Indiana

Indiana AgrAbility and the Purdue Agricultural Safety and Health Program participated in the 2025 Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry Open House on February 1. The Fish Fry is an annual gathering of Purdue Agriculture alumni and friends. Numerous Purdue University departments and programs along with a variety of Indiana agricultural businesses and organizations exhibited at the open house and were able to visit with the 1500+ attendees who attended the event. The Fish Fry, held at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds in Lafayette, Indiana, is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet other Purdue alumni and staff, and learn about current happenings in the Purdue College of Agriculture.

Submitted by Ed Sheldon

The Veterans IN Farming Winter Conference took place on January 25 at the Monroe Convention Center in Bloomington, Indiana, offering military veterans and their families a full day of hands-on farming and business education. The event was designed to connect veterans with agricultural resources, industry experts, and fellow farmers, fostering a strong network of support for those looking to enter or expand their role in agriculture.

The conference opened with a veterans' networking reception on January 24, providing an opportunity for attendees to build relationships in an informal setting. The main event featured a packed agenda, including workshops on livestock production, poultry management, sustainable farming, and direct-market sales. A day-long Boots to Business course was also offered, equipping participants with essential business planning skills to help them build and sustain successful farm operations. Speakers included experienced veteran farmers, agribusiness professionals, and service organizations offering guidance on funding opportunities, business development, and technical support.

Attendees had access to exhibitor booths from agricultural organizations, businesses, and veteran service programs, providing direct connections to tools and resources for farm success. AgrAbility was among the exhibitors, sharing information on adaptive equipment and resources to help veterans with disabilities continue farming successfully. The interactive Rally Point Rounds networking session allowed small groups to engage in structured discussions, ensuring participants had the chance to share insights and exchange contacts.

Support from sponsors and partners helped make the event a success, reinforcing the mission of Veterans IN Farming to empower military veterans through agriculture. The conference continues to grow each year, demonstrating the increasing demand for veteran-focused farming education and community building.

Submitted by Joe Ricker and Kate Bowen