Two receive top honors of Purdue Extension's Women in Ag

Purdue Extension has presented two Women in Agriculture awards to honor the recipients for their exceptional work and leadership in their profession.

The awards were given Wednesday (Aug. 19) during the lieutenant governor's Celebration of Agriculture program at the Indiana State Fair.

Beth Archer of Danville and executive director of AgrIInstitute was given the Leadership Award, which recognizes women in policymaking and agribusiness ventures.   She has worked for AgrIInstitute for 25 years and guides the Indiana Agriculture Leadership program with over 400 graduates.

Archer has served on the Indiana Rural Development Council and the Indiana Cooperative Development Center as chairperson for both organizations.

Linda Baird of Scottsburg received the Achievement Award, which recognizes women in a home farming operation. She was chosen because of her work in Cornucopia, a grain and agritourism operation that hosts more than 5,000 student visitors in the fall. 

Baird also is one of the five women who founded SWAG, an acronym for See What Ag Gives, for Washington County in 2014. She volunteers with FFA and as a 4-H club leader.

"The Purdue Extension Women in Ag team is committed to providing educational opportunities, resources and a network of support for all women in the agriculture industry," said Danica Kirkpatrick, engagement program manager for Purdue Agriculture and Women in Agriculture awards co-chair. "These awards allow us to recognize the women who lead by example and continue to help Indiana agriculture grow."

The organization provides local, regional and statewide skill development programs; networking events that engage sponsors and stakeholders; and resources through multiple types of media.