Extension Highlights of Northeast Indiana

The next giant leap in outreach and education

National Awards

Tami Mosier, 4-H Youth Development in Steuben, and Effie Campbell, 4-H Youth Development in DeKalb, won the National “Excellence in Communication and Expressive Arts Education” Award at the NAE4-HYDP Conference for their Bethel 4-H Day Camp program as part of a knowledge sharing program in Bethel, Alaska.

Wells County Annual Leadership Forum Helps Engage Youth

Anya Aulbach, 4-H Youth Development Educator, assisted with the 14th Annual Youth Leadership Forum to unite 38 Wells County high school students with local leaders. They explored character, leadership basics, group dynamics, and community service.

Hosted by organizations including the Wells County Leadership Academy and Purdue Extension, most students reported gaining leadership knowledge and better understood their leadership style. Students praised the hands-on learning style of this event. Some were inspired to launch school initiatives or engage more intentionally in community efforts.

Education that transforms lives and livelihoods in our area

Grain Elevator Days

The Purdue Extension Farm Stress Team launched a new initiative to support farmers during harvest season, a stressful time exacerbated in 2024 by low grain prices. During the pilot Grain Elevator Days, 10 elevators in Indiana and nearby counties were visited.

The Farm Stress Team distributed information and 437 goodie bags. These bags contained items like sunscreen, pens, and mental health resources, provided by local agencies such as health departments and farm bureaus. Elementary schools also participated by creating thank-you cards for farmers.

Feedback highlights the program’s impact, with farmers expressing gratitude and relief during challenging times. Farmers reported adopting healthier coping strategies after reading materials in the bags. The outreach also garnered interest from mental health professionals and increased farmer engagement.

"I HAD A COMBINE FIRE ON MONDAY… I FELT ALONE AND STRESSED. SITTING IN THE TRUCK AFTER I RECEIVED [THE FARM STRESS TEAM] GOODY BAG MADE ME FEEL NOT SO ALONE."
- LOCAL FARMER

$800 Grant awarded to Adams County from Indiana Farm Bureau to help improve agriculture education and literacy at the county fair.

27 MILES Combined distance that youth walked during a day camp in Whitley County to learn about GPS, geocaching, and hiking.

Elysia Rodgers, ANR Educator in DeKalb, with a local farmer at the Grain Elevator Days