Purdue Agriculture and Indiana's agricultural economy

By Randy Woodson, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture

Purdue Agriculture plays a critically important role in the future of Indiana. In essence, we serve as the research and development arm of the global enterprise known as "Indiana Agriculture, Inc." Our overall mission is to enhance the productivity and profitability of the state and Indiana agriculture by bringing the best science to practice and by delivering — both on campus and through Purdue Extension — an educated workforce.

Agricultural development is also economic development. Purdue research in biobased products, food science, livestock and hardwoods is already making a difference in improving the productivity and prosperity of Hoosiers.

In the 2004-05 academic year, Purdue Agriculture received a record $55 million in outside research funding. With nearly 300 research scientists, we garnered more than 1,000 grants. Awards for the current academic year also are at near-record levels.

This kind of investment in the future of agriculture doesn't happen without an environment that encourages far-reaching ideas. Purdue will continue to stretch the boundaries of knowledge through scientific discovery, through teaching in the classroom and through Purdue Extension outreach.

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