Future of animal agriculture is topic of ag leadership forum

The forum is free and open to the public. The day’s events include the Ag Summit - a panel discussion among returning Book Harmon fellows - as well as a graduate student roundtable discussion, keynote address and recognition of the 2012 fellows. Activities run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Pfendler Hall Deans Auditorium, 715 W. State St. An open reception will take place 4-5 p.m. in Room 3-113 A in Lilly Hall, 915 W. State St.

Jay Akridge, Purdue’s Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, will start the day moderating the 9 a.m. Ag Summit. The discussion topic will be "Agriculture Addresses Global Challenges." Participants are Dean Boyd, technical director at Hanor Farms; Mike Siemens, animal welfare and husbandry at Cargill; Angie Siemens, vice president of technical services at Cargill; Mark Stapleton, global marketing director at Philbro Animal Health; Patsy Houghton, owner and general manager of Heartland Cattle Co.; Don Orr, president of JBS United; and Carol Mutter, three-star general in the Marine Corps.

At 12 p.m., Boyd will give the forum’s keynote address, "Preparing to Make an Impact in Animal Agriculture."

"We encourage anyone with interest in the global challenges agriculture faces today to attend," said Jean Harris, Book Harmon Leadership Program Manager.

Bob Book and Bud Harmon established the Book Harmon Leadership Program in Animal Sciences in an effort to provide and promote leadership in animal agriculture.

More information about the event is available on the Purdue Agriculture calendar at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/Lists/Agriculture%20Calendar/DispForm.aspx?ID=63