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 Going
to the county fair is an annual tradition for people from all
walks of life. Indiana's fair season provided an opportunity
for many of us at Purdue
Agriculture to connect with a cross section of the population
during stops in several counties.
This summer, we also launched the "Tool Shed Tour," a series of visits
around the state to meet face-to-face with our many stakeholders. The
tour has been a great success, and I've come in contact with people I
would not ordinarily meet. At one stop, I was greeted by about a dozen
high school students who represent the next generation of ag leaders.
I hope to see many of them on the Purdue campus in coming years. They
will join a learning community that is advancing scientific research
in new directions ("The next generation"). At another stop, I visited
with an alumnus who told me that he continues to be surprised at how
much he has relied on his Purdue experiences throughout his life. That's
one of the great hallmarks of a Purdue education—a foundation for
a lifetime of learning.
Many of the people who have visited us also attended one of the summer
events sponsored by the newly created Indiana
State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). We will continue to work
in partnership with state officials to secure the future of Indiana agriculture
("New horizon" and "Viewpoint").
One of the goals that we share with ISDA is to advance Indiana's hardwood
and forest-based industries ("Hardwoods in the heartland"). Purdue
Extension is educating forestland owners about management practices
that promote timber harvest and preserve wildlife habitats. Concurrently,
our researchers are improving the health and quality of trees grown for
timber production and improving efficiency in wood products manufacturing.
The "Tool Shed Tour" will continue to make periodic visits around the
state through the end of the year. This vital connection allows us to
share our vision of Purdue Agriculture, and the feedback we receive is
a measure of how well we're meeting the needs of Indiana citizens.
Editor's note: Glenn W. Sample was a pioneer in Indiana agriculture
for more than 50 years. The Sample family has endowed
the dean's position to honor Sample's life and lifelong commitment
to Purdue. The gift will help Purdue Agriculture maintain its preeminence
in research, Extension and teaching.
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