Jay County Resources

What We Do

We improve lives and livelihoods by delivering tested and trusted educational resources. The Cooperative Extension Service is one of the nation's largest providers of scientific research-based information and education. It's a network of colleges, universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving communities and counties across America. The Purdue Extension focuses on: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Human and Health Sciences, Economic and Community Development and 4-H Youth.

Contact Us

Purdue Jay County Extension 
jkerrig@purdue.edu
126 N Meridian Street
Portland, IN 47371
(260) 726-4707


County offices

Jay County Staff

Upcoming Local Programs

4-H/ Youth Development:
2025 Jay County Career Fair

Date: September 25, 2025

Time: 8:30 am-2:30 pm (employer set up begins at 7:30 am)

Location: Jay County High School

Join us for a chance to connect local employers with students for future employment and to help grow roots in our local counties!

If your business would like to participate in this event, please register at bit.ly/2025JayCareerFair

Ag & Natural Resources:
  • DPAC Field Day: August 26th 8:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Davis Purdue Agricultural Center in Farmland, IN
  • Outside the Tractor: September 4th 6:00 pm at the Jay County Fairgrounds Women's Building
  • Trailer Backing Workshop: September 9th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Jay County Fairgrounds
  • Forestry Tour: September 20th 9:30 am - 2:30 pm at the Purdue Miller Property in Grant County
Health & Human Sciences:
A Matter of Balance

Dates: August 5, 12, 19, 26 and September 2, 9, 16, 23

Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Location: West Jay Community Center (125 Hoover Street Dunkirk, IN)

Cost: FREE!

Please register before attending by calling Purdue Extension at 260-726-4707!

  • A Matter of Balance is a structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. You will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and exercises to increase strength and balance. We utilize the support of stationary chairs in all of our exercises, and participants are encouraged to only participate as they are comfortable.
  • Adaptations are available when needed.
  • All are welcome!
Dining with Diabetes

Dates: September 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 13, 20

Location: John Jay Center for Learning (101 S Meridian Street Portland, IN)

Cost: FREE!

Dining with Diabetes is a cooking school that offers a practical approach to eating well. In this program, we'll discuss the basics of nutrition and provide tasty recipes for participants to try. Expect to discover what diabetes is, carbs and sweeteners, fats and sodium, stress management and resources to guide you through your diabetic journey. All are welcome!

Please register before attending by calling Purdue Extension at 260-726-4707!

Upcoming Jay County and State Extension Events

CALL OUR OFFICE TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFO! (260) 726-4707

CALL OUR OFFICE TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFO! (260) 726-4707