Purdue Agricultural Economics Podcast

The summer of 2020 was socially challenging and not only because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The violent death of George Floyd and others of color at the hands of police and the subsequent protests around the country remind us that we have not yet fully implemented the ideals of our country’s founding documents. Ken and Dane chat with Professor Pamala Morris, Assistant Dean and Director of Multicultural Programs in Purdue’s College of Agriculture, about some of the actions Purdue and the College of Agriculture are taking to address these challenges.

Dr. Ken Foster and Dane Erickson talk with Purdue Provost Jay Akridge about the challenges and plans for residential learning at Purdue this fall. 

Dr. Ken Foster and co-host Dane Erickson discuss the experience of virtual classes in Purdue Ag Econ with students Mason Gordon, Kayla Fogg, and Nick Bowser. Topics discussed include establishing a routine, keeping involved with clubs and organizations, and advice for other students studying virtually.

Dr. Ken Foster and co-host Dane Erickson talk with Purdue Ag Econ Senior Mason Gordon about the George Mitchell International Scholar Award he received and his passion for Rural Development. Mason also talks about his Undergraduate Honor Research Project investigating the Stellar Communities program.

Dr. Ken Foster and Dane Erickson (AgEcon Junior and 2020 Mortar Board Fellow) talk with Dr. Larry DeBoer about the public policy and economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Plus Dane gives us a glimpse into what it’s like to be a Purdue student in the virtual learning environment.

Dr. Ken Foster sits down with Professor Scott Downey and LeeAnn Williams to discuss current happenings in the Purdue AgEcon undergraduate program.

Ken Foster finds a familiar face in Colombia, his former co-host, Jessica Eise. Jessica is a Ph.D. student at Purdue University's Brian Lamb School of Communication. She's in Colombia as a part of an international collaborative project with researchers from the area and conducting in-depth interviews with coffee farmers on the subject of climate change and climate fluctuations.

For this episode, Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics, Jess Lowenberg-DeBoer talks with host Ken Foster about his current project in Bogotá, Colombia. The Bogotá area is facing large population displacement due to a civil war. To alleviate issues surrounding displacement, Bogotá leaders reached out to Purdue University researchers requesting assistance to help increase the capacity of their local agricultural development. Lowenberg-DeBoer’s research aims to harness the agricultural potential of the area by working with locals to teach and incorporate innovative tools so that they can make smarter agricultural decisions.