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Purdue Ag Econ News
May 2026
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Purdue College of Agriculture Commencement
Photos by Joshua Clark
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Graduates from Purdue University’s College of Agriculture gathered to celebrate commencement, marking the culmination of years of hard work and academic achievement. Family, friends and faculty joined in, hailing the Class of 2026, which awaits new chapters.
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2026 Graduate Student Research
| Welcome to the Spring 2026 Purdue Agricultural Economics Report (PAER). This issue marks the fifth edition of our Graduate Student Research feature, showcasing the research and accomplishments of master’s and PhD students in the Department of Agricultural Economics.
In the first article of this issue, Dr. Carson Reeling, professor of agricultural economics and graduate program chair, presents an overview of the agricultural economics graduate program, including enrollment, job placements, program accomplishments, grants and awards.
The remainder of this issue highlights student research in two broad sections. The first section focuses on consumers’ willingness to pay and the rural economy. Master’s student Marley Heritier uses a best-worst scaling consumer survey to examine consumers’ preferences for chocolate attributes in Trinidad and Tobago. Next, PhD student Ivana Carrillo-Siller examines family and non-family small businesses in the Midwest and finds that females are more likely to be self-employed in non-family businesses, highlighting the important role of self-employment outside family firms. Laxmi Adhikari (editor for this issue) examines the state of employees’ mental health in rural America using an employee survey and finds that nervousness, restlessness and feeling that everything is an effort are the most common challenges reported by rural employees.
The second section presents research related to land use, the environment and policy. PhD student Binayak Kunwar studies the effect of state-led farmland acquisition for economic development, using Indiana’s LEAP District as a case study, and finds that public land acquisition increased local farmland prices. PhD student Lauren Benavidez-Brouk discusses methods for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from land conversion and changes in agricultural practices. Master’s student Anabeth Jennings discusses that phosphorus inefficiency largely occurs at the consumption stage, mainly due to food waste, and emphasizes the need for policies that reduce food waste to support phosphorus sustainability. Finally, we conclude this issue by including the abstracts from the departmental Outstanding Dissertation and Thesis Awards, recognizing Yuansen Li (PhD ’25) and Sampada Wagle (MS ’25), respectively.
On behalf of the editorial team, I hope you enjoy this collection of work by the graduate students in Purdue’s Department of Agricultural Economics. Thank you for taking the time to read the PAER.
Laxmi Adhikari PhD Student and 2026 Graduate Editor for PAER 2026
To read the full Purdue Agricultural Economics Report, visit https://purdue.ag/paer. This year’s graduate student issue includes the following articles: - State of the Agricultural Economics Graduate Programs in 2026
- Author: Carson Reeling, Graduate Program Chair, Professor of Agricultural Economics
- Trinidad and Tobago Chocolate Consumer Market Study
- Authors: Marley Heritier, Master’s Student; Kenneth Foster, Professor of Agricultural Economics; Nicole Olynk Widmar, Department Head and Professor of Agricultural Economics; Amanda Dickson
- A Picture of Self-Employed Women in the Midwest
- Author: Ivanna Carillo-Siller, PhD Student and Graduate Research Assistant
- State of Employees’ Mental Health in Rural America
- Authors: Laxmi D. Adhikari, PhD Student and Graduate Research Assistant; Bhagyashree Katare, Berdine Martin Food Economics Associate Professor; Maria I. Marshall, James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics
- State-Led Land Acquisition and Farmland Prices: Evidence from Indiana
- Authors: Binayak Kunwar, PhD Student and Graduate Research Assistant; Chad Fiechter, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Finance; Guy Tchuente, Assistant Professor, Quantitative Methods in Spatial Analysis; Aaron Shew, Chief Technology Officer at Acres
- Approaches and Data to Quantify Global Soil Organic Carbon for Land-Use Agricultural Policy
- Authors: Lauren Benavidez-Brouk, PhD Student; Farzad Taheripour, Research Professor of Agricultural Economics; Uris Baldos, Research Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics; Qianlai Zhuang, Professor of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences and Agronomy; Shuo Chen, PhD Student
- Phosphorus Embodied in the Global Food Supply Chain: The Role of Food Loss and Waste
- Authors: Anabeth Jennings, MS Student; Maksym Chepeliev, Research Associate Professor
- Abstract: Extensions of the Synthetic Control Method to Multiple Dimensions
- Author: Yuansen Li, PhD Student
- Abstract: Immigration Enforcement, Labor Outcomes and Consumer Welfare: Evidence from U.S. Meat and Poultry Processing Plants
- Author: Sampada Wagle, MS Student
The Purdue Agricultural Economics Report is a quarterly publication from the Department of Agricultural Economics. Articles in the annual outlook issue are intended to provide a roadmap for understanding challenges facing the agricultural economy. | |
|  | Farm Management Tour Schedule - July 10, 2026
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.
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.
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|  | Policy Briefs by the Purdue Agricultural Economics Department aims to provide short insights, readable for the general public, on policy issues that are national in scope with an Indiana flare. We were initially motivated by the need to provide timely analysis in the lead up to 2018 Farm Bill discussions. However, the breadth of expertise in our department and the ongoing policy discussions related to farm, food, environment, trade, and development issues warrants a longer view and broader scope. The department hopes to enrich policy debates by providing data and context, quantifying impacts, and offering alternatives.
Check out the newest policy briefs: | |
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Reagan and Brady's Final Podcast: Passing the mic over to Kailee and Justin (PAEP 128)
For the last time, Reagan Koester and Brady Wiley share their final thoughts as co-hosts of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast. As Brady reflects on his years at Purdue and discusses his plans post-graduation, Reagan talks about what she’s looking forward to in her senior year and how going outside her comfort zone and saying “yes” to things helped her make giant leaps in her Purdue career.
Stay tuned as we welcome next year’s co-hosts, Kailee Cooper and Justin Bedel, who are excited to continue sharing the stories and experiences of Purdue Agriculture students!
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AWARDS AND APPOINTMENTS
| |  | Sláinte, Kim!(Who approved this retirement??) | On May 1, colleagues, friends and family gathered to celebrate Kim Mullen’s retirement. Judging by the standing-room-only crowd, it’s safe to say Kim has made an impact far beyond the walls of our department.
Since becoming the department’s business office manager in 1999, Kim has been the go-to person for just about everything—and if she didn’t have the answer, she knew exactly who did. Her commitment to excellence earned her the Eleanor O. Kaplan Award for Exceptional Customer Service in Business Administration in 2004, as well as the College of Agriculture Business Office Service Award in 2012 and 2019.
In fact, Kim’s influence on the College of Agriculture was so significant that the Kim Mullen Business Manager Award for Exempt Management or Professional was established in her honor, recognizing outstanding commitment to teamwork within the College of Agriculture Business Office.
The Irish-themed celebration featured plenty of green, laughter and stories from colleagues whose careers and days were made better by Kim’s guidance, generosity and sense of humor. Having her family there to share in the celebration made the occasion even more special.
While retirement marks the end of Kim’s official role with the department, her influence will continue through the many colleagues she has mentored and the culture of teamwork she helped build. Her legacy is firmly woven into the fabric of Agricultural Economics and the College of Agriculture.
Congratulations, Kim! May your retirement be filled with good health, good company and a little Irish luck. |
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Ro & Shorty Whittington Matching Program
The College of Agriculture is excited to offer a unique opportunity for donors to double their impact through the newly available Ro & Shorty Whittington Student Experience matching Program to create new Student Experience Endowments. These endowments, which begin at $50,000, provide life‑enriching support that allows undergraduates to grow beyond the classroom through national conference travel, professional development workshops, off‑campus learning experiences, capstone projects, judging teams, undergraduate research, community‑building events, and more. Every new student experience endowment will be matched dollar‑for‑dollar up to $200,000, making now an especially powerful moment to invest. Our long‑term goal is to establish a Student Experience Endowment in every department across the College of Agriculture to ensure all students benefit from enhanced experiential learning. If you are interested in creating a new endowment, please reach out to Luke Brenneman, Development Officer, at LDBrenneman@purdueforlife.org or 765-494-3717. And remember, we offer a five‑year pledge period, so your gift can be fulfilled over time—you don’t have to fund it all at once. Your contribution doesn’t just support programs; it opens doors, launches careers, and truly changes lives.
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|  | Congratulations to Olivia Williams on being selected as a recipient of the 2026 France A. Córdova Leadership in Action Award. She was nominated and selected as a finalist by the Dean, advanced to the University selection committee, and ultimately selected by President Mung Chiang.
Additionally, congratulations to Nicholas Neuman on being awarded the Flora Roberts Award. This award is presented to an outstanding graduating student who has shown a commitment to scholarship, leadership and service and displays outstanding character. | |
|  | Congratulations to Nicholas Neuman on receiving a Dean Betty Nelson Leadership Legacy Award. This award is for students who utilize their personal strengths to leave their mark on Purdue and the community. The award is made possible by the Emily Mauzy Vogel Endowment, set up by a generous gift from the late Mr. And Mrs. Robert Mauzy, and in honor of Dean of Students Emerita Betty Nelson. | |
|  | Congratulations to Jade Larrison on receiving a Class of 1937 Scholarship award. The Class of 1937 Scholarship recognizes undergraduate students who have significant involvement on campus and have exhibited outstanding leadership ability. | |
|  | Congratulations to Aissa Good on celebrating 25 years of service to the university. | |
|  | All aboard for LeeAnn Moss’s next chapter! The train may be leaving the station, but LeeAnn’s impact on Purdue will stay with us for years to come. We want to recognize and celebrate her dedication, enthusiasm and the many ways she helped move the department forward. We wish LeeAnn all the best on the road ahead. | |
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AG ECON IN THE NEWS
| Here is a sampling of recent news reports about Purdue Ag Econ from the college and media across the nation.
Indiana Prairie Farmer Purdue Farm Management Tour Returns this July, Michael Langemeier (published May 26, 2026)
Associated Press US grocery prices rose in April, but gas spikes weren’t the only reason, Ken Foster and Bernhard Dalheimer (published May 13, 2026 and featured in Purdue Today)
Hoosier Ag Today Cash Rent Clarity: The High-Stakes Gamble Farmers Take Without Written Lease Agreements, Purdue Agricultural Economics Report (published May 24, 2026)
USA Today Could Trump’s latest rollback actually lower your grocery bill?, Bernhard Dalheimer (published May 23, 2026)
New York Post Top 10 states revealed where a family of 4 spends the most on groceries as prices continue to soar, Ken Foster (published May 23, 2026)
RFD-TV Brazilian Corn Expansion Continues Adding Competition for U.S. Growers, Joana Colussi (published May 22, 2026) Purdue Study Shows Sharp Divide in Farmer Sentiment on Land Values, Michael Langemeier (published May 21, 2026) Brazil’s Second-Crop Corn System Continues Challenging U.S. Export Competitiveness, Joana Colussi (published May 20, 2026) Purdue Long-Term Farm Study Finds Precision Ag ROI Not Guaranteed Across Operations, Chad Fiechter (published April 30, 2026)
The Economic Times ‘The US-Iran war will hurt both food consumers — and producers’, Bernhard Dalheimer (published May 21, 2026)
Purdue Today Faculty excellence spotlighted at Honors Ceremony and Celebration, Jay Akridge (published May 20, 2026)
WTTW Strait of Hormuz Closure Continues to Disrupt Oil, Fertilizer Prices Around the Globe, Ken Foster (published May 18, 2026)
Successful Farming Comparing Corn Production Costs and Returns in the United States and Brazil, Joana Colussi and Michael Langemeier (published May 19, 2026)
Southern Farm Network Risks to Cutting Back on 2026 Herbicide Programs, Madisen Carnes and Chad Fiechter (published May 19, 2026) How Dependent are Brazil and the U.S. on Fertilizer Imports?, Joana Colussi (published April 28, 2026)
PBS News U.S. grocery prices rose in April, but gas spikes weren’t the only reason, Ken Foster and Bernhard Dalheimer (published May 13, 2026)
Indiana Public Media Farm bankruptcies climbed 46 percent last year, Michael Langemeier (published May 7, 2026)
MSN Trade deals alone won’t save Bangladesh after LDC without reforms, GTAP - general equilibrium model (published May 6, 2026) Price spikes stressing Indiana corn, soybean farmers, Michael Langemeier (published April 30, 2026)
The Globe and Mail US grocery prices rose in April, but gas spikes weren’t the only reason, Ken Foster and Bernhard Dalheimer (published May 13, 2026)
Courier & Press How will the war with Iran impact Midwest farming, Joana Colussi (published May 7, 2026)
Sioux County Radio Precision ag costs still outweigh the benefits, Chad Fiechter (published May 6, 2026)
Times Colonist US grocery prices rose in April, but gas spikes weren’t the only reason, Ken Foster and Bernhard Dalheimer (published May 13, 2026)
Business Times U.S. Gas Prices Surge 44% to $4.30 as Trump Predicts Post-War Drop ‘Like a Rock’, Ken Foster (published May 5, 2026)
Journal & Courier High gas prices will continue to affect food costs, Purdue economists say, Farzad Taheripour (published May 5, 2026)
Daily Express U.S. 7 grocery prices are set to skyrocket as Iran war rages on, report finds, Ken Foster (published May 2, 2026)
Brownfield Ag News Purdue economist: Precision ag costs still outweigh returns for many farmers, Chad Fiechter (published April 30, 2026)
93.1FM WIBC U.S. Farm Bankruptcies Rose 46% in 2025, Michael Langemeier (published April 30, 2026)
Axios Price spikes stressing Indiana corn, soybean farmers, Michael Langemeier (published April 30, 2026)
WKYC High oil prices due to the Iran war weigh on everything from the gas pump to consumer goods, Ken Foster (published April 30, 2026)
Fox 29 | WFLX Rising oil prices from the conflict in Iran will likely trigger grocery price shocks later this year, Ken Foster and Bernhard Dalheimer (published April 28, 2026)
Agri-View Corn, soybean basis strengthens, Josh Strine (published April 29, 2026)
Healthy Eating Research Q&A: Food Industry Responses to the Make America Healthy Again Initiative, Brenna Ellison (published March 26, 2026)
NewsBreak 7 grocery prices are set to skyrocket as Iran war rages on, report finds, Ken Foster and Bernhard Dalheimer (published May 2, 2026) | |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Save the Date: 2026 AAEA Annual Meeting
Mark your calendars for the 2026 AAEA Annual Meeting, happening July 26–28 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown! The event features a mix of invited paper sessions, case study papers, organized symposia, lightning and paper sessions, poster sessions and more.
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CENTER AND EXTENSION NEWS
|  |  | Farmer sentiment declines in April amid input costs and availability concerns | Farmer sentiment fell in April as concerns about rising input costs, tighter availability and global instability continued to weigh on the agricultural outlook. The April Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped to 121, down from 127 in March. The decline was also driven by a decrease in confidence about current conditions, which dropped by 11 points, while producers’ expectations for the future fell 4 points from the March survey and were 28 points below last year’s April index. The survey was conducted among 400 farmers across the nation from April 13-17.
The report was covered by: 96.5 KSOM, Farm Progress, Agri-View, Ravalli Republic, KCUR, KMAland.com, Brownfield Ag News, Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, Michigan Farm News, AgTech Navigator, Farm Week Now, Successful Farming, Middle Georgia CEO, Southern Farm Network, RFD-TV, Farm Policy News - University of Illinois, Hoosier Ag Today, The Des Moines Register, Sioux County Radio, Pro Farmer, Journal & Courier, AOL.com, The Star Press, AgWeb, WIBC
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Purdue Commercial AgBriefs
| Check out these quick video insights to help make confident decisions, manage risk, and strengthen your farm business with these short weekly videos. |
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Purdue Commercial AgCast
Podcast
| Check out the newest videos from the Center for Commercial Agriculture |
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| Producer Sentiment and Land Value ExpectationsMichael Langemeier and Joana Colussi | While producer sentiment and farmland value expectations are influenced by a common set of economic drivers – such as interest rates, farm income, and policy uncertainty – they offer distinct perspectives on the agricultural outlook. Using results from the March 2026 Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer (AEB) survey, this article examines differences in sentiment between producers who expect land values to decline over the next 12 months and those who expect land values to increase. The AEB index and land value expectations are reported monthly based on responses from approximately 400 U.S. Agricultural producers. The AEB index for March 2026 was 127, indicating that average sentiment was more positive than during the index’s base period, which includes the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. The AEB index is subdivided into two sub-indices: the Index of Current Conditions (ICC) and the Index of Future Expectations (IFE). Index values for March 2026 were 126 for the ICC and 128 for the IFE (Langemeier and Colussi, 2026).
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| Examining Tradeoffs between Conservation and ProfitabilityMichael Langemeier | There are numerous conservation practices that should be considered when exploring soil health. To acknowledge the array of conservation practices and to provide guidance as to the impact of these practices on soil health, helpful tools have been developed. For example, the Soil Health Matrix Decision tool developed by the Soil Health Nexus with assistance from extension colleagues in the North Central region explores soil health scores for current and planned practices related to tillage, manure, crop rotation, cover crops, and complementary practices (Soil Health Nexus, 2026). By comparing current and planned practices, a farm can assess changes in soil organic matter, nutrient capacity, water holding capacity, erosion, water infiltration, aggregate stability, soil compaction, organism habitat, and an overall soil health score. The values in the tool are meant to be a guide and may vary by location and the suite of practices actually used. As another example, Plastina (2024) has developed a carbon intensity score calculator for corn. This tool compares a carbon intensity score under current and alternative farming practices. To use the tool, a farm selects their state, county, cover crop use, manure use, and tillage practice from drop down menus, and enters corn acres, fertilizer use, and yield. The tool then illustrates the improvement in CI score associated with the implementation of specific practices. |
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| Basis Gains Slow as Historically Suggested Volatility LoomsJosh Strine | Over the past three weeks, corn and soybean basis have continued to strengthen across the Eastern Corn Belt. However, gains have slowed in the past week. Broadly, basis trends are near historical movement, though regional deviations persist. Local variation is evident, with the strongest soybean basis found along Southern Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, and the strongest corn basis in Ohio and Southern Indiana. As we look ahead to next month, the historical average suggests week-to-week volatility in soybean basis and weakening in corn basis.
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| Comparing Corn Production Costs and Returns in the United States and BrazilJoana Colussi and Michael Langemeier | Brazil’s expansion in corn production over the last decade has made the country a more important competitor in global corn markets, increasing competitive pressure for U.S. producers. Although the United States remains the world’s largest corn producer by a wide margin, Brazil has become a more prominent competitor mainly due to the growth of second-crop corn planted after soybeans. This production system enables Brazilian farmers to spread fixed costs across two crops in the same year, resulting in a cost structure that differs from that of U.S. corn farms. Using standardized economic data from the agribenchmark network, this article compares corn production costs and returns in the United States and Brazil from 2020 to 2024. The analysis examines key differences in cost structures and profitability, providing insight into the factors affecting corn competitiveness in both countries.
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| Explaining Differences in Farm Growth ExpectationsMichael Langemeier and Joana Colussi | Farm growth expectations vary among U.S. farms, and those expectations appear to be linked to how producers view their financial position, investment opportunities, and the broader outlook for agriculture. Results from the April 2026 Purdue-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer (AEB) survey suggest that most producers do not expect their farm to grow in the next five years. However, the group that does expect to expand reports stronger sentiment, more optimism about financial performance, and a more favorable view of future growth opportunities.
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|  | New limited series podcast: Agribusiness Blueprint | Agribusiness Blueprint is a limited-series podcast about how the modern agribusiness system was built and why the business of agriculture is fundamentally different from every other industry. Hosted by Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business, this series tells the stories of the people, ideas and decisions that shaped the modern food and agricultural system, from early entrepreneurs like Johnny Appleseed to the economists, researchers and business leaders who helped define agribusiness as a discipline. Agriculture operates under a unique set of pressures – biological production, weather, global markets, government policy and decentralized decision-making – which forced the industry to develop its own management tools and strategy. This podcast is the story of how that happened and why it matters today.
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| Purdue Agribusiness Review
The Purdue Agribusiness Review (PAR) is a curated digital publication produced by the Center for Food and Agricultural Business at Purdue University. The PAR translates contemporary research, managerial insights and emerging industry trends into accessible articles for agribusiness professionals, executives and policymakers. | |
The Purdue Agribusiness Review (PAR) has been relaunched as an open-access, editorial-style publication focused on the strategic, managerial and organizational challenges facing the global food and agricultural system.
PAR is modeled more closely on publications such as Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review than on a traditional academic journal. Its purpose is to translate research, industry analysis and applied insights into accessible articles that help agribusiness professionals, executives and policymakers make better decisions.
This relaunch also introduces an important new feature: PAR articles are now assigned DOIs, allowing authors to generate citations while reaching a broader industry audience.
For faculty and staff, PAR provides a platform to extend the impact of research and outreach to industry decision-makers while maintaining an academic publication record. It is designed for work that sits between academic research, Extension and industry engagement. If you are working on research or industry-facing projects that should reach a broader audience, the editorial team welcomes conversations about potential PAR articles.
The first issue of the relaunched Purdue Agribusiness Review can be found here:
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|  | A Week in Brazil: What our MS-MBA cohort learned from the other side of the global food system | The 2024-26 MS-MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management cohort spent one week in Brazil visiting cooperatives, family businesses and large-scale processors. What they brought home wasn’t a verdict on Brazilian agriculture. It was a sharper lens for the industry they work in every day.
Understanding the global food system requires, at some point, leaving home.
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|  | What makes selling to farmers different? New agribusiness sales dataWritten by Trey Malone, associate professor and Boehlje Chair in Managerial Economics for Agribusiness, Purdue University | Agribusiness sales are not a rural variant of conventional B2B commerce. It operates under its own structural logic and performance drivers. The sooner we build management systems that reflect that reality, the better positioned our firms will be.
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Below are some of our recent and upcoming programs happening for agribusiness professionals.
Business-to-business relationships are the lifeblood of successful salespeople. It’s the environment in which salespeople truly connect with their customers. Those connections are often what result in long-term partnerships. Repeat business, upselling and cross-selling opportunities abound when you invest time in understanding and nurturing your clients.
July 14-15, 2026 | West Lafayette, IN Managing key accounts requires a diverse skill set — skills often more closely aligned with management than traditional sales. During Precision Selling: Building Relationships with Large Farmers, Dr. Scott Downey will lead you in specifically addressing strategies for working with large-scale producers in the evolving agricultural marketplace. You’ll explore complexities of working with growers and delve into the areas of strategic account planning, resource allocation, information analysis and the use of sophisticated selling tools.
August 4-5, 2026 | San Luis Obispo, CA Managing key accounts requires a diverse skill set — skills often more closely aligned with management than traditional sales. During Precision Selling: Building Relationships with Large Growers, Dr. Scott Downey will lead you in specifically addressing strategies for working with large-scale producers in the evolving agricultural marketplace. You’ll explore complexities of working with growers and delve into the areas of strategic account planning, resource allocation, information analysis and the use of sophisticated selling tools.
August 18-20, 2026 | West Lafayette, IN Strong business management abilities have always been critical in leading successful teams and organizations, and our current environment has only increased this importance. The Seed Management Academy, formerly known as the ASTA Management Academy, is a valuable opportunity for anyone involved in the seed industry. In partnership with the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), we’re committed to nurturing growth, innovation and excellence within the seed industry. During the academy, Drs. Brady Brewer, Scott Downey, Brenna Ellison and Pete Hammett will take you on a deep dive into the practical application of general management concepts vital to the long-term success of seed firms, discuss the changing agribusiness environment and implications for the seed industry, explore marketing strategies and more.
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|  |  | Attendees of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems Food Shocks grant meeting held May 18-19, 2026, in East Lansing, Michigan. | TravelNCRCRD Attends Sustainable Agricultural Systems Food Shocks Project Annual MeetingOn May 18-19, 2026, Dr. Maria Marshall and Renee Wiatt attended the annual Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Food Shocks Project “All Hands Meeting” at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. The SAS Food Shocks meeting brought together the transdisciplinary team of researchers, educators, and Extension experts involved with the 5-year project that is focused on developing more resilient food systems for coping with multiple natural disasters.
The SAS Food Shocks Project is led by Michigan State University and funded through the Sustainable Agricultural Systems program of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For this grant, NCRCRD, along with other entities at Purdue University, is developing and testing a curriculum to help farmers in the Midwest better prepare for multiple natural disasters. |
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|  | North Central Region Household Survey Reports Now AvailableThe North Central Region Household Survey Reports present index measures that synthesize multiple survey questions from the NCR-Stat: Baseline Survey 2024 into meaningful indicators of household and community well-being. Organized into NCRCRD’s three thematic areas: Promoting Community Health & Wellness, Creating Resilient Communities & Economies, and Developing Leadership & Civic Engagement, these indices enable comparisons between rural and urban areas across the North Central Region, providing benchmarks for tracking changes over time. With support from the North Central Cooperative Extension Association, thirteen reports (one regional report and twelve state reports) were compiled by the NCRCRD team of Dr. Michael Wilcox, Dr. Zuzana Bednarik, DeAndre Malone, and Mary Breidenbach. Visit the North Central Region Household Survey Reports webpage to download the reports. |
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| First NCRCRD Fellow for 2026 AnnouncedThe North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD) has named Thomas Krumel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University, as its newest NCRCRD Fellow. Dr. Krumel’s fellow project, “Federal Grants and Rural Resilience: A Policy Evaluation of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program and the Local Meat Capacity Grant Program in the North Central Region” will evaluate the impacts of two major U.S. Department of Agriculture investments aimed at strengthening rural economies and decentralizing the U.S. meatpacking industry. |
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Presentations and Activities
Renee is serving as PI on an NCERME Grant entitled “Securing the Future: Legal Audits for Farm Families”, with part of the outputs being an 8-part webinar series (see flyer below).
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| What Happens if the Unexpected Occurs on Your Farm?What would happen to your farm or family business if something unexpected occurred tomorrow?
Illness, injury, or sudden changes can disrupt even the most well-run operations. Having a plan in place can make all the difference for protecting your family, your assets, and your legacy. We’d like to invite you to a free virtual workshop designed to help you take that important step:
Securing the Future: Legal Audits for Farm Families
Session Topic: Contingency Planning – “Code Red” Date: June 22 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (EST) Presented by: Renee Wiatt & Jenna Nees Format: Virtual (join from anywhere) Cost: FREE
During this session, participants will learn: - What contingency planning is and why it matters
- How to prepare for unexpected disruptions (illness, injury, or loss of a key decision-maker)
- Steps to organize critical documents and information
- How the “Code Red” system can help your family respond quickly in an emergency
This program is part of Purdue Extension’s efforts to help farm families strengthen their long-term planning and risk management strategies.
Whether you are just getting started or already thinking about succession, this session will provide practical tools you can use right away.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with others who may benefit. Planning ahead is one of the best ways to protect your farm and those who depend on it. |  | |
|  | Recent GTAP Events Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) and Connections to GTAP-InVEST Speakers: Stephen Polasky (University of Minnesota), Tong Wu (Stanford University), Justin Johnson (University of Minnesota), Erwin Corong (Purdue University)
--------------------------- Upcoming GTAP Events Confronting Developmental and Environmental Challenges in Asia and the New Trade Landscape June 17-19, 2026 | Kyoto, Japan
--------------------------- Recent GTAP Courses The Center for Global Trade Analysis recently held the 2026-1 GTAP 101 Course, where learners engaged in an active, team-based process of learning about the GTAP computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and its use in applied economic policy analysis. Sixteen individuals from nine different countries completed the course.
--------------------------- Upcoming GTAP-U Courses
"Running the GTAP Model using R packages HARr and tabloToR" Open Enrollment | Online Course
“Applied Analysis on Trade Policy Instruments” October 12 – November 29, 2026 | Online Course Apply by July 26!
“Applied General Equilibrium Analysis using a Dynamic Multi-Region Model” January 18 – March 12, 2027 | Hybrid Course Apply by August 30! | |
| .jpg) | Thematic Seminar Series“Modelling Extremes: From Climate Change to Biophysical Impacts and Economic Implications”
June 25, 2026 • 9:00-10:30 AM (EDT/UTC-4) Increasing frequency of extreme weather events, induced by rising average temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and blocked weather systems, are expected to create increasing challenges for agriculture and food production, food security, and resource management in general. Long-term trends and average conditions, in terms of maximum temperatures, length of drought periods, and maximum amounts of rainfall in short periods of time may not hold in the future. In addition, locally confined extreme events alone may not lead to large-scale production failures or socio-economic shocks, but if several events across different regions coincide, substantial aggregate effects may develop. This asks for an improved analytical framework across spatial and temporal scales, in line with the global-to-local-to-global research agenda in GLASSNET.
Currently available simulation models, ranging from climate to vegetation and crops to socio-economic impacts and adaptation, are still relatively poor in describing the occurrence and related impacts of extreme events, for various reasons. Given this situation, several key questions arise: How can the understanding of extreme weather events and their coincidence be improved? How can the existing modelling chain, from biophysical processes to socio-economic impacts, be expanded? Based on an improved modelling toolset, how are the impacts of extreme weather events likely to propagate through entire global value chains, and to what extent can adaptation options at different scales be better evaluated?
CHAIR Hermann Lotze-Campen - PIK
OPENING REMARKS Aline Mosnier - SDSN Jonas Jaegermeyr - Columbia University
SPEAKERS Ed Byers - IIASA, RIME Group Michael Windisch - ETH Zurich, Seneviratne Group Edna Molina Bacca - PIK, MAgPIE Group
DISCUSSANT Stéphane Hallegatte - World Bank
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Purdue Extension Community Development News
The mission for Purdue Extension Community Development is to strengthen the capacity of local leaders, residents and organizations to build strong, vibrant communities by using research-based resources to guide their decisions. Learn more about their programs, offerings and catch up on the latest news on their website. | |
| Recent News
- Spring into Art: How a Block Party Brought a Neighborhood Together
- What does an old fire station, an urban farm, art, llamas, and a cookout have in common? They all came together at the Spring into Art Block Party at Johnnie Mae Farm (JMF) on April 25, creating an afternoon filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit. It was an afternoon that proved community can grow just about anywhere, including a repurposed firehouse on Fort Wayne's east side.
- Save the Date: Indiana Land Use Summit - August 27, Becks Agricultural Center
- The 2026 Indiana Land Use Summit will highlight Purdue University’s applied research and extension efforts in advancing data-driven, community-engaged approaches to land use planning across Indiana, with emphasis on renewable energy and agrivoltaics. Through sessions featuring the Indiana Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (IN R‑STEP) program, participants will explore new tools, resources, and research findings supporting utility-scale renewable energy planning.
- Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing
- The two-day, in-person Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing program is a great skill builder for beginner-to-intermediate grant writers. Whatever your skill level, come with an idea and be ready to write. At the end of Day One, you will have a proposal outline and all the resources you need to expand your outline into a full proposal. A list of workshops can be found on our website. Be sure to check back for updated offerings.
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PUBLICATIONS AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
| Publications & Presentations
Bir, C., Jung, J., & Widmar, N. O. (2026). Understanding why people value working from home or hybrid workplace flexibility a study of preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS ONE, 21(5), e0348206. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348206
Chepeliev, M., Banares-Alcantara, R., Campagnolo, L., Halim, R., Hall, J., Naghash, H., Palazzi, C., Parrado, R., Rocchi, P., Taberna, A., Shayegh, S. 2026. Capturing System Complexity in Maritime Decarbonization: A Multilayer Modeling Perspective. Environmental Research Letters, Vol 21, No. 10. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ae61ce
Chepeliev, M., Peszko, G., & Van Der Mensbrugghe, D. (2026). Fiscal reforms with energy transition and climate benefits in oil exporting countries: The case of Nigeria. Energy Economics, 109412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2026.109412
Colussi, J. and M. Langemeier. “Comparing Corn Production Costs and Returns in the United States and Brazil.” farmdoc daily (16): 87, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 18, 2026.
Colussi, J. and M. Langemeier. “Middle East Conflict Revives Concerns Over Fertilizer Dependence in the U.S. and Brazil.” farmdoc daily (16):68, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, April 20, 2026.
Ellison, Brenna, Maria Kalaitzandonakes, Karen Byrd, and Bhagyashree Katare. 2026. The politics of processed foods: consumer perceptions of policies targeting ultra-processed foods. PLOS One. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0350271
Haqiqi, I., Hertel, T. (2026). The buffer value of trade: quantifying how global integration stabilizes food prices and farm incomes. Food Security. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-026-01662-9
Jennings, A., Chepeliev, M. 2026. Phosphorus Embodied in the Global Food Supply Chain: The Role of Food Loss and Waste. Purdue Agricultural Economics Report. PAER-2026-21. https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/home/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PAER-2026-Graduate-Student-Edition.pdf#page=39
Langemeier, M. and J. Colussi. “Producer Sentiment and Land Value Expectations.” farmdoc daily (16):77, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 1, 2026.
Malone, T., Downey, W. S., & Meng, Z. (2026). What Makes Business-to-Farm Sales Distinct? Evidence from Time Allocation and Salesperson Personas. Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/1051712x.2026.2665178
Melstrom, R. T., Edmonds, F., & Reeling, C. (2026). The value of wildlife viewing when wildlife populations are mobile. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1017/age.2026.10028
Montenovo, Laura and Pickens, Joseph. "Who is Protected by Employment Protection?" The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy. https://doi.org/10.1515/bejeap-2025-0342
Muth, Mary K., Abigail Okrent, Acelynn Bock, Darryl Creel, Brenna Ellison, Shawn Karns, Erin Love, and Lisa Mancino. 2026. SNAP participation and the healthfulness of food purchased by households with children during the pandemic. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. https://doi.org/10.1017/age.2026.10030
Neto, L. C. M., & Gray, A. W. (2026). A Jobs-to-Be-Done framework for mapping digital innovation opportunities in Climate-Smart agrifood systems. Sustainability, 18(9), 4487. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094487
Pearson, M., Fiechter, C. M., & Campbell, A. (2026). A hedonic analysis of farm tractor auction prices. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1017/age.2026.10027
Reinders, M. J., Adema, H., Dwyer, L., & Van Loo, E. J. (2026). Buying intention of True Price labelled food products for different motive-based consumer segments. Cleaner and Responsible Consumption, 22, 100437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clrc.2026.100437
Zuidema, S., Grogan, D. S., & Haqiqi, I. (2026). Focus on groundwater and society: Sustainably managing an “invisible” resource. Environmental Research Letters, 21(10), 100201. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ae6ab7 | |
| Presentations and Activities
Haqiqi, I. (2026, April 10). Gridded economic analysis of the impacts of global biodiversity conservation policies [Virtual Seminar]. Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO), University of Copenhagen.
On May 18, Brenna Ellison participated in the Consumer Food Waste Webinar: USDA Food Loss and Waste Grants Updates. |  | Laura Montenovo had the opportunity to attend the Festival dell’Economia in Trento, Italy, where she participated in several panels on the most pressing themes in applied economics. A highlight was the conversation about AI and its implications on our economy and society. The discussions prompted her to reflect on how we can integrate AI into economics research and teaching to enhance the quality of our work while preserving creativity, critical thinking and the expertise that shapes us as scholars. | |
| | Jonathan Bauchet recently traveled to Ibadan, Nigeria, to lead a workshop sharing the results of a cassava gari food safety project with stakeholders from across the cassava value chain. Conducted in collaboration with Solomon Afuape and local partners, the research focused on improving the safety of gari, a staple cassava-based food consumed throughout West Africa. The results showed that targeted processor training substantially improved gari safety: processors achieved a 60% reduction in cyanide level and a 70% increase in gari having cyanide below the WHO-safe limit of 10 ppm, even 6 months after the training concluded.
Beyond sharing research findings, the workshop created an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss how policy, training, and collective action can support safer cassava value chains in Nigeria and beyond. Supported by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and Purdue Agricultural Economics, the project highlights how applied research can deliver meaningful benefits to consumers and communities. The project was supported by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and Purdue Agricultural Economics and was made possible through the collaboration of Jonathan Bauchet, Solomon Afuape, Bukade Adesina, Ayinla Rasheed and numerous community and institutional partners in Nigeria. | | | |
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For a list of recent publications and endeavors by faculty, staff, and students in the department of agricultural economics, visit our publications and endeavors pages. | |
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Purdue AgEcon News is a monthly publication of department happenings. The publication is edited by Morgan French (mmfrench@purdue.edu).
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Purdue University
Agricultural Economics Department
403 Mitch Daniels Blvd
Krannert Building Room 651
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-494-4191
agecon1@purdue.edu
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