By Scout Nelson
Michael Langemeier has been appointed the new Director of the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture at the university’s West Lafayette campus, succeeding Jim Mintert, who retired on December 31. Langemeier, who previously served as the Associate Director of the center, brings over a decade of experience in agricultural research and education.
The Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture, established in 2011, focuses on enhancing the university's long-standing efforts to support commercial farmers through research and education, in line with Purdue’s role as a land-grant university. Langemeier is committed to continuing the center’s successful programs and initiatives. “I think we got quite a bit of recognition in terms of what we’re currently doing. So, we’re going to try to continue to do a lot of the same things that we’ve been doing the last several years,” said Langemeier.
Mintert, aged 69, also retired from his role as professor and lead investigator for the Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, a key tool that tracks farmers' economic outlook. Reflecting on his 10 years as director, Mintert called it “the highlight of my career.” He spent 15 years at Purdue, following a 23-year tenure at Kansas State University.
Langemeier, 63, has spent much of his career at Purdue, with prior experience at Kansas State University. He expressed admiration for Mintert’s career and looks forward to continuing his legacy. One of Langemeier’s first tasks is to find a new associate director for the center, with plans to complete the hiring process by summer. He aims to find someone capable of stepping into his role when he retires in the next few years.
The center, created with input from faculty and industry leaders, primarily serves commercial farmers, providing education and research on farm management, risk management, and the use of data in agriculture. Langemeier aims to further expand the center’s research team by hiring more graduate students and researchers to support the growing needs of the agricultural industry.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Kansas, Education