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Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, is set to gain a research project worth $2.701million and seven Agricultural Research Service employees as a result of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization and decommissioning of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC).

“Purdue University and the State of Indiana continue to solidify their standing as the premier location for agricultural research and opportunity,” said Congressman Baird. “As a farmer and lifelong Hoosier, I am pleased to see the USDA expanding opportunities in Indiana as the agency refocuses on its core mission, works to better serve our farmers, and moves operations outside of the Washington, D.C., area closer to the people they serve. My state and district are uniquely positioned to provide our farmers with access to cutting-edge research and technology. Indiana is one of the top agricultural states in our country, and Purdue is one of the leading land-grant universities in the world. I am grateful for Secretary Rollins’ strong leadership at USDA, and I look forward to working with her to ensure Hoosier farmers remain at the forefront of American agricultural success.”

This announcement from the USDA builds on the USDA’s prior reorganization efforts and its recognition of Indiana as a leading agricultural state. In July 2025, the USDA announced it was moving a portion of its operations to Indianapolis, IN, to better align with its mission of supporting American agriculture.

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