Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast

Epizode

• 
  Beyond the Classroom: Study Abroad Opportunities at Purdue (PAEP 129) 08.09.2026 23min

  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.
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  Reagan and Brady's Final Podcast: Passing the mic over to Kailee and Justin (PAEP 128) 05.05.2026 21min

  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!
• 
  What’s Next After Purdue? Advice from 2026 Apex Awardees Casey and Jill Zeller (PAEP 127) 21.04.2026 24min

  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.
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  Egg Industry Insights with Sam and Dan Krouse of MPS Egg Farms (PAEP 126) 07.04.2026 27min

  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.
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  Talking Ethanol, Solar and the Future of Farm Energy with Dr. Otto Doering (PAEP 125) 24.03.2026 33min

  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.
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  How the Wine Industry Is Evolving with Dr. Christian Butzke (PAEP 124) 10.03.2026 40min

  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.
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  Extension in Action with Angie Abbott (PAEP 123) 24.02.2026 32min

  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.
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  Sonny Beck on Leadership and Agriculture (PAEP 122) 10.02.2026 22min

  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.
• 
  Alumni Reflections on Careers, Risk and Growth with Neil Mylet (PAEP 121) 27.01.2026 18min

  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.
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  Where Are They Now? Catching Up with Past Ag Econ Podcast Co-Hosts Abby Meier and Colby Smock (PAEP 120) 13.01.2026 14min

  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.
• 
  Setting Sail on Rural Innovation with Joe Rust (PAEP 119) 16.12.2025 29min

  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.
• 
  Building Financial Resilience in Today’s Farm Economy with Kenzie House (PAEP 118) 02.12.2025 22min

  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.
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  The Challenges and Innovations in Produce Food Safety with Amanda Deering (PAEP 117) 18.11.2025 28min

  Dr. Amanda Deering is an associate professor in Purdue University’s Department of Food Science, specializing in the microbial safety of fresh produce. Her research focuses on how human pathogens interact with fruits and vegetables and how contamination can be reduced through science-based practices. In addition to her laboratory work, she leads Extension efforts that help growers and industry professionals implement effective food-safety strategies. Deering’s work bridges research and practical application to support a safer, more resilient product supply chain.
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  Decision-Making, Data and AI in Agriculture (PAEP 116) 04.11.2025 35min

  Dr. Chad Fiechter is a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University, whose research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into production agriculture. A Purdue graduate himself, Dr. Fiechter returned to his family’s farm after completing his undergraduate degree before deciding to pursue his Ph.D. and an academic career. His work combines hands-on agricultural experience with cutting-edge research to explore how emerging technologies can enhance efficiency, sustainability and decision-making in modern farming.
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  Shining a Light on Solar Energy on Farmland with Binayak Kunwar (PAEP 115) 21.10.2025 22min

  In this episode of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast, we talk with Binayak Kunwar, a Ph.D. student whose award-winning master’s thesis, “Impact of Commercial and Utility-Scale Solar Energy on Farmland Prices,” explores how solar development affects farmland values and land use. Binayak shares his journey to Purdue, what inspired his research and insights on the future of renewable energy and agriculture.
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  Celebrating AAEA Fellow and Global Scholar, Dr. Jerry Shively (PAEP 114) 07.10.2025 23min

  What does it take to build a career that bridges teaching, research and global engagement? Join Dr. Ken Foster and Brady Wiley as they welcome Jerry Shively, Associate Dean and Director of International Programs in Agriculture at Purdue University and a 2025 Fellow of the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association. In this conversation, Dr. Shively reflects on his career as a scholar, teacher and leader in agricultural economics. From his academic journey at Purdue to his global research and professional service, he shares the lessons learned along the way and the insights that have earned him recognition as one of the field’s most distinguished contributors.
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  Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award Winner & President/CEO of Sumitomo Chemical America: Scott Mitchell (PAEP 113) 23.09.2025 24min

  Join Dr. Valerie Kilders and Reagan Koester as they welcome Scott Mitchell, a 2025 Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award recipient from Purdue’s Department of Agricultural Economics. From his roots in Waveland, Indiana, to his leadership experiences across the globe with Sumitomo Chemical, Scott reflects on his career journey in the agriculture sector. Listen in as he shares how his Purdue education shaped his path, the lessons he’s carried forward and the insights he has gained through a career of impact and innovation.
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  Shay & Marie’s Final Podcast: Passing the mic over to Reagan & Brady (PAEP 112) 06.05.2025 22min

  For the last time, Shay Doerstler and Marie Mechley share their final thoughts as co-hosts of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast. Listen as they reflect on some of their most memorable experiences at Purdue that shaped their four years here. They also reveal what’s next for them after graduation. Stay tuned as we welcome next year’s co-hosts, Reagan Koester and Brady Wiley, who are excited to continue sharing the stories and experiences of Purdue Agriculture students!
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  APEX Award Winner & John Deere Leader: Chrissie Cartmell Loucks (PAEP 111) 22.04.2025 25min

  Join Dr. Ken Foster and Shay Doerstler as they sit down with Chrissie Cartmell Loucks (B.S. Agribusiness Management, ‘07), one of four recipients of the department’s most prestigious honor—the Apex Alumni Award. Now serving as Portfolio Manager for Digital Aftermarket Products at John Deere, Chrissie reflects on nearly 18 years of leadership in the agriculture industry and how her Purdue education continues to shape her path. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on career growth, mentorship and making a meaningful impact—no matter the size of your community.
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  The “Plumbing” of Banking and the Federal Reserve: Esther L. George (PAEP 110) 08.04.2025 19min

  Please join Dr. Kilders and Marie Mechley as they have the honor to speak with this year’s James C. Snyder Lecturer, Esther L. George. Esther, the former CEO and President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, shares about her career and the impact of agriculture in her journey. Tune in for insights on the cycles of the economy, the impact of inflation and interest rates and advice for those figuring out what they want to do with their career.