If you’re a graduate of Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, then make plans now to attend the 2026 Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry.
The event, which is presented by the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association, will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette, Indiana.
Jim Bishop — a Purdue animal sciences alumnus, executive coach and founder of Conjunction Leadership, and author of “The Adventure Within: Why Successful Professionals Still Feel Stuck and How to Purposefully Rekindle Your Craving for Adventure” — will be this year’s keynote speaker.
Bishop’s presentation, “When Conflict Is Helpful: Navigating Conflict in Agribusiness and Multigenerational Workplaces,” will explore how embracing diverse perspectives and tension can actually drive innovation within the agricultural industry and help farms thrive for generations to come.
“With a diverse audience at the fish fry, including businesses owners, industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs and students, I felt the topic of conflict is helpful, especially when you have multiple generations working together in a family-run business,” Bishop explained.
Having grown up on a farm in northern Indiana and coming from seven generations of farmers, Bishop knows firsthand the challenges that can arise in multigenerational operations. Conflict is inevitable as each generation brings their own worldviews.
“By harnessing different perspectives, we can gain a clearer picture and learn how to turn generative tension into something that advances our thinking and strengthens our operations,” Bishop said.
Passionate about creating a sustainable agricultural system, Bishop hopes his presentation will inspire both today’s leaders and the next generation. “I want the youth of tomorrow to feel like this is an exciting, viable industry, while empowering our current agricultural leaders to stay motivated.”
Doors will open at 9 a.m. ET, welcoming guests to explore Purdue Ag Avenue, an exhibit area featuring College of Agriculture departments and industry partners. The fish fry will officially begin with a parade at 10:30 a.m., setting the stage for a day filled with celebration and Boilermaker pride.
Following the fish fry, the alumni association will host a 1 p.m. watch party at the same location for the Purdue men’s basketball game versus Oregon. The watch party is free for fish fry attendees. The Ag Adventure Club child care program will not be available during this time.
For ticket prices and more information about the 2026 Ag Alumni Fish Fry and basketball game watch party, visit Purdue.ag/FishFry or call the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association office at 765-494-8593.
Written by: Devyn Raver, Purdue Agricultural Communications.
Source: Danica Kirkpatrick, Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association.