Elysia Rodgers was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the National Assn. of County Agricultural Agents during the organization's 2026 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference held July 11 in Denver, Colo.
NACAA is a nationwide professional organization representing Extension educators, agents and specialists working in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, natural resources, 4-H youth development, community development and related fields. The Distinguished Service Award is one of the association's highest honors and recognizes members who have served in Extension for at least 10 years, earned the respect of their peers, and demonstrated excellence through the development and implementation of outstanding Extension programs.
Rodgers was among an elite group of recipients representing the top 2% of NACAA membership nationwide. Honorees are selected by their peers in recognition of their professional accomplishments, leadership and commitment to Extension education.
Rodgers is the agriculture and natural resources Extension educator and DeKalb County Extension Director with Purdue Extension. Throughout her 16-year career, Rodgers has developed and delivered innovative, research-based educational programs in livestock and forage production, farm stress and wellness, horticulture, agribusiness management, and community development. Her efforts have reached thousands of farmers, agricultural professionals, youth and community members through local, state, multi-state and international programs, helping audiences adopt practices that enhance profitability, sustainability and overall quality of life.
Among her many accomplishments, Rodgers cofounded the highly successful multi-state Forage Forum Friday series, which provides timely and practical forage management education to producers across the United States and Canada. As a member of Indiana's Small Ruminant Team, she has led numerous workshops, field days and webinars focused on pasture management, hay quality and animal health.
Rodgers has also emerged as a respected leader in farm stress and rural mental health education. Through educational initiatives and collaborative partnerships, she has helped farmers and agricultural professionals recognize signs of stress, improve communication strategies, and access critical support resources. Her contributions have strengthened statewide efforts to connect agricultural audiences with mental health services and have included specialized training opportunities for crisis response professionals serving rural communities.
In addition to her programmatic achievements, Rodgers has demonstrated exemplary leadership within Purdue Extension and the broader Extension profession. She has served in a variety of leadership roles with the Indiana Extension Educators Assn. and as president of the Indiana Forage Council.
As DeKalb County Extension Director, she works closely with local government officials, advisory boards, schools, agricultural organizations and community partners to expand Extension's reach and impact throughout the county and region.
Rodgers was nominated by her peers in recognition of her unwavering commitment to the Extension mission, her innovative approach to educational programming, and her ability to forge meaningful partnerships that strengthen agriculture and rural communities.
"I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this recognition," Rodgers said. "This award reflects the dedication and support of my colleagues, community partners, and the many farmers and families I have had the privilege to serve throughout my career. Their collaboration and trust have made this work both meaningful and rewarding."