdue professor of agricultural economics
Sponsored by the Center for Commercial Agriculture (CCA), Purdue Extension, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and Farm Credit Mid-America, the tour will feature stops at Jmax Cattle in Laconia and the Jones Farm in Palmyra, where attendees will hear directly from farm operators about the management decisions shaping their businesses. At each stop, host farmers will provide an overview of their operations, discuss how they are adapting to changes in the agricultural economy and evolving family dynamics, and explain the innovations and technologies they have adopted to improve efficiency, productivity and long-term sustainability. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from Indiana farm business managers.
9:00 a.m. EDT: Jmax Cattle
11755 N Tobacco Landing Rd SE, Laconia, Indiana
Start the day by visiting Jmax Cattle and learn how Chad and Paige Baker have added value to their stocker/feeder operation through freezer beef sales as well as through a butcher shop and restaurant. At this tour stop you will hear Chad and Paige discuss their drylot feeding program and grazing systems, and the importance of retail sales to their operation. We will also discuss the importance of keeping good records and on-farm research.
(Lunch on own)
1:00 p.m. EDT: Jones Farm
12210 N Bradford Rd NE, Palmyra, Indiana
Next join the Jones Farm and learn the benefits of having a diverse operation which includes corn, popcorn, soybeans, grass hay, and related off-farm businesses. Diversification serves to add value to crop enterprises and to build resilience. On this tour visit, we will discuss differences in production practices and marketing of corn and popcorn. We will also discuss how the family’s various off-farm businesses align with the farm business.
The Purdue Farm Management Tour is free and open to the public. Register for the tour by visiting purdue.ag/farmtour or calling 765-494-7004. The full agenda can be found on the CCA website.