Advertise on podcast: Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast

In this episode, student co-hosts Justin Bedel and Kailee Cooper take The Purdue Agriculture Economics Podcast on the road to the Purdue College of Agriculture Career Fair, where they speak with companies across the agricultural industry.    Employers shared insights into their companies, what they hope to find in potential candidates, and what makes students stand out at the career fair and throughout the hiring process. From making a strong first impression to having meaningful conversations, this episode offers candid advice on navigating career fairs and making the most of opportunities to connect with potential employers.

Ken Foster and student co-host Justin Bedel converse with Jason Henderson, Director of Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University and recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award.   Henderson describes how growing up on a family farm in Northeastern Iowa shaped his future in Economics and paved his pathway to the Federal Reserve during the Great Recession. He also dives into his transition from government to academia and how he sees university extension evolving in the new era of technology and innovation. Lastly, Henderson leaves us with some advice on how to be an effective leader and make the best of unfortunate outcomes.

In this episode, Valerie Kilders and student co-host Kailee Cooper sit down with Mario Herrero, a professor in the Cornell CALS Department of Global Development and the director of Food Systems & Global Change.    Mario explains the interconnected relationship between agriculture, land use, environmental sustainability, nutrition and food waste, as well as his work with the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems. He explores how food systems can be transformed through research, collaboration and practical changes at the local and global level.

In this episode, faculty host Valerie Kilders and student co-host Kailee Cooper sit down with Kara Hartman, the study abroad manager within the Purdue International Programs in Agriculture. They cover the different types and lengths of study abroad programs, destinations available to Purdue students this year, and what students should consider when choosing an experience that fits their academic and personal goals. Kara shares insights from her own time abroad and discusses how study abroad experiences can provide students with opportunities for personal, academic and professional growth.

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!

In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, student co-hosts Brady Wiley and Reagan Koester sit down with Casey and Jill Zeller, Purdue Ag Econ alums and Apex Award recipients. They share how their Purdue experiences shaped their careers at SePRO Corporation and Corteva Agriscience, while offering insights into continuous learning and relationship-building. The conversation also highlights the importance of giving back and making the most of every stage of the journey. They also offer practical advice for students preparing to enter the workforce, emphasizing the value of hard work, saying yes to new opportunities and embracing growth through challenges.

In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, Valerie Kilders and student co-host Brady Wiley sit down with Sam and Dan Krouse, co-CEOs of MPS Egg Farms in North Manchester, Indiana. The conversation explores how a sixth-generation family business has grown into one of the nation’s largest egg producers, covering topics like managing Easter demand and navigating commodity price swings to tackling bird flu and investing in sustainability through vertical integration and fertilizer innovation. Sam and Dan also share how transparency, community commitment and long-term planning continue to shape the future of egg production in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation with Professor Emeritus Dr. Otto Doering as he explores the evolving intersection of agriculture and the energy sector. From the early development of ethanol policy to emerging solar opportunities and the growing energy demands driven by data centers, Doering unpacks how these industries have become increasingly intertwined. Drawing on decades of experience in agricultural economics, he examines the market forces, policy decisions and technological shifts shaping both sectors today. The discussion goes beyond headlines, diving into how changes to the electric grid, rural land use and global energy trends directly impact farmers, communities and consumers. Grounded in both economic analysis and personal reflection, Doering also considers the role of values in decision-making, reminding listeners that the future of agriculture and energy will be shaped not only by innovation and investment, but by the priorities we choose to uphold.

In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, Ken Foster and student co-host Brady Wiley sit down with Christian Butzke, a professor in Purdue’s Department of Food Science. Dr. Butzke discusses the growth of Indiana’s wine industry, emerging trends like non-alcoholic beverages, and how science and innovation are shaping the future of wine production. He also shares insights from his popular wine appreciation course, where students explore the global history, culture, and science behind wine. The conversation highlights how universities like Purdue play a role in supporting entrepreneurs, translating research into real-world solutions, and preparing students to blend science, business, and innovation in their careers.

In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, Reagan and Brady sit down with Angie Abbott, Associate Dean and Director of Purdue Extension. Abbott discusses how Extension connects Purdue research with real-world decision-making in agriculture, communities, and youth development. The conversation highlights the future of Extension, including regional service models, workforce development, and emerging technologies like AI, offering insight for students, producers, and community leaders interested in people-centered leadership and the land-grant mission.

In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, Reagan and Brady are joined by Sonny Beck, Purdue alumnus, CEO of Beck’s Hybrids, and a member of Purdue’s Board of Trustees. Sonny shares how growing up on a family farm and his time at Purdue shaped his leadership philosophy and commitment to agriculture. The conversation focuses on values over numbers, as Sonny reflects on his guiding principles of faith, family, and farming. He discusses building strong relationships with farmers and employees, leading with integrity, and giving back to the ag community through practical research and service-driven leadership. This episode offers meaningful insights for students, alumni, and agricultural professionals interested in purpose-driven leadership and what it truly means to be a Boilermaker in agriculture.

In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, Valerie Kilders and Brady Wiley sit down with Neil Mylet, agricultural economist, inventor, rural development advocate and proud Purdue alumnus. Growing up on his family’s farm in Camden, Indiana, Neil shares how his time at Purdue was shaped by mentorship, entrepreneurship coursework and hands-on leadership experiences, which sparked his passion for innovation and community impact. Neil walks listeners through the origins of Camden Castle, a bold effort to restore a historic opera house into a hub for technology, arts and opportunity in rural Indiana. From global partnerships and cultural exchanges to expanding digital infrastructure and inspiring young people to see what’s possible, Neil explains how entrepreneurship and connectivity can help rural communities not just survive but thrive. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation, this episode is perfect for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, rural development, technology and the lasting power of the Boilermaker network.

In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, student hosts Reagan Koester and Brady Wiley welcome back former co-hosts and Purdue Ag Econ alumni Abby Meier (Agribusiness and Agri-Marketing, ‘24) and Colby Smock (Agribusiness, ‘23). The conversation reflects on life after Purdue, highlighting diverse career paths in agricultural policy, international education and family agribusiness. Abby and Colby share how classroom experiences, study abroad, internships and involvement with the podcast shaped their professional growth and perspectives. A reflective and inspiring episode, this conversation is especially valuable for students exploring career possibilities, internships and the many ways an agricultural economics degree can open doors both at home and around the world.

In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, hosts Valerie Kilders and Reagan Koester sit down with Indiana entrepreneur and proud Purdue alumnus Joe Rust. Joe shares his journey from his early interest in business to his time at Purdue, where transformative mentorship, campus involvement, and hands-on experiences shaped his career path. He also offers candid advice for students navigating their own professional paths and reflects on how Purdue helped launch his vision for creating value in rural communities. A thoughtful, energizing conversation, this episode is perfect for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, agriculture, or the power of the Boilermaker network.

In this episode, hosts Ken Foster and Reagan Koester sit down with Kenzie House, a financial officer at Farm Credit Mid-America, for an insightful conversation about today’s evolving farm economy. Kenzie breaks down how producers can stay resilient amid shifting markets, rising interest rates and generational transitions, offering clear strategies grounded in real experience. She highlights the unique ways Farm Credit supports young and beginning farmers and shares thoughtful advice for students exploring careers in ag finance. With her blend of expertise and enthusiasm for rural communities, listen in to hear Kenzie’s refreshing perspective that makes this episode both inspiring and informative.