Jaime Luke joins AFRE as a new assistant professor
Print
EmailJaime Luke started with AFRE in January 2025 and will focus on research and extension for Michigan agriculture.
Jaime Luke is a first generation college graduate. Growing up on a farm in northwest Missouri instilled a passion for agriculture in her. Combine that passion with her appreciation for math and she was destined for a path in agriculture economics. In January, Luke joined the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) at Michigan State University (MSU) as the newest assistant professor in AFRE.
Luke recently wrapped her Ph.D. program at Kansas State University (KSU) in December 2024. While at KSU she efficiently engaged in research and extension which she will continue here at MSU.
“As graduate student, I realized that I really enjoyed both research and extension,” Luke shared. “While I was at K-State, I got even more exposure and I specifically worked on topics in the livestock industry. I was fortunate to get the job here at AFRE where I'll be working still in production agriculture, and specifically within research and extension.”
Luke’s appointment is a 50/50 split between research and extension. She is excited to engage with Michigan producers and learn about the diverse industry within the state.
“I think the diversity of production in Michigan agriculture is really exciting,” Luke shared. “When I was in Kansas, it was very beef-focused because that's kind of one of the main commodities. Here in Michigan, there are just so many commodities who I think have similar questions to the beef industry.”
Luke continued, “My goal is to really just get out into Michigan agriculture and understand what the big questions are. So, what is keeping Michigan producers up at night? What kind of problems are they facing and how can I use my skillset and my training to help provide answers to some of those questions?”
Currently, Luke has her sight set on potentially diving into the dairy industry in the near future.
“Something that I've been talking to grad students about recently actually is looking at the question of anaerobic digesters in the dairy industry and how to make those make more economic sense for small dairies,” Luke explained.
AFRE faculty are looking forward to what Luke brings to the table, and she is just as optimistic about beginning her academic career within the department.
“The wealth of knowledge that is in this department is outstanding, and so being able to draw on that and bounce ideas off of people who are experts on topics across the playing field in agriculture is really exciting,” Luke shared. “Knowing that I can walk down the hallway and ask trade questions to trade experts and market questions to market experts, there's just so much knowledge in this faculty and that's really exciting for me. And I think across Michigan State too, that's also been something that I've really enjoyed is getting to go talk to animal scientists and people outside of AFRE and their willingness to answer my questions but also work with me on different projects has been great to see.”
Luke invites producers to reach out and if you wish to connect with her, feel free to email her at lukejaim@msu.edu.
