Winamac native earns Indiana Women in Agriculture award
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — After a devastating farm accident, most families are happy just to keep the family farm afloat. However in the case of Indiana's first Women in Agriculture award winner, simply maintaining the operation was not enough.
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She was recognized by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and Indiana AgriNews, the sponsors of the award that was created to honor women who have excelled and played an important role in Indiana agriculture.
The Alexanders together manage 3,200 acres of farmland. At the time of the accident, the farm consisted of 1,800 acres when Tim was left a quadriplegic following a fall from the top of a grain bin.
Rather than quit farming, the Alexanders decided to continue the operation with Sue assuming many of the physical tasks that Tim could no longer handle. The average day for this mother of three includes moving farm equipment, sweeping grain bins, arranging for bank loans or loading a planter.
In addition, she sees to the needs of her husband and family, and volunteers in the community.
"We are all inspired by what you and Tim have done for agriculture and your community of Winamac," said Randy Woodson, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, who honored her with a handmade wooden clock.
While she was the one receiving the award, Alexander said she couldn't have done so without the help of her family and the farm's invaluable two hired hands.
"Sue is a typical farmwife working on the farm," said Stacy Herr, Purdue Extension educator and award coordinator. "We chose to recognize her as she epitomizes the achievements of many women in agriculture across the state of Indiana."
Sue Alexander, a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in farm business management, is also active in the 4-H program, the Pulaski County Community Foundation Board, the school improvement committee at Winamac High School, the Pulaski County YMCA program committee and other local events.
Women eligible for the award could participate in production agriculture, agribusiness or entrepreneurial agriculture enterprises. All nominees had to reside in Indiana and be part of an agriculture enterprise or agribusiness that operates in Indiana.
Writer: Beth Forbes (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu
Sources: Sue Alexander, (574) 946-6331
Randy Woodson, (765) 494-8392
Stacy Herr, (765) 973-9281, sherr@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
PHOTO CAPTION:
Randy Woodson, Purdue's Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, presents Sue Alexander of Winamac, Ind., a handmade wooden clock after she was named the first Indiana Women in Agriculture award winner on Aug. 16 at the Indiana State Fair. Alexander was honored for her role in helping to run and expand the family farm after an accident paralyzed her husband, Tim, in 1993. (Indiana AgriNews photo/Whitney Cole)
A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2006/alexander-award.jpg
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