Bloomington, IN –  Purdue EDGE in Ag is inviting farmers, agribusiness professionals, and emerging leaders to gather at the Monroe Convention Center in Bloomington, Indiana, for the 2026 Ag Engage Conference, February 18–19. This annual event brings together experts and innovators to share strategies for managing risk, improving farm operations, and building stronger agricultural communities.

The two-day program kicks off on February 18 with pre-conference workshops, including Annie’s Project, a nationally recognized program designed to strengthen farm business leadership, and a session focused on Indiana’s growing wine industry at Owen Valley Winery. That same day, the Emerging Ag Leaders Conference will welcome high school and college students eager to explore careers in agriculture.

On February 19, the main conference will feature keynote speaker Zoe Kent, an eighth-generation grain farmer from Ohio who has built a thriving online community of more than 500,000 followers through her @farmwithzoe social media presence. Kent will share her journey from college graduate to farm operator and influencer, offering insights on leadership and connecting with consumers.

Attendees will also choose from four breakout tracks covering topics such as herbicide resistance, rotational grazing, grain marketing, farm financial planning, childcare solutions for farm families, drone technology, and even prescribed grazing with goats.

“Ag Engage is more than a conference—it’s a chance to learn, connect, and leave with practical tools that make a real difference on the farm,” said Jenna Nees, Purdue Extension Educator and conference organizer. “We’re excited to offer sessions that address today’s challenges while inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

Early bird registration is $125 through January 22; regular registration is $135. The deadline to register is February 6, 2026. For details and to register, visit https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/wia/conference.html.

The Purdue Extension Succession Planning Team is hosting the virtual workshop, “Securing the Future:  Legal Audits for Farm Families and Agricultural Success,” over the next several months.  This virtual program series is offered at no cost to participants.  The team has built sessions to support farm families as they prepare for legal aspects of transition planning and create a smoother, more successful transition for the next generation.

“Many families are in the midst of preparations for farm business transition,” said Ed Farris, Purdue Extension Educator in Huntington Co., who is a member of the Purdue Extension Succession Planning Team.  “This program is designed to help families cover their bases as they seek legal advice.”

The series will be held from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. EST (5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. CST) for eight evenings.  Presentations from Purdue Extension Educators and Specialists along with Scott Linneweber, Shareholder Attorney, Eagle & Fein, P.C. will be offered as follows:

·         March 2 - Organizing the Farm & Family History & Timeline of the Family Farm

·         March 9 – Difficult Conversations

·         June 22 – Contingency Planning/Code Red

·         June 29 – Operating & Buy-Sell Agreements

·         July 13 – Personal Estate Planning

·         August 12 – Planning for Incapacity

·         August 24 – Management Transfer/Professionalizing the Family Business

·         August 31 – Land Leases/Tenant Relationships

Participants can register for the program series at https://bit.ly/securingthefuture2026

This work is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, project award no.2024-70027-42470, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National

Institute of Food and Agriculture.