Purdue Agricultural Economics

🚂 Leonard Klemm (Ag Econ; Des Moines, IA) is spending the summer with Heartland Co-op as a grain originator intern in Clive, IA.

“This summer, I’ve had the opportunity to intern in the grain department at Heartland Co-op. During my internship, I’ve worked alongside their team of grain originators and merchandisers at their corporate office in Clive, IA. In this role, I’ve sold and marketed grain, helped farmers navigate the volatile futures markets, learned how basis trading works, and studied the fundamentals of hedging.”

Farmer sentiment is moving in a positive direction again.

The latest -CME Group shows farmer sentiment rebounded in July after three consecutive months of declines.

What's driving the improvement?

🌽 Higher corn and soybean prices helped boost confidence.
📈 The Farm Capital Investment Index reached its highest level since March.
🚜 But high input costs and commodity prices continue to be producers' biggest concerns.

The July report also explores expectations for:
• Cash rents
• Farmland values
• Agricultural exports
• Long-term farm profitability

📖 Read the full report:
purdue.edu/agbarometer

▶️ Watch this month's AgBrief for the highlights:
https://youtu.be/adDNWGn8hJ8

🚂 Hailey Friedrich (Agribusiness Management; Frankfort, IN) is spending the summer with ADM Farmer Services as an account manager intern in Quincy, IL.

“This summer, I have had the opportunity to work on the Mississippi River, buying soybeans for ADM Quincy’s soy processing plant. I have traveled to different ADM locations, visited producers’ farms, drafted soybean purchase contracts, and ridden in boats that tow barges along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. My favorite part of this internship has been working alongside a great team of people who keep this plant in operation.”

Did you know that August 2nd is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day?! As you enjoy the warm weather and cold ice cream, remember to cut down on packaging waste! Recycle wrappers, buy in bulk, and support companies that use recyclable packaging! Small choices help keep celebrations sweet! 😊🍦

Purdue Agricultural Economics Purdue Agriculture Purdue University Case Western Reserve University U.S. Department of Agriculture

🚂 Karlie Lawson (Sales and Marketing; Shelbyville, IN) is spending the summer close to home as a strategy and business development intern with Cummins Inc in Indianapolis, IN.

“This summer, I have had the opportunity to contribute to strategic projects while learning from talented teams across Cummins. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship has been experiencing the company’s culture firsthand through collaborating with colleagues and hearing insights from industry leaders made possible by Cummins’ strong partnerships. I am incredibly grateful for an internship that continues to challenge me, invest in my growth, and inspire me to keep learning every day.”

Critical Minerals and the Global Supply Chain The accelerating global transition toward clean energy, expanding electrification, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence have sharply increased demand for critical minerals. These minerals underpin renewable power generation, energy storage, semiconductor manufacturing, and multiple strategi...

Four ag econ students traveled with 12 other College of Agriculture Boilermakers on the “Agriculture in Ireland” program during Spring Break 2026. The adventure took them to Cork, Galway and Dublin to learn about Irish culture, history, food processing, agribusiness and farming, while adding in favorite destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey.

🔗 https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/shenanigans-across-the-country-of-ireland.html

Purdue University Agriculture Study Abroad Purdue Study Abroad

🚂 Mylie Rexing (Agribusiness; Fort Branch, IN) is spending the summer as a communications intern with Farm Credit Council in Washington, D.C.

“This summer as a communications intern at the Farm Credit Council, I’ve worked on projects highlighting the International Year of the Woman Farmer and traveled to Capitol Hill to sit in on hearings featuring leaders like Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Being in D.C. has shown me how essential it is for agriculture to have a strong voice in decision-making. It’s been very meaningful to contribute to that work.”

🚂 Ellie Taylor (Ag Communications and Sales and Marketing; Fishers, IN) is spending the summer close to home as a corporate communications intern with in Indianapolis, IN.

“Through my internship, I get to assist with company and communication initiatives by analyzing project metrics, developing social media content, writing articles, and more! I love my role not only because of my amazing team, but also because corporate communications gets to make a direct contribution to every single piece of the company. We get to be drivers of Elanco greatness, and it’s really special to feel like I get to make an impact!”

🚂 Jacob Clapp (Decatur, IL) is spending the summer as a commodity trader intern with ADM in Valdosta, GA.

“As a Commodity Trader Intern, I’ve been learning about both the cottonseed and soybean markets and the factors that influence them every day. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn how the cottonseed and soybean crush processes work and how they support the feed, oil, and agricultural markets. The highlight of my internship has been traveling to cotton gins and feed mills, meeting customers, and building relationships with the people who make this industry possible.”