By Andi Anderson
The 92nd Annual Purdue University Farm Management Tour will take place on July 10, 2026, in Harrison County, Indiana, offering farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members an opportunity to learn directly from experienced farm operators.
The event is sponsored by the Center for Commercial Agriculture (CCA), Purdue Extension, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, and Farm Credit Mid-America. The tour is designed to help producers discover practical ideas and management strategies that can be applied to their own farming operations.
According to Michael Langemeier, Director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture and Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics, the annual tour provides valuable opportunities for producers to learn from successful Indiana farm families. The 2026 event will focus on diversification, value-added agriculture, and long-term business sustainability.
The first stop of the tour will be Jmax Cattle in Laconia, Indiana. Owners Chad Baker and Paige Baker will explain how they have expanded their stocker and feeder cattle operation through freezer beef sales, a butcher shop, and a restaurant. Participants will learn about the farm’s drylot feeding program, grazing systems, on-farm research efforts, and the importance of maintaining accurate farm records. The visit will also demonstrate how retail sales can create additional value and improve profitability.
The second stop will be Jones Farm in Palmyra, Indiana. Visitors will learn how a diversified farming operation can improve resilience and create additional income opportunities. The farm produces corn, popcorn, soybeans, and grass hay while also operating several related off-farm businesses. Discussions will focus on differences in production and marketing practices for corn and popcorn, along with how various business ventures complement the farm operation.
Throughout the tour, attendees will hear firsthand about the management decisions that have shaped these successful businesses. Farm operators will discuss how they adapt to changing market conditions, evolving family goals, and advances in agricultural technology. Participants will also have opportunities to ask questions and gain practical insights from experienced farm managers.
The Purdue Farm Management Tour is free and open to the public, making it a valuable educational event for farmers, students, and anyone interested in modern agriculture. By showcasing innovative farming practices and effective business strategies, the tour aims to help agricultural producers build stronger, more sustainable operations for the future.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Education