Rooted in sustainability: Growing a future in food and farming
For Natalie Nenneker from Wadesville, Indiana, Purdue Agriculture offered the perfect place to turn a lifelong love of nature into a meaningful academic path. Now majoring in sustainable food and farming systems with a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, she plans to graduate in 2028 and is already building a future rooted in stewardship, community and hands-on learning.
From hunting and fishing to gardening, foraging and cooking, her connection to the land began at an early age. Sustainable food and farming systems brought together everything she cared about and also emphasized learning by doing.
“Farming, when done in harmony with nature, can help solve many environmental and food system challenges,” she said. “This major allows me to learn how to be a good steward of the land while helping feed the world.”
As a student, she has grown plants in greenhouses, harvested crops at the Purdue Student Farm, taken soil samples, wrangled pigs and cows, learned to harness horses and packed community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes for the community. One weekend even included making wood-fired pizzas using fresh produce grown by students.
Living Sustainability
“Instead of just talking about sustainability, we actually live it,” she said. “Each experience has helped me understand how connected our food systems really are.”
experiences that make learning real
One of her most impactful experiences was attending the Indiana Small Farm Conference, where she connected with farmers working to make their operations more sustainable.
“Hearing their challenges and innovations helped me see how relevant my education is,” she said. “It left me inspired and excited for what I could do in the future.”
That inspiration continued through a summer internship with the Posey County Soil and Water Conservation District, where she worked in conservation, environmental education and community outreach. Her work included leading a public workshop on private well water safety, assisting with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) field checks, supporting youth education programs and collaborating with farmers and conservation partners on regenerative agriculture initiatives.
She also works at the Purdue Student Farm, where she helps plant, harvest and make day-to-day management decisions while learning about crop planning, post-harvest handling and running a successful CSA.
Natalie Nenneker poses with friend group from Stewart Cooperative in front of Purdue football stadium stairs. 
Natalie Nenneker enjoys game day at a Purdue football game with a friend, taking in the energy and community of campus life. 
Natalie Nenneker helps make Purdue hot sauce in a food science lab, using hot peppers grown at the Purdue Student Farm as part of a hands-on learning experience. While she is still exploring her next steps, Natalie dreams of operating a small farm business or working in Extension to support sustainable farming and local food systems.
“I’m keeping an open mind,” she said. “That is the beauty of Purdue. I can try new things, learn from experience and figure out what path fits me best.”
For students considering Purdue Agriculture, her advice is simple: say yes, get involved and explore what excites you.
“No matter your interests, you will find people here who share them,” she said. “That is what makes the experience so special.”
Featured Stories
The Purdue student chapter of the Society of American Foresters participated in the 69th Midwest...
Every other year, the FNR 53600/53601 Ecology of Natural Disturbances class takes a spring break...
Meet the Purdue Animal Sciences students educating visitors at Animal Town.
Porterfield founded MycoGravity — the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology...
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Each year, Purdue University recognizes a faculty or staff member...
Eva Haviarova, professor of wood science, has been named a fellow of the International Society of...