Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast

Setting Sail on Rural Innovation with Joe Rust (PAEP 119)

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)

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.

The Challenges and Innovations in Produce Food Safety with Amanda Deering (PAEP 117)

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.

Decision-Making, Data and AI in Agriculture (PAEP 116)

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.

Shining a Light on Solar Energy on Farmland with Binayak Kunwar (PAEP 115)

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.

Celebrating AAEA Fellow and Global Scholar, Dr. Jerry Shively (PAEP 114)

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.

Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award Winner & President/CEO of Sumitomo Chemical America: Scott Mitchell (PAEP 113)

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.

Shay & Marie’s Final Podcast: Passing the mic over to Reagan & Brady (PAEP 112)

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!