2026 Purdue Farm Management Tour

Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture and Purdue Extension welcome you to visit two farms in Harrison County, Indiana. Each tour includes an interview session where farm operators provide an overview of their farms. Host farmers will also share successful farm management tips, discuss how the management of their operations is changing in response to the agricultural economy and evolving family circumstances, and share reasons behind their recent innovations in production practices and adoption of new technology. This is a great opportunity for producers to ask questions and learn from the experiences of Indiana’s best farm business managers.​

 

9:00 a.m. EDT: Jmax Cattle
11755 N Tobacco Landing Rd SE, Laconia, Indiana

Start the day by visiting Jmax Cattle and learn how Chad and Paige Baker have added value to their stocker/feeder operation through freezer beef sales as well as through a butcher shop and restaurant. At this tour stop you will hear Chad and Paige discuss their drylot feeding program and grazing systems, and the importance of retail sales to their operation. We will also discuss the importance of keeping good records and on-farm research.

 

1:00 p.m. EDT: Jones Farm
12210 N Bradford Rd NE, Palmyra, Indiana

Next join the Jones Farm and learn the benefits of having a diverse operation which includes corn, popcorn, soybeans, grass hay, and related off-farm businesses. Diversification serves to add value to crop enterprises and to build resilience. On this tour visit, we will discuss differences in production practices and marketing of corn and popcorn. We will also discuss how the family’s various off-farm businesses align with the farm business.