IMPACT REPORT 2023

We are pleased to present the 2023 Purdue Extension Annual Impact Report, showcasing the range and depth of our programs.

This year, we highlight activities, including 4-H youth development, workforce initiatives and Parents Forever, a program offering essential family support during transitions. Our global reach is evident through the Farmer-to-Farmer program in Trinidad and Tobago, while local connections thrive through Purdue on the Farm.

With over a century of commitment to our land-grant mission, we are charting a dynamic course for the future. To ensure responsive, innovative and financially viable services, we have established the Future of Purdue Extension Task Force.

The task force will comprehensively assess our Extension structure and programs, recommending strategic actions to address critical county and state-level needs. In the face of flat funding and evolving landscapes, this assessment is vital to secure our lasting impact.

As we journey toward the next century of Purdue Extension, we eagerly anticipate sharing our vision and working collectively to shape a brighter future.

Together, we will build a legacy that continues to serve our communities across the state.

Bernie Engel Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, Purdue University College of Agriculture

Angela Abbott Interim Director of Purdue Extension, Purdue University College of Agriculture

At 13 years old, Luke Preyss of Avon, Indiana, admits he has a strong passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). In summer 2023 he had the opportunity to grow in those areas as one of 20 Indiana 4-H students selected for the Ag Innovators Program.

The Ag Innovators’ mission is to train 4-H youth to utilize modern technology for precision agriculture and other 21st century career paths. In 2022, only 30% of eighthgrade students in Indiana scored at or above grade level on statewide mandated math testing. Indiana 4-H was one of five states awarded a grant from the National 4-H Council in collaboration with Bayer to deliver the annual Ag Innovators Experience.

After undergoing a three-day training session lead by Indiana 4-H educators, Preyss began to share what he had learned with other students to raise awareness of agriculture innovation and careers in agriculture. The 20 trained teens delivered the Ag Innovators Experience to over 1,500 K-8th grade students statewide.

“The great part of this program is that it gets young kids to realize, ’Hey, wait a minute, even if I didn’t grow up in a rural area or know anything about farming, there’s still exciting stuff happening that I can relate to and that I might consider for my future,’” said Bill Decker, Indiana 4-H youth educator and county extension director for Madison County.

Preyss experienced just that with the nearly 150 youth who attended his training sessions. “It was great to see that all of the kids I taught were excited to learn more about technology, agriculture and drones. They had a lot of fun with it.”