Purdue centers to host micro-course focused on consumer-driven changes

Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business will partner with the Purdue Center for Animal Welfare Science to host the Consumer-Driven Changes in Ag Market Channels Micro-Course online on April 6.

During this interactive microcourse, Nicole Olynk Widmar, associate head and professor in Purdue’s Department of Agricultural Economics; Candace Croney, associate vice provost for diversity, inclusion and belonging, director of the Purdue’s Center for Animal Welfare Science and professor of animal behavior and well-being; and Carson Reeling, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, will guide participants in navigating the impacts of consumer-driven changes in livestock markets and agricultural policy.

This course is inspired by Widmar’s Consumer Corner page, which consists of weekly hot-button topics, consumer-derived lessons for agricultural businesses drawn from nontraditional places, and the impetus to think differently about how consumer research can inform decision-making.

“Each Monday morning, Consumer Corner addresses what’s happening in the market, what you should be watching for, what to potentially expect in the future and much more,” Widmar said. “I’m really looking forward to bringing these writings to life in the virtual classroom as we look at some of the big issues our industry is facing from all angles.”

Microcourse participants will draw insights from Consumer Corner letters and articles to take a historic look at livestock industry changes and garner insights that help people process today’s pressing issues. They will also look forward and ponder carbon markets and dive into the multitude of political, regulatory and social issues as well as discuss what they mean for decision-making.

Microcourses are short, live, online sessions focused on topics relevant to today’s agribusiness industry environment. Participants receive access to engaging content, gain tools immediately applicable to their work and have the opportunity to engage directly with fellow participants and faculty instructors through topic-focused discussions and activities.

Early registration is encouraged as spots are limited. The registration fee for this microcourse is $495/person. Learn more about the course and register.

Featured Stories

Purdue Top Farmer Conference 2025
2026 Top Farmer Conference explores global competitiveness, tariffs, long-run market outlooks

Registration is now open for Purdue University’s annual Top Farmer Conference, one of the...

Read More
Mongolian Energy Giving Site
From bird song to bulldozers, sound affects our wellbeing

It’s 2 a.m. and you’re woken by a motorcycle revving its engine outside your house....

Read More
Laura Esman
Behind the Research: Laura Esman

Many people are involved in the remarkable range of programs, services and facilities that...

Read More
A woman wearing a black Purdue Animal Sciences shirt stands inside a dairy barn and smiles at the camera. Behind her, several Holstein cows eat at a feed bunk, and warm overhead lights illuminate the barn.
Supporting a dairy industry pipeline from youth to producers

Jackie Boerman advances dairy teaching and outreach, guiding future leaders and supporting...

Read More
Food Science booth FAO
Purdue food science showcases innovation on global stage at FAO exhibition

Two representatives from the Department of Food Science recently traveled to Rome, the...

Read More
2 packages of pecorino romano cheese
Pecorino Romano Cheese Recalled Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

On November 25, 2025, The Ambriola Company announced a recall of Pecorino Romano cheese products...

Read More