A Purdue University student was recognized as one of Indiana agriculture’s emerging leaders.
Purdue Extension’s EDGE in Ag program honored three individuals for their leadership, service and contributions to Indiana agriculture during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair.
Among them was Purdue student Kelby Roberts, recipient of the Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award.
Director of the Purdue Extension, Angie Abbott explains, “The Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award recognizes the accomplishments of a high school or undergraduate student who has made a positive impact on agriculture.”
Roberts, who grew up around her family’s multigenerational Hereford cattle operation and has combined that agricultural background with a passion for communications, policy and public engagement, was humbled by the award.
She said, “It just shows a testament to the people here in Indiana agriculture that have my back at Purdue and are really pouring into me in my leadership journey.”
Roberts has held leadership positions at Purdue, including roles with Sigma Alpha, Purdue Ag Week and Purdue Student Government and was also a former state president of Indiana FFA.
She added, “I spent 24 glorious days here in 2023 with my six best friends and teammates over in the Indiana FFA Pavilion.”
Abbott says Roberts’ is a strong representative of the industry’s future, “Her vision, servant leadership, and commitment to connecting producers and consumers make her an outstanding recipient.”
The EDGE in Ag program also honored Cory Larson and Kasey McIntosh for their contributions to Indiana agriculture.
