Indiana agriculture leaders honored by Purdue Extension
Indiana agriculture leaders honored by Purdue Extension Purdue University
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Three Indiana Women Recognized for Leadership in Agriculture
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Three Indiana women were recognized by the Purdue Women in Agriculture Team for their dedication and leadership during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair on Thursday (Aug. 3).
Introduction
Each year, Purdue Extension has the honor of awarding three Indiana women who contribute to the success of agriculture in Indiana. It is a pleasure to highlight each of these women and their many accomplishments. The following article showcases the achievements of these remarkable women and their impact on the agriculture industry.
Kassidy Oliger: Emerging Women in Agriculture Leadership Award
Purdue University rising senior Kassidy Oliger received the Emerging Women in Agriculture Leadership Award. This award recognizes the accomplishments of a high school or undergraduate student who has made a positive impact on agriculture. Oliger is studying agribusiness management and is involved in multiple student organizations, including Purdue Dairy Club, Sigma Alpha professional agricultural sorority, and Purdue Agricultural Council. She serves as one of 16 Ag Econ Envoys who represent the department to prospective students and parents, alumni, and industry representatives.
Oliger has further developed her connections and skills in agriculture through her internships with Farm Credit Mid-America, Merck Animal Health in Western Pennsylvania, and Purdue Extension – Wayne County. She was a 10-year 4-H member and a six-year FFA member, earning her Hoosier Degree in 2019. Oliger served as the national ambassador for the National Brown Swiss Youth Association and Indiana ambassador for the American Dairy Association in 2020-21.
Katrina Hall: Purdue Women in Agriculture Leadership Award
Katrina Hall, Indiana Farm Bureau senior director of policy strategy and advocacy, was honored with the Purdue Women in Agriculture Leadership Award. This award recognizes a woman in an agribusiness or policymaking position who has actively influenced Indiana agriculture. Hall has extensively shaped Indiana agricultural policy, including being a driving force behind large and small tax changes that support Indiana farms. She spearheaded the effort to create the Indiana Broadband Strategic Partnership to help bring broadband to underserved communities and continues to help farmers and landowners gain control in local decision-making to reduce extraterritorial jurisdiction and involuntary annexation.
Hall has also helped Indiana local governments understand local tax policy changes and school referendums. She is a reliable source for partners in the agriculture industry because of her expertise in state tax and budget issues. Prior to joining Indiana Farm Bureau, Hall worked at the Indiana State Board of Tax Commissioners as the director of the budget division.
Bethany Gremel: Women in Agriculture Achievement Award
Bethany Gremel, Beck’s Hybrids director of culture and brand experience and a member of the Beck’s leadership team, is the recipient of the Women in Agriculture Achievement Award. This award recognizes women who are directly involved in a home farm operation. Gremel remains active in her parents’ farming operation in Howard County by assisting with strategy, operations, and finances. She is the seventh generation to be involved in farming on the Kingseed side of her family and the third generation on the Cates side. Gremel recounts learning to shuck sweet corn and riding tractors from a young age, with her farm responsibilities only growing from there.
Off the farm, Gremel uses her passion for helping others in the agriculture industry through her efforts at Beck’s Hybrids. She created an industry-leading onboarding program for employees, a talent management program, and helped create a leading education and training department for Beck’s. Gremel also has oversight of the human resources and education departments as well as the commitment rewards department, safety department, agronomy/research/practical farm research department, and the travel and events department. Gremel is a graduate of the 2012-14 Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program cohort and a member of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana.
Purdue Women in Agriculture Awards Committee
The Purdue Women in Agriculture awards committee was co-chaired by Beth Vansickle, an Extension educator in Madison County, and Bec Wicker of Rushville, Ind. The Purdue Women in Agriculture Team provides educational opportunities and resources for women in the agriculture industry and coordinates the Ag Women Engage Conference.
Conclusion
The recognition of these three exceptional women highlights their contributions to the agriculture industry in Indiana. Their achievements align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger and Goal 5: Gender Equality. By recognizing their dedication and leadership, we encourage more women to pursue careers in agriculture and contribute to the sustainable development of our communities.
Contact Information
Writer: Abby Leeds, mayer36@purdue.edu
Source: Beth Vansickle, bleonhar@purdue.edu
Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;
Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women.
- SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.3: Agricultural productivity and income levels of small-scale food producers, particularly women.
- Indicators for SDG 5.5: Representation of women in agribusiness or policymaking positions, influence of women in shaping agricultural policy.
- Indicator for SDG 8.5: Employment rates and income equality between men and women in the agriculture industry.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women. | Agricultural productivity and income levels of small-scale food producers, particularly women. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | Representation of women in agribusiness or policymaking positions, influence of women in shaping agricultural policy. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Employment rates and income equality between men and women in the agriculture industry. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: purdue.edu
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