Purdue Extension prepares for regional shift

From Jan. 1, 2025, through Aug. 1, 2026, Purdue Extension Ripley County provided 182 educational programs through 477 learning sessions, reaching 14,190 participants.

Programs ranged from agriculture and natural resources to financial literacy, health and wellness, STEM, workforce readiness and 4-H.
Ripley County 4-H currently includes 465 members in grades three through 12, 115 Mini 4-H members and 131 approved adult volunteers across 13 clubs.

Extension representatives also highlighted several programs showing the office’s reach in the community. Since January 2025, 633 third-grade students at five Ripley County elementary schools have completed Captain Cash, a financial literacy program covering earning, saving, spending and borrowing. Another 401 Ripley County 4-H members have completed livestock care training, while 24 community members, including farmers, veterans and first responders, have participated in drone training.

Purdue Extension Regional Operational Leader Christopher Fogle recently outlined the organization’s impact in Ripley County while explaining changes to its statewide structure and what those changes could mean for the local office.

The presentation came as Purdue Extension prepares to transition from its traditional county-based model to a regional structure. Under the new approach, educators specializing in areas such as agriculture, health and community development will serve residents across multiple counties, giving Ripley County access to additional specialized programming. A dedicated 4-H educator will remain at the county level.

The transition will require additional funding, but the local office is working to absorb as much of the increased cost as possible. Among the proposed reductions are removing mileage and technology expenses from the county budget request. At recent budget hearings, the budget the Extension office intended to submit was not fully approved by the Council.

Representatives emphasized that Purdue Extension has historically stayed within its county budget and that the regional transition is intended to broaden access to Extension resources without losing its local connection.
Community members interested in learning more about the proposed Extension budget and showing their support are encouraged to attend the next Ripley County Council meeting Monday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m., when Extension representatives plan to speak.