Shaun's Purdue team address today’s agronomic challenges of soybean and small grains through various extension programs and applied research. Outreach efforts are to educate, train, and provide the most relevant information that enables timely and sound management decisions in these production systems.

Overall goals of Shaun’s extension and research team are to improve the production of soybeans and small grains while maintaining economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. To this end, we evaluate various cultural practices, new and upcoming inputs, and integrated management. Key areas of interest include: precision management of resources and practices; integration of soil characteristics, nutrient inputs, and crop physiology; and the influence of agronomic practices on yield physiology of first crop and double crop soybean systems (winter wheat and cover crop).

Joe Rorick is the On-Farm Sustainability Programs and Research Coordinator for Purdue University Extension in partnership with the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council. His primary role is to help coordinate the University’s efforts with conservation practices in Indiana agriculture with an emphasis on soil health and soil conservation practices, including cover crops and 4R nutrient management practices. Day-to-day work is done alongside Assistant Program Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Faculty leaders, Extension Specialists, and Educators. He enjoys connecting farmers with governmental and non-governmental organizations statewide, supporting conservation use in these same farmer’s operations.

As the Digital Agriculture Coordinator, John is primarily responsible for promoting digital agriculture to internal and external stakeholders, working with several campus specialists, Ivy Tech-Lafayette faculty, local agriculture professionals and producers, and educators. This effort has focused on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their uses in various industries.

In addition to UAV, John supports efforts to increase broadband connectivity, exploration of applied innovations, and showcasing data collection, analysis, and utilization in various business operations. For example, in 2020 his team started a collaboration with a local producer aiming to use technology and agronomy skills to improve data uses in row crops. This project has since blossomed into the Purdue On-The-Farm initiative with the potential for state-wide impact and participation.

Hans currently serves on the leadership team of the North Central Climate Collaborative, program committee for the National Adaptation Forum, and as a steering committee member and chair of the professional development committee of the National Extension Climate Initiative.

As a joint position with the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative and Purdue Extension, Schmitz focuses jointly on Climate Smart Agriculture and Soil Health, particularly on the intersection between the two topics.