Hi there!
I'm glad you found our news update page for Ag & Natural Resources and Health & Human Sciences Extension Education in Miami County. If you ever have questions, or are interested in any of the programming we offer, feel free to reach out to me at schmi163@purdue.edu.
Thank you!
Courtney Schmidt
County Extension Director, Ag & Natural Resources/Health & Human Sciences Educator
Navigate grain markets with confidence! Designed to empower Indiana farmers, Grain Market Navigator is a four-session Extension series that provides the knowledge and tools needed to confidently navigate grain markets - especially during uncertain economic times.
February 17th - Session 1 breaks down grain marketing terminology, explains basis, and compares cash vs. futures markets.
February 24th - Session 2 dives into grain contracts, using real-world examples to show how they work and what to consider.
March 3rd - Session 3 features a market outlook presentation to help producers understand current trends and future projections.
March 10th - Session 4 wraps up with a dynamic panel discussion featuring grain buyers who will share insight, answer questions, and offer practical advice.
This series also fosters community engagement and resilience by connecting farmers with
experts and peers to strengthen decision-making and market strategies.
Dates: Weekly on Tuesdays starting February 17th through March 10th
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm EST / 5:30pm – 7:30pm CST
Where: In-Person at 12 counties around the state or virtual!
Register by February 12th, 2026
In-Person Fee: $40
Virtual Fee: $55
Area ANR Educators
Miami County Extension Office Staff
Field Meals Educator Crew
Field Meals Workshop Johnson County
Teaching Science of Field Meals
Great Apple Crunch
North Miami Entomology Day
Repotting Natives with UWIN
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.
Steps to a Healthy You with
HHS Educator Jess Riffle
NEPA Rachel's Birthday
Educators Jess Riffle, Court Schmidt, and Shalee Bradley
Purdue Extension Statewide ANR Educators
Halloween
Rosie the Riveter
Spotted Lantern Fly ID in Peru
Where Does Your Money Go? programming at Miami County Probation
Equal Opportunity Statement: Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: If you are in need of accommodations to attend a program, please contact Courtney Schmidt prior to the meeting at 765-472-1921 or schmi163@purdue.edu
For special dietary needs contact Courtney Schmidt at 765-472-1921 or schmi163@purdue.edu.
Language Access Statement: If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact Courtney Schmidt prior to the meeting at 765-472-1921 or schmi163@purdue.edu.