Class Notes
June 2024
2020s
Brielle Smeby (’23 animal science) has been appointed as the new producer outreach director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Bailey McKenna Olesen (’23 agricultural business) joined Aimpoint Research as an intelligence analyst.
Kobe Riherd (’24 agricultural business, international agriculture) is a new loan officer at Availa Bank’s Webster City, Iowa, location.
Namah Taku-Forchu (’22 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) was awarded the Journal of International Agricultural & Extension Education’s 2023 Article of the Year.
2010s
Willow Griffith (’18 agricultural systems technology) was featured in an ABE Alum Spotlight on Iowa State University’s College of Engineering website.
Brady Nahkala (’19 biological systems engineering, ’20 MS agricultural and biosystems engineering, environmental science) was featured in an ABE Alum Spotlight on Iowa State University’s College of Engineering website.
Nate Hofmann (’10 agricultural studies) was named one of Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Award recipients.
Kaitlyn Porter (’14 agricultural and life sciences education, ’19 MS) was named one of Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Award recipients.
2000s
Stith Wiggs (’09 zoology, ’19 MS plant pathology) was inducted into the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa Hall of Fame.
1990s
Anne Shimerdla (’98 animal ecology) was featured by the Iowa Stater magazine.
Jennifer Carrico (’96 animal science) was featured in an alumni spotlight on Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science website.
May 2024
2020s
Grace (German) Riensche (’21 animal science) began a new position as a content marketer with Farm Progress.
Emily Saeugling (’22 animal science) has accepted a new position as a sales acceleration analyst in the refrigerated sweet snacks division at Land O’Lakes, Inc.
2010s
Knute Severson (’16 horticulture) and wife, Amanda, were presented the 2024 Agricultural Entrepreneurs of the Year award from Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The couple also was featured in the May Fresh Pickings e-newsletter from Iowa Food and Family Project.
Jeffrey Williams (’15 microbiology, ’18 MS) has joined Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center as a research scientist.
Kyle Larsen (’16 animal science) has joined Farmers National Co. as an associate appraiser.
Anna Brooks (’18 agricultural and life sciences education), West Marshall FFA advisor, has been selected to serve as a National Teacher Ambassador for FFA for the 2024-2025 school year.
Samuel Ikendi (’19 MS sustainable agriculture, ’11 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) was part of a team awarded the Journal of Education Article of the Year from the American Association for Agricultural Education.
2000s
Martha Smith (’04 agricultural business, international agriculture) has begun a new role as vice president, stakeholder relations at Bayer Crop Science.
Melanie Bloom (’01 animal science, agricultural and life sciences education, ’08 MS agricultural and life sciences education), Sioux Central FFA advisor, has been selected to serve as a National Teacher Ambassador for FFA for the 2024-2025 school year.
Mike Retallick (’05 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) was part of a team awarded the Journal of Education Article of the Year from the American Association for Agricultural Education.
1960s
Charles “Chuck” Struthers (’67 farm operation) and his wife, Kay, were presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.
April 2024
2020s
James Chism (’23 agricultural business) accepted a new role as crop protection territory manager at Corteva Agriscience.
Dan VanderPloeg (’22 MS seed technology and business) joined University of Wyoming Extension as an agriculture and natural resources educator in Washakie County.
Emily Joenks (’23 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in a N’West Iowa REVIEW article about her experience as a new agricultural education teacher and FFA adviser.
Cale Pellett (’22 agricultural business, economics) began a new role as a customer sales representative for AgriVision Equipment Group.
2010s
Karl Kerns (’14 animal science) received the Mission Award for Research from Iowa State University’s Gamma Sigma Delta chapter.
Kaitlin Metzger (’10 agricultural business) was part of the Seed Science Center team that received a 2023 CYtation Team Award from Iowa State University’s Professional and Scientific Council.
2000s
Adam Thoms (’06 horticulture) received the Mission Award for Extension from Iowa State University’s Gamma Sigma Delta chapter.
Derrick Mayfield (’09 biology, ’13 MS plant pathology) was part of the Seed Science Center team that received a 2023 CYtation Team Award from Iowa State University’s Professional and Scientific Council.
Kellie Blair (’06 forestry, agronomy) was part of a panel of guest speakers in the 100th episode of the Water Table Podcast, talking about the past, present and future of agricultural water management.
Jacob Handsaker (’04 agricultural studies) was part of a panel of guest speakers in the 100th episode of the Water Table Podcast, talking about the past, present and future of agricultural water management.
1990s
Elisabeth Huff Lonergan (’91 MS animal science, ’95 PhD animal science, biology) has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow.
Dawn Miller (’95 MS agricultural education and studies) received a 2023 CYtation Award from Iowa State University’s Professional and Scientific Council.
Amy L. Baker (’97 MS animal science, genetics, ’02 DVM veterinary medicine, ’04 PhD immunobiology) was named the Distinguished Senior Research Scientist of the Year by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
1980s
Mitchell Hoyer (’80 animal science, ’81 agricultural and life sciences education) has been named director and state program leader for 4-H Youth Development with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Barbara Clawson (’83 agricultural and life sciences education, ’88 MS) received the Mission Award for Teaching from Iowa State University’s Gamma Sigma Delta chapter.
Steven Lonergan (’88 animal science, ’91 MS) received the Mission Award for International Agriculture from Iowa State University’s Gamma Sigma Delta chapter.
Patrick McGonegle (’83 animal science) received the Alumni Award of Merit from Iowa State University’s Gamma Sigma Delta chapter.
Brian E. Scheffler (’86 MS agronomy, ’89 PhD) was named one of four 2024 Area Senior Research Scientists of the Year by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Curtis P. Van Tassell (’89 MS animal science) was named one of four 2024 Area Senior Research Scientists of the Year by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
1970s
Charles Block (’79 MS plant pathology, ’96 PhD) was part of the Seed Science Center team that received a 2023 CYtation Team Award from Iowa State University’s Professional and Scientific Council.
March 2024
2010s
Jacob Berkes (’14 agricultural systems technology, industrial technology) was promoted to manufacturing and quality engineer for LeMar Industries, a subsidiary of Brock Grain Systems.
Rebecca (Haugland) Johnson (’16 agricultural and life sciences education) has been promoted to senior director of marketing at GlobalVetLink.
Madison Durflinger (’19 biology, animal science, ’23 DVM veterinary medicine) was featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article about her work as a large animal veterinarian.
Saxon Ryan (’12 industrial technology, agricultural systems technology, ’16 MS industrial and agricultural technology, ’20 PhD) received the Early Achievement in Teaching Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Stephanie Hansen (’13 animal science) received the Outstanding Achievement in Advising Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Heidi Ackerman (’13 agronomy, ’16 MS soil science, agricultural and life sciences education) received the Early Achievement in Advising Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Nav Ghimire (’10 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) has been appointed as associate dean, Agriculture and Natural Resources focus of Nebraska Extension at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
2000s
Kelly Norris (’08 horticulture, ’11 MS) earned multiple awards, including the Governor’s Trophy for most innovative design, at the Philadelphia Flower Show for his creation, “A Beautiful Disturbance” that revitalized an abandoned lot into a lively ecosystem.
Dan Bolin (’06 dairy science) and his wife, Lynn, of New Day Dairy were honored with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.
Brian Gelder (’00 agronomy, agricultural engineering, ’07 PhD soil science, agricultural engineering) received the Outstanding Achievement in Research Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Adam Sisson (’06 agronomy, environmental studies, ’09 MS sustainable agriculture) received the Creative Impact Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
1990s
Rodger Main (’91 agricultural studies, ’96 DVM) was named the 2024 Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.
1980s
Ed Anderson (’84 agricultural biochemistry) was presented the Tom Oswald Legacy Award by the United Soybean Board.
April Hemmes (’82 animal science) was named a 2024 Iowa Master Farmer.
Jim Nau (’82 horticulture) was posthumously awarded the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award by the American Horticultural Society as part of the 2024 Great American Gardeners Awards.
Barb Clawson (’83 agricultural and life sciences education, ’88 MS) received the Service and Dedication Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
1970s
Neil McCoy (’71 farm operation) and wife, Becky, were named 2024 Iowa Master Farmers.
February 2024
2020s
Lindsay Peters (’23 MS animal physiology) has been hired as an extension specialist for the Iowa Pork Industry Center.
Kara Jeffrey (’23 animal ecology, biology) joined Reef Relief as a spring 2024 conservation intern.
Karen Van De Walle (’20 MS agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in a story published by Waverly Newspapers about the increasing number of female agricultural education teachers and FFA advisors.
Matthew Schroeder (’20 agricultural and life sciences education, ’21 MS) was named one of seven finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
Casey Allen (’22 agricultural and life sciences education) was named one of seven finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
2010s
Cody Smith (’18 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in an Indiana University article about his efforts to tackle environmental challenges.
Carlton Ness (’12 agricultural and life sciences education, ’20 MS) was named one of seven finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
Andy Schroeder (’11 agricultural studies, agronomy) was named the state winner of the Hog Wild Award, presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
2000s
Erin Brenneman (’04 animal science) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Jen Sorenson (’01 animal science) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Patrice Bailey (’01 MS agricultural education and studies) was featured in a Farm Progress article about the unique perspective he brings to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Ashley Wolfe (’06 MS agricultural and life sciences education) was named one of seven finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
John Daniels (’07 agricultural and life sciences education) was named one of seven finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
Amber Greiman (’03 agricultural and life sciences education, ’17 MS) was named one of seven finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
1990s
David Hill (’96 agricultural and life sciences education) will begin as Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District’s superintendent July 1, 2024.
Doug Houser (’93 agricultural systems technology) accepted a role as a digital ag extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Ryan Pudenz (’96 animal science) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Susan Kaaria (’90 MS economics) was featured in a University World News Africa Edition article about her work as director of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development and efforts to support and encourage women involved in agricultural research.
John Zimmerman (’95 animal science) was elected to serve as the 2024 National Turkey Federation chairman.
1980s
Kevin Cooper (’83 agricultural and life sciences education) received the Golden Apple Award for his work as Nevada High School’s agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.
Gregg Hora (’82 farm operation) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
David Moody (’85 animal science) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Dean Frazer (’87 agricultural studies) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Steven Kerns (’81 animal science) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Todd E. Wilson (’86 animal science) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Barb Lemmer (’82 agricultural and life sciences education, ’04 MS) was named one of seven finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
1970s
Dennis Liljedahl (’75 animal science) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Jamie Schmidt (’78 CT farm operation) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
Mark Meirick (’79 agricultural business) has been appointed to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body.
January 2024
2020s
Taylor Lekin (’23 agricultural and rural policy studies) accepted a role as a marketing and program development coordinator for American Feed Industry Association.
Jenna Vander Heiden (’23 agricultural business) started a new position as a marketing rep – ISG Test Farm at John Deere.
Grace (Hansen) McAfee (’20 agricultural and life sciences education) has been hired as the new community wellness coordinator for Cass County, Iowa.
Madelynn (Cornell) Wuestenberg (’23 MS agricultural meteorology) has been appointed the agricultural climatology specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Will Taylor (’21 MS animal science) has joined Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science as an assistant teaching professor and the livestock judging team coach.
Harrison Furlow (’21 animal science) has accepted a role as manager of state pork industry relations with the National Pork Producers Council.
2010s
Stephanie Carlson (’13 animal science) started a new position as assistant vice president of state and national relations for the National Pork Producers Council.
Preston Poots-Jacobsen (’14 agricultural and life sciences education) has joined Corteva Agriscience as marketing communications manager.
Jared Morse (’14 agricultural business) was promoted to senior credit officer at CoBank.
Emily (Flory) Carolan (’14 agricultural business) has taken on a new role as home designer for Kelly Building Systems.
Haley (Hillyard) Kerr (’17 animal science) joined Sustainable Environmental Consultants as a livestock specialist.
Bailey Morrell (’14 agricultural studies) joined the National Pork Board Team where she will take on the channel market development manager role.
Stuart McCulloh (’13 agricultural and life sciences education) began a new position as crop adjuster at AgriSompo North America.
Michael Dolch (’13 agricultural and life sciences education) joined Ag Processing Inc. as director of government affairs.
2000s
Adam Gittins (’03 agricultural business) purchased High Tech Solutions for Agriculture (HTS Ag) in Harlan, Iowa, and will assume the role of president of the precision agriculture technology dealer.
Mark Licht (’00 agronomy, agricultural extension education, ’03 MS soil science, ’15 PhD crop production and physiology) has been named the new associate chair for Extension and Outreach in Iowa State University’s Department of Agronomy.
Lorilee Schultz (’07 agricultural business, economics) has joined the Dairy Girl Network board of directors.
Devin Mogler (’08 agricultural business, economics) started a new role as senior vice president of corporate and investor relations at Green Plains Inc.
1990s
Eric Boeck (’93 animal science, dairy science) was featured in a Q&A published by Successful Farming about his role as regional director, North America Seeds for Syngenta.
Suzanne Shirbroun (’91 agronomy, pest management) was featured in an Iowa Soybean Association article about her thoughts as president of the ISA board, looking ahead to the association’s 60th year.
1980s
Zita Quade (’85 agricultural journalism) joined the Iowa Water Center in November as a Research Administrator.
Jeff Kaisand (’89 animal science, ’93 DVM) was named a 2023 Honorary Master Pork Producer by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
1970s
Wayne Fredericks (’73 animal science) was presented the Legacy of Leadership Award from the Iowa Soybean Association.
1960s
Marv Holtkamp (’63 farm operation) and his wife, Sue, were named to the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s 82nd class of Master Pork Producers.
December 2023
2020s
Mickayla Jordan (’23 agricultural communication) received the Rookie of the Year award from the Iowa Soybean Association.
2010s
Ben Covington (’12 agricultural systems technology, ’13 MS industrial and agricultural technology) received the Programming Innovation Award from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Levi Powell (’12 agricultural systems technology, ’14 MS industrial and agricultural technology) received the Programming Innovation Award from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Sarah Tweeten (’15 agricultural and life sciences education) was named the winner of the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet.
Matthew Burt (’12 agricultural business) received one of Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2023 Young Farmer Leadership Awards.
Elizabeth Burns-Thompson (’11 agricultural business, international agriculture) accepted a position as vice president of external affairs at Landus.
2000s
Patrice Bailey (’01 MS agricultural education and studies) was named to the Twin Cities Business 100 for 2024.
Kellie Blair (’06 forestry, agronomy) was one of four women who received the Women Impacting Agriculture Award from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
1970s
Tom Grau (’72 animal science) has accepted the role of member development and support specialist with Storm Lake United.
November 2023
2010s
Cara Haden (’10 animal science, ’14 DVM) received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Zack Peppmeier (’18 animal science) was featured by Farm Journal’s Pork Business as part of its Up & Coming Leaders feature.
Curtis Behrens (’11 animal ecology) has been appointed as the new director of Tama County Conservation.
Hayley Williams (’17 food science) accepted a new position as a food scientist at Cargill.
Carter Oliver (’15 forestry, animal ecology) received the County Professional Excellence in ANR Programming Award from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Bryan Whaley (’11 MS agricultural and life sciences education) has been named the new chief executive officer of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
2000s
Larry Sadler (’02 animal science, agricultural business, ’09 MS animal physiology, ’13 PhD biomedical sciences) received the Lorraine J. Hoffman Graduate Alumni Award from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Brittini Brown (’09 MS industrial and agricultural technology) was appointed associate vice president for student engagement and dean of students for Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
1980s
Earl McAlexander (’80 agricultural and life sciences education, ’97 MS) was part of a team that received the Outstanding Team Award from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
1960s
Peter Hoffman (’67 MS animal science, ’69 PhD) was inducted into Conrad Weiser High School’s Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.
October 2023
2020s
Harley Butler (’22 environmental science) graduated from the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.
Zach Nie (’22 forestry) graduated from the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.
Benjamin Porepp (’20 agronomy) graduated from the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.
Joy Van Wyngarden (’20 agricultural and life sciences education) graduated from the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.
Austin Waters (’22 forestry, animal ecology) graduated from the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.
2010s
Miranda Baer (’13 animal ecology) accepted a new role as senior academic advisor at Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering.
Amanda Cole (’19 environmental science) graduated from the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.
Brittany Decker (’18 agronomy) graduated from the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.
Ben Zelle (’14 agricultural business, management information systems) has been promoted to tactical sales manager of the Eastern Region USA for John Deere.
Nate Dobbels (’12 agricultural and life sciences education, international agriculture) received the W. Robert Parks Honors Commendation award from the Iowa State University Honors Program.
2000s
Justin Bisinger (’09 animal science, ’14 MS environmental science, nutritional sciences) graduated from the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy offered by ISU Extension and Outreach.
Carolyn Ihde (’00 horticulture, ‘15 MS agricultural and life sciences education) is the new Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
Antoine Alston (’00 PhD agricultural education and studies) was featured alongside his daughter, Kayla, in a Triad City Beat article about their family’s multigenerational involvement in agriculture.
Nicholas Paulson (’02 agricultural systems technology, ’04 MS economics, ’07 PhD economics) received the Hobart R. and Marian Gardner Hinderliter Endowed Professor in Farm Management at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
1970s
Dave Drennan (’75 agricultural journalism) received the 2023 Thomas Jefferson Leadership and Service Award from the Missouri chapter of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals.
1960s
Fred Sick (’65 animal science, ’74 DVM veterinary medicine) was named the 2023 Iowa Veterinarian of the Year by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.
September 2023
2020s
Grace Howe (’22 agricultural and rural policy studies) began a new role as director of communications and policy for the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association.
Emily Campbell (’20 agricultural studies) accepted a role as an agribusiness instructor at Des Moines Area Community College’s Ankeny campus.
Carlie Miller (’23 animal science) was featured in an article in the Waverly Newspapers about her hopes of being selected in a national contest to sing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo.
Jenna Vander Heiden (’23 agricultural business) has accepted a position with John Deere’s marketing development program.
Marjorie Hanneman (’21 agronomy, genetics) was recently named a 2023-2026 FFAR Fellow.
2000s
Madeline Schultz (’03 agricultural business, economics) received a Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
Ben Slinger (’08 industrial technology) and his family were honored with a 2023 Iowa State Fair Way We Live Award.
Brian Swart (’01 agronomy, ’04 MS crop production and physiology) was appointed to the position of president-elect on the Iowa Soybean Association’s executive committee.
Martha Smith (’04 agricultural business, international agriculture) received the 2023 Emerging Iowa Leader Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
1990s
Suzanne Shirbroun (’91 agronomy, pest management) was elected to serve as president of the Iowa Soybean Association.
Brent Renner (’98 agricultural studies) was appointed to the at-large position on the Iowa Soybean Association’s executive committee.
1970s
Ted Funk (’72 outdoor recreation services) was named one of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni honorees by the Osage Education Foundation.
August 2023
2020s
Alyssa Rosenbaum (’22 culinary food science, horticulture) received the Center for Produce Safety’s 2023 Professional Development Program Award.
2010s
Matie George (’12 animal science, ’14 MS) started a new role as a formulation and pricing specialist for Ridley Feed Ingredients.
Sam Showalter (’14 agricultural studies) has joined the Iowa Soybean Association board of directors and will serve a three-year term.
Justin Bahr (’16 agricultural business, international agriculture) received the Early Career Award from the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers.
Tyler Walters (’14 animal ecology) has been named the manager of Lake Wapello State Park near Drakesville, Iowa.
Joshua Henik (’10 agronomy, ’12 MS crop production and physiology) received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Mitchell Hora (’17 agricultural systems technology, agronomy) received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
2000s
Corey Goodhue (’07 industrial technology) will serve a three-year term on the Iowa Soybean Association board of directors.
Tahnee Szymanski (’00 animal science) has been selected to serve as the new Montana state veterinarian.
Zack Smith (’02 agronomy) received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Lacey Luense (’07 MS genetics) was featured in an AgriLife Today article about the research she’s conducting as an assistant professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science to determine how male behaviors and the environment affect offspring in livestock.
1990s
Sharon Chism (’91 agricultural business) has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Iowa Soybean Association board of directors.
Perry Corey (’91 agricultural studies) and his wife, Stacy, received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Mike Paustian (’98 microbiology) received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Jarrett Smith (’97 agricultural business) received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Todd Thilges (’94 agricultural studies) and his wife, Angie, received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
1980s
Dave Schlitter (’80 agricultural business) has accepted a position as retail sales supervisor at Woodford Lumber and Home in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Brian Hora (’85 farm operation) received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Lori Ryner (’86 agricultural business) and her husband, Dan, received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
1970s
Paul Kassel (’78 horticulture, agronomy, ’81 MS crop production and physiology) will serve a three-year term on the Iowa Soybean Association board of directors.
Randy Petersen (’70 AA technical agriculture) received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Leland Searle (’72 agricultural journalism) received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair.
1960s
Ron Stutsman (’63 agricultural business) was named an Iowan of the Day for the 2023 Iowa State Fair by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products.
July 2023
2020s
Rachel Blum (’22 agricultural studies) is serving in a new role as a summer assistant with the Greene County Extension Office.
Taylor Kluesner (’21 agricultural and life sciences education) started as the Dubuque County Outreach coordinator for Iowa Farm Bureau.
Zach Petersen (’22 agricultural systems technology) was featured in a Cyclones.com story about he and his family’s involvement on Iowa State’s football team.
2010s
Cassie Jones (’12 PhD nutritional sciences) is the recipient of the 2023 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award.
Jenna Gehring (’16 agricultural and life sciences education, public service and administration in agriculture) began a new position as industry marketing leader/northwest region at FORVIS.
Andrew Lauver (’12 agricultural studies) joined Farm Journal as director of business development, trust in food.
Macy Marek (’19 agricultural and life sciences education) started a new position as Pioneer corn product marketing manager at Corteva Agriscience.
Garett Onstot (’19 global resource systems, animal science) began a new role as regional sales representative at Anatomage Inc.
Rachel Owen (’13 global resource systems, agronomy) joined Land Core as a senior policy advisor.
Tory Mogler (’14 agricultural business, economics) was promoted to toll risk manager at Cargill.
Mitchell Hora (’17 agricultural systems technology, agronomy) was featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article about the business he started.
Sarah May (’18 animal science) was named 2023 Coach of the Year by the Madison City Chess League.
2000s
Courtney Knupp (’07 agricultural business) has been elected to serve as a member of the Iowa State University Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Martha Smith (’04 agricultural business, international agriculture) has been elected as an officer of the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Melea Licht (’00 public service and administration in agriculture, ’05 MS agricultural and life sciences education) began a new position as assistant director of communications at Iowa State University’s Parks Library.
Pierce Paul (’03 PhD plant pathology) has been appointed professor and chair of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Plant Pathology.
1990s
Laura Greiner (’96 animal science, ’99 MS, ’01 PhD animal nutrition) has been named director of Iowa State University’s Iowa Pork Industry Center.
1980s
Wendy Wintersteen (’88 PhD entomology) will serve as secretary/treasurer on the Big 12 Board of Directors.
1960s
Marshall Martin (’66 agricultural business) was named Indiana’s Honorary Master Farmer recipient, an award presented by Indiana Prairie Farmer and the Purdue College of Agriculture.
