Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast Purdue Ag Econ

In this episode, Dr. Ken Foster and Shelby Whitaker welcome Purdue Ag Econ alum and 2024 APEX award winner James Joshua to the podcast! James Joshua currently serves as Vice President of Procurement at Diversified Foods & Seasonings and is a previous Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Ocean Hero award winner. Listen as they dive into conversations surrounding food procurement and sustainability, challenges, opportunities, and the influence of technology on the industry. 
James Joshua serves as the Vice President of Procurement at Diversified Foods & Seasonings, overseeing food and packaging expenses. He is the winner of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Ocean Hero award for his support and for bringing awareness to the sustainably sourced Filet O Fish at McDonald's. He graduated from Purdue with a Master's in Agricultural Economics in 2004. He currently serves on the Purdue Ag Alumni Board and previously served on the Purdue Dean of Agriculture Advisory Council. James was recently awarded the 2024 Purdue Ag Econ APEX Award. The APEX Award, presented by the Department of Agricultural Economics, is in recognition of those individuals with a strong connection to the department who have made outstanding contributions in their fields. It is the highest honor given by the department and represents the convergence of accomplishment in the lives of our honorees.

Ken and Shelby  discuss entrepreneurship and the evolving industry of Agricultural Marketing with Purdue Alum Travis Martin. Travis discusses the importance of being a life-long learner, challenges his business has encountered, and more about his professional journey from Purdue graduate to entrepreneur.

Travis Martin graduated from Purdue with a BS in Agribusiness Management in 2014. During his time at Purdue, he was involved in Old Masters, Mortar Board, a founding member of Purdue Ag Week Taskforce, Gimlet Honorary, Ag Ambassadors and more. Travis was also recently invited back to campus as a 2024 Rising Professional. Currently, he is the founder and owner of Imagine Content and Consulting, as well as the creator of AFA’s Magnetic Ag Newsletter.

Dr. Valerie Kilders and Colby Smock had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with the Holt brothers. Dr. Mattew Holt is a Purdue Ag Econ grad for both his bachelors and master’s study, and a recent recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Awards. He is currently a professor and Department Head of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech. His brother, Dr. Mark Holt received his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine here at Purdue and is currently the President and CEO at First Farmers Bank & Trust. Enjoy this amazing conversation full of reflection, advice, and Boiler up!

Dr. Valerie Kilders and Colby Smock were accompanied by Kayla Zalesny and Casey Voll to discuss the wonderful opportunity that Purdue’s NAMA is. From professional development to fun times, get an insight into all NAMA has to offer. 

You can also find Purdue’s NAMA team on Instagram @purduenama!

Here in Tippecanoe County, we have been hearing a lot about the LEAP Project and water issues that have arisen as a result of its proposal. Ken and Colby had a chance to talk with Dr. Jane Frankenberger who is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue and studies water use and quality issues about the project and related policies and concerns. Dr. Frankenberger explains existing water policies in Indiana and highlights some of the community concerns about water use from Wabash River that are not addressed by those policies. You can read more about LEAP here: https://www.iedc.in.gov/leap-lebanon and about Dr. Frankenberger here: https://engineering.purdue.edu/~frankenb/.

Description: Dr. Valerie Kilders and Shelby Whitaker are joined by Brent Bible, a Purdue Ag Economics Alum and seasoned agricultural policy advocate, to discuss the Farm Bill, Purdue’s influence, conservation efforts in policy, and the Growing Climate Solutions Act. In this episode, you’ll hear from Brent’s personal experiences, roles, and perspectives, and get advice for how to get started in a similar career path.

Brent Bible graduated from Purdue University in 1998 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He is a retired Indiana State Police trooper and the current owner and managing partner of Stillwater Farms, as well as the chairman of the Tipmont REMC board. Brent continues to give back to the university and is a member of the Purdue President’s council advisory board, Purdue Farm Policy Study Group, FSCL Advisory Counsel, Farmhouse Fraternity advisor, and alumni advisor for the Purdue Grand Prix organization. In 2023, he was also the recipient of the Student Life Service Award.