# AGEC Student Success Stories

**Source**: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-stories.html
**Parent**: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/scholarships.html

Success Stories

# AGEC Student Success Stories

AGEC Student Success Stories highlight the experiences of students in the Agricultural Economics program at Purdue University. From internships, competitions, travel, and awards, our students are engaged, involved, and leave our program with a balanced portfolio of experiences. Learn more about the experiences of our students by selecting a category below and use them to inspire your own journey.

## Featured Success Stories

Kicking it with the Football Film Crew

Melody Dodds has been on the sidelines of Purdue football with the team's film crew.

[Kicking it with the Football Film Crew](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/kicking-it-with-the-football-film-crew.html "Kicking it with the Football Film Crew")

Expanding Horizons at AFA Food Systems Institute

Three ag econ students traveled to the AFA Food Systems Institute in Chicago, IL.

[Expanding Horizons at AFA Food Systems Institute](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/expanding-horizons-at-afa-food-systems-institute.html "Expanding Horizons at AFA Food Systems Institute")

A Summer in D.C. with Purdue Alumni

Emma Sheward (Junior, Agribusiness; Frankton, IN) spent summer interning in Washington, D.C. with...

[A Summer in D.C. with Purdue Alumni](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/a-summer-in-dc-with-purdue-alumni.html "A Summer in D.C. with Purdue Alumni")

Dairy Production in New Mexico

Alaina Weaver (Senior, Agribusiness; Roann, IN) spent summer '25 in Clovis, New Mexico, with...

[Dairy Production in New Mexico](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/dairy-production-in-new-mexico.html "Dairy Production in New Mexico")

Six Weeks in Greece

Madison Clary (Junior, Agricultural Economics; Westfield, IN) spent six weeks studying at...

[Six Weeks in Greece](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/six-weeks-in-greece.html "Six Weeks in Greece")

Panelists at the AFA Regional Roadshow

Two ag econ students served as panelists at the AFA regional roadshow.

[Panelists at the AFA Regional Roadshow](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/panelists-at-the-afa-regional-roadshow.html "Panelists at the AFA Regional Roadshow")

2025 Taste of Europe: Vienna to Venice

25 Boilermakers traveled to Austria, Italy and Slovenia as part of the “Taste of Europe:...

[2025 Taste of Europe: Vienna to Venice](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/taste-of-europe-2025-vienna-to-venice.html "2025 Taste of Europe: Vienna to Venice")

A Maymester Program Leads to a Semester Abroad in Austria

Nicholas Neuman spent the Spring 2025 Semester studying abroad in Vienna, Austria.

[Study Abroad - Vienna, Austria](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/a-maymester-program-leads-to-a-semester-abroad-in-austria.html "A Maymester Program Leads to a Semester Abroad in Austria")

Behind the Scenes of the Western Equestrian Team

Although Braden Reece doesn’t compete, the Western Equestrian Team would be lost without...

[Behind the Scenes of the Western Equestrian Team](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/behind-the-scenes-of-the-western-equestrian-team.html "Behind the Scenes of the Western Equestrian Team")

### [STUDENT INTERNSHIPS](#internships)

### [STUDENT CLUBS AND COMPETITIONS](#leadership)

### [Study Abroad](#international)

### [ACADEMICS AND AWARDS](#awards)

### [SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/senior-spotlights.html)

### [Student Leadership](#news)

## AGEC Success Stories

### Student Internship Experiences

2025-2026

- [Kicking it with the football film crew](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/kicking-it-with-the-football-film-crew.html)
- [A summer in D.C. with Purdue alumni](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/a-summer-in-dc-with-purdue-alumni.html)
- [Dairy production in New Mexico](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/dairy-production-in-new-mexico.html)

2024-2025

- [An aspiring lawyer spends a semester at the Indiana Statehouse](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/an-aspiring-lawyer-spends-a-semester-at-the-indiana-statehouse.html)
- [Shaping the future of ag policy in D.C.](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/shaping-the-future-of-ag-policy-in-dc.html)

2023-2024

- [Policy interns pursue passion](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2023-24/jackson-daftari-jayden-simpson.html)
- [Jaydon Kauffman finds the power of being in the present](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2023-24/jaydon-kauffman.html)

2022-2023

- [John Deere: Cultivating the Future: Drew Parker & Sydney Wheeler](https://ag.purdue.edu/news/2023/10/cultivating-the-future-drew-parker-sydney-wheeler.html)
- [Indianapolis Farm Bureau: From the county to the boardroom to the capitol](https://ag.purdue.edu/news/2023/06/cultivating-the-future-jackson-daftari.html)
- [NASDA Internship in Washington D.C. offers personal and professional growth](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/nasda-internship.html)
- [National Angus Association's Talon Internship Program connects students with host farms](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/talon-internship-program.html)
- [Mandela Washington Fellowship Internship provides leadership and cultural growth](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/ipia-internship.html)
- [Undergraduate research intern uses data science to study impact of heat on sows](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/ansc-research.html)
- [Corteva: New experience as crop protection intern leads to full-time job opportunity](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/corteva-internship.html)
- [Trimble: One company, two unique ag tech internships](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/trimble-internship.html)
- [State Farm: Search for part-time employment leads to internship opportunity](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/state-farm-internship.html)
- [Advanced Agrilytics: Field scouting internship a growing experience](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/advanced-agrilytics-internship.html)
- [Duncan Family Farms: From crop research and development to specialty vegetable trials, student discovers new opportunities in agriculture](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/duncan-family-farms-internship.html)
- [Purdue Extension Fountain County: Summer internship opens eyes to new aspects and opportunities in agriculture](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/purdue-extension-fc-internship.html)
- [Indianapolis Senate: Policy internship allows student to explore new career path](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/indianapolis-senate-internship.html)
- [CATE Policy Internship: Student spends summer in Washington, D.C. learning from Congressman Baird](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/cate-policy-internship.html)
- [Halderman: Gaining first-hand experience in farm management and real estate](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/halderman-internship.html)
- [Indiana Crop Improvement Association: Learning multiple aspects of the ag industry](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/indiana-crop-internship.html)
- [PepsiCo: Internship offers hands-on sales management experience](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/pepsi-internship.html)
- [Dairy Farmers of America (DFA): Washington native goes from dairy farm to DFA](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/dfa-internship.html)
- [AgHires: Full-time internship provides behind-the-scenes look into human resources field](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/aghires-internship.html)
- [ADM: Sales internship confirms future career path](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/adm-internship.html)
- [Disney: Turning Dreams into Reality: Rising sophomore spends summer as Disney College Intern](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/disney-ruthie-lamaster.html)
- [Cargill: Commodity Marketing Internship in Texas helps confirm career path](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/cargill-internship.html)
- [CNH: Creating a precision tool kit for FFA programs](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/cnh-internship.html)
- [Farm Credit Mid-America: Growing Forward Internship](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/farm-credit-internship.html)
- [TTG Equipment: Sales & Marketing Internship with TTG provides real-world experience](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/ttg-equipment-internship.html)
- [Beck's Hybrids: Learning the importance of connection, values, and culture as a Becks' Hybrids Human Resources Intern](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/becks-hybrids-internship.html)
- [FMC Corporation: Chemical testing internship opens student's eyes to opportunities in agriculture](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/fmc-internship.html)
- [PEAK: AgEcon student gains global internship after studying abroad.](https://ag.purdue.edu/news/2022/09/student-gains-global-internship-after-studying-abroad.html)
- [Bane-Welker: AgEcon Junior expands career prospects through human resources internship](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/bane-welker-internship.html)
- [Land O'Lakes: Supply chain & operations internship fuels passion for academic major and future career possibilities](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/land-o-lakes-internship.html)
- [Purdue Extension: From 10-year 4-H member to 4-H intern](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/purdue-extension-internship.html)
- [Green Crop: Internship provides AgEcon junior opportunity to explore career interests](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/greene-crop-internship.html)

2021-2022

- [Winery internship extends into school year and opens the door for new career possibilities](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2021-22/carpenter-creek-cellars.html)

### Student CLUBS AND COMPETITIONS

2025-2026

- [Behind the scenes of the Western Equestrian Team](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/behind-the-scenes-of-the-western-equestrian-team.html)

2024-2025

- [Club sports create connection, competition and college memories](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/club-sports-create-connection-competition-and-college-memories.html)
- [Leading the future of MANRRS with passion and purpose](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/leading-the-future-of-manrrs-with-passion-and-purpose.html)
- [Purdue Cooperative Housing offers unique, affordable and supportive campus living](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/purdue-cooperative-housing-offers-unique-affordable-and-supportive-campus-living.html)
- [Driving tradition with the Purdue Reamer Club](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/driving-tradition-with-the-purdue-reamer-club.html)
- [Students lead as Purdue Student Government senators](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/students-lead-as-purdue-student-government-senators.html)
- [Building connections and skills through the Purdue Water Ski Club](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/building-connections-and-skills-through-purdue-water-ski-club.html)

2023-2024

- [A passion for waterskiing helps two Boilermakers find a family on campus](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2023-24/molley-cook-tessa-smith.html)
- [Purdue's Dairy Judging Team rebuilds after coach's passing](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/dairy-team.html)
- [Car racing family tradition instilled in AGEC junior](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/cameron-shidler.html)
- [Agri-Marketing senior’s role in NAMA changes as she steps into president role](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/nama-leadership.html)

2022-2023

- [Marwood President established plan for longevity of the co-op](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/marwood-co-op.html)
- [Ag Econ Podcast helps students strengthen communication skills while networking in industry](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/agec-podcast.html)
- [Shoemaker Cooperative named outstanding house under Bixler's leadership](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/shoemaker.html)
- [Carrella hones leadership skills as Alpha Epsilon Pi President](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/alpha-epsilon-pi.html)
- [Purdue Trap and Skeet Club places at national championship](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/ptsc.html)
- [Learning Community helps students navigate first-year of college](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/learning-community.html)

2021-2022

- [AAEA focused course creates new connections and internship opportunities for AGEC student](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2021-22/aaea.html)

### Study Abroad

2025-2026

- [Finding inspiration in travel](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/finding-inspiration-in-travel.html)
- [Six weeks in Greece](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/six-weeks-in-greece.html)
- [2025 Taste of Europe: Vienna to Venice](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/taste-of-europe-2025-vienna-to-venice.html)
- [Agricultural traditions in the Alps](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/agricultural-traditions-in-the-alps.html)

2024-2025

- [A Maymester program leads to a semester abroad in Austria](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/a-maymester-program-leads-to-a-semester-abroad-in-austria.html)
- [Traveling to Vietnam for inaugural international trip](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/traveling-to-vietnam-for-inaugural-international-trip.html)
- [Spring Break agricultural, environmental and community sustainability program in Costa Rica](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/agricultural-environmental-and-community-sustainability-in-costa-rica.html)
- [Taking a (spring) break in Portugal’s rich agricultural landscape](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/taking-a-break-in-portugals-rich-agricultural-landscape.html)
- [Spring Break in Ireland highlights agriculture and heritage](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/agriculture-in-ireland-spring-break-2025.html)
- [Spring Break 2025: Ag and community in Brazil](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/ag-and-community-in-brazil.html)
- [A semester abroad in Spain brings new perspectives and adventures](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/a-semester-abroad-in-spain-brings-new-perspectives-and-adventures.html)
- [Embracing new cultures and experiences through study abroad in Spain](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/embracing-new-cultures-and-experiences-through-study-abroad-in-spain.html)
- [A journey of discovery and adventure in New Zealand](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/a-journey-of-discovery-and-adventure-in-new-zealand.html)
- [Exploring Iceland's agriculture and natural resources](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/exploring-icelands-agriculture-and-natural-resources.html)
- [Building Global Perspectives: Study abroad journeys with Kuethe and Oppy](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/success-story-building-global-perspectives-study-abroad-journeys-with-kuethe-and-oppy.html)
- [Alpine adventures in agriculture](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/alpine-adventures-in-agriculture.html)

2023-2024

- [From a study abroad in Cape Town to a marketing internship with John Deere, Parker shares his summer of professional growth](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2023-24/drew-parker.html)

2022-2023

- [Austria: Senior studies agriculture and economic policy while abroad in Austria](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/austria-study-abroad.html)
- [Denmark: Boilermaker experiences Danish culture while abroad](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/denmark-study-abroad.html)
- [Spain: Opening a window to the sights, sounds, and study opportunities in Spain](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/spain-study-abroad.html)
- [Italy: Students get a "Taste of Italy" during Maymester](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/taste-of-italy-study-abroad.html)
- [The Netherlands: Desire to explore the world leads student to The Netherlands](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/netherlands.html)
- [UC Dublin: Studying agriculture abroad at University College in Dublin, Ireland](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/uc-dublin.html)
- [Costa Rica: Study abroad offers look at environment, community, and sustainability aspects of agriculture](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/costa-rica.html)

### ACADEMICS AND AWARDS

2025-2026

- [2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/2025-26-scholarship-recipients.html)

2024-2025

- [Representing at the 2025 Indiana 4-H State Fair Queen Contest](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/representing-at-the-2025-indiana-4-h-state-fair-queen-contest.html)
- [Townsend competition recognizes four Purdue Agriculture student winners](https://ag.purdue.edu/news/department/agricultural-sciences-education-and-communication/2023/06/townsend-competition-recognizes-four-winners.html)
- [AGEC 431 capstone prepares students for real-world success in sales and marketing](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/agec-431-capstone-prepares-students-for-real-world-success-in-sales-and-marketing.html)

2023-2024

- [Ag Econ student, Ilyin Costello's, journey to creative writing success](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2023-24/ilyin-costello.html)
- [From Transfer Student to Trailblazer: Zhang begins research career in Ag Econ](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2023-24/jiaming-zhang.html)
- [Kassidy Oliger honored with Emerging Women in Agriculture award](https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2023/08/indiana-agriculture-leaders-honored-by-purdue-extension.html)

2022-2023

- [IPSA Scholarship Award inspires journey in agribusiness career](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/ipsa-award.html)

### Student Leadership

2025-2026

- [Expanding horizons at AFA Food Systems Institute](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/expanding-horizons-at-afa-food-systems-institute.html)
- [AFA Plant Science Institute](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/afa-plant-science-institute.html)
- [Panelists at the AFA regional roadshow](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2025-26/panelists-at-the-afa-regional-roadshow.html)

2024-2025

- [Digging into the future at AFA Precision Agriculture Institute](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/digging-into-the-future-at-afa-precision-agriculture-institute.html)
- [Exploring sustainability at the AFA Institute in Utah](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/exploring-sustainability-at-the-afa-institute-in-utah.html)
- [From Capitol Hill to Industry Insights: Experience at the 2024 AFA Ag Policy Institute](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/from-capitol-hill-to-industry-insights-experience-at-the-2024-afa-ag-policy-institute.html)
- [Students lead as Purdue Student Government senators](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/students-lead-as-purdue-student-government-senators.html)
- [2024 MACA Scholar gains industry insights at annual conference](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/2024-maca-scholar-gains-industry-insights-at-annual-conference.html)
- [AFA Crop Science Institute empowers future ag leaders](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2024-25/afa-crop-science-institute-empowers-future-ag-leaders.html)

2023-2024

- [Cultivating Connections: A journey through AFA Institutes](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2023-24/a-journey-through-afa-institutes.html)

2022-2023

- [Tour of Indiana Statehouse offers insight on future of agriculture](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2022-23/indiana-statehouse.html)

2021-2022

- [AFA conference provides student with insights into sustainability and conservation](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2021-22/afa-sustainability.html)
- [Student gains insight into agricultural policy during DC conference](https://ag.purdue.edu/department/agecon/undergraduate-program/success-2021-22/afa.html)
- [Indiana agriculture advocates honored for leadership, passion: Savannah Bordner](https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2022/08/indiana-agriculture-advocates-honored-for-leadership-passion.html)

*Effective May 30, 2025, the university has undergone a strategic restructuring, resulting in the sunset of the Office of Multicultural Programs and related DEI offices in accordance with institutional policy. While historical references to these offices remain in past publications, our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment continues through new and evolving initiatives.*