Purdue University, Natural Resources & Environmental Science (NRES)

Thanks for joining us on our five-year journey of exploring agricultural opportunities! If you're new to DCB, here's a bit about us: We are the team behind the Diverse Corn Belt Project, a multi-disciplinary research project exploring a variety of agricultural opportunities. Diversification can take place on many levels: the people who farm, the products they grow, the markets they supply, and more. We're analyzing each level for insight and tools that create more opportunity in the Corn Belt. This is Year 4 of exploring the impact of diversified farming systems. We have more than 30 research partners who look at possible options for diversification and the agronomic, economic, social, infrastructure, and policy changes that could make them viable. What do you want to know about agricultural diversification in the Corn Belt?

Exploring the Path to Sustainable Communities -- "Living Landscapes," a new podcast hosted by Purdue undergrads, launches today.?The episode explores sustainable communities, asking "What does a sustainable community look like?"?Hosts Hannah Kmetz & Colby Smock examine local & global green initiatives, offering insights into sustainability's multifaceted nature.?This episode provides a foundational understanding of key components.?

I'm thrilled to announce that for the past month, I've been working as a communications intern at NICHES Land Trust! I've had the opportunity to write several blog posts, design documents, conduct interviews, and manage social media pages. I'm grateful to NICHES for the opportunity to promote environmental conservation and restoration. NICHES Land Trust

I’ve been working as an environmental project coordinator intern for my local county to fulfill my last requirement for my public policy certificate. Within a month of my employment I’ve been awarded the Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development grant to support my Bass Lake Beach Restoration Project. I’d like to thank my mentor Yichao Rui for showing me how to write grant proposals and giving me confidence to apply for my first grant for undergraduate research and my supervisor Amie Flora for her support and enthusiasm in this project. Last but definitely not least, is Tim Ausec for helping provide schematics for our educational display on coastal erosion.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the AFA + NACD Sustainability Institute in Salt Lake City. This Institute offered a unique chance to see the inner workings of the sustainability movement in agriculture. During the institute, I had the chance to: ?? Visit Frog Bench farms, an urban farm spanning an acre and a half. There, I saw firsthand the sustainable methods they are implementing. The small farm works hard to supply vegetables to community members and chefs in Salt Lake City. ?? Discuss Utah's sustainability initiatives with experts at the Utah State USDA. It was fascinating to learn about the programs and incentives offered to Utah producers. As a lover of policy, it was amazing to hear about the successful implementation of programs that help farmers and ranchers. ?? Tour Meadow Gold Dairy, a dairy processing plant. While visiting, I had the opportunity to learn about the process of pasteurizing milk and the regulations within the dairy industry that ensure our dairy products are safe for consumption. ?? Engage with industry leaders in sustainability. I eagerly listened as they shared their experiences supporting producers. Interacting with these leaders was inspiring, encouraging me to be bold in my support of sustainability in agriculture. Attending this Institute was inspiring, reaffirming my desire for a future career in sustainability and deepening my commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices. #Agriculture #Sustainability #AFA #NACD