Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast

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

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)

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.

Egg Industry Insights with Sam and Dan Krouse of MPS Egg Farms (PAEP 126)

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Extension in Action with Angie Abbott (PAEP 123)

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.

Sonny Beck on Leadership and Agriculture (PAEP 122)

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)

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.