Class Notes
September 2023
2020s
Grace Howe (’22 agricultural and rural policy studies) began a new role as director of communications and policy for 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.
June 2023
2020s
Mikayla Spinler (’21 animal science) received the 2023 Larry Corah Graduate Student Award from the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry.
Megan Cady (’21 agricultural and life sciences education) has joined Iowa Corn as the new District 6 field manager in eastern Iowa.
Ross Cady (’21 international agriculture, agricultural business) is the new sales account manager at Distynct.
Nick Halbur (’21 agricultural studies) started a new position as account manager at Growers Edge.
Trentin Moeller (’22 agricultural business) accepted a new role as retail product agronomist at Brevant Seeds.
Zoey Dinkla (’20 agricultural studies) has been named the producer education director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Mollee Patten (’21 agricultural studies) started a new position as business manager for Midwest Market Management, Inc.
2010s
Cassie Jones (’12 PhD nutritional sciences) was named an outstanding mentor to undergraduate researchers at Kansas State University.
Jonathan Campbell (’12 PhD meat science, food science and technology) has received the 2023 Distinguished Extension and Industry Service Award from the American Meat Science Association.
Mitchell Hora (’17 agricultural systems technology, agronomy) was featured in a Farm Journal AgWeb article about his business that has helped improve soil health conditions on his farm, as well as those of others’.
Erica Lain (’17 animal science) accepted a position as a sustainable systems agronomist at Bayer.
Colin Hurd (’13 agricultural studies) was featured in a story in the Iowa Stater magazine about his work using autonomous technology in agriculture.
Wesley Schweer (’13 animal science, ’15 MS, ’18 PhD) has joined Cargill Animal Nutrition as a swine nutritionist.
2000s
Christie Wiebbecke (’00 agronomy, ’11 PhD plant breeding) accepted a position with the Iowa Soybean Association as senior director of research.
Lesa Vold (’00 animal science) received an ACE Rising Star Award from the Association for Communication Excellence.
1990s
Larkin Powell (’92 MS animal ecology) has been named director of the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
1970s
Jerry Chizek (’79 agricultural and life sciences education, ’83 MS) was featured in an article in The Messenger about his lifelong career as an educator.
May 2023
2020s
Katherine Rasch (‘22 agricultural studies) started a new position as a customer support specialist at NEW Cooperative, Inc.
Hannah Spies (’21 agricultural business) has joined TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods as a member of its agribusiness marketing team.
Abbie Van Raden (’21 animal ecology) was hired as the new state technician for Keokuk County Soil and Water Conservation District/NRCS office in Sigourney, Iowa.
Riley Wilgenbusch (’20 global resource systems, agronomy) earned his master of science in public health degree in international health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Cynthia Farmer (’21 agriculture and society, dairy science) began a new position as farm policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs.
2010s
Eric Jones (’15 agronomy, ’18 MS crop production and physiology) has been hired as the new weed management specialist for South Dakota State University Extension.
Angelica Van Goor (’16 PhD genetics) was presented the Alumni Award of Merit from Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture.
Rachel Farr (’19 biology) was featured in an Oklahoma State University article about her journey to becoming a veterinarian in the Army Veterinary Corps.
Lindsay Stoaks (’13 MS agricultural and life sciences education) has been named interim president of Southwestern Community College.
Dan Schaben (’14 agricultural studies) began a new position as area business manager at AgriGold.
Matthew Burt (’12 agricultural business) was named one of the 2023 Young Farmer Leadership Award recipients by the Iowa Farm Bureau.
Heidi Ackerman (’13 agronomy, ’16 MS soil science, agricultural and life sciences education) received the Early Achievement in Learning Community Coordination award from Iowa State University’s Learning Communities.
Megyn Dirks (’19 agricultural and life sciences education) was recently promoted to social media manager for Woodruff.
Charlie Kreis (’14 agricultural business) started a new position as rail fleet analyst at Cargill.
Brian Castro (’14 nutritional science, global resource systems) earned his master’s in foreign service from Georgetown University.
Molly Severn (’14 agricultural and life sciences education, public service and administration in agriculture) has advanced to the role of deputy chief of staff in the Office of Governor Reynolds, State of Iowa.
2000s
Cheryl Morris (’02 MS animal science, animal nutrition) received the Mission Award for Research from Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture.
Ben Drescher (’05 agricultural and life sciences education) was presented the Regents Award for Staff Excellence by the Iowa Board of Regents.
Eric Underbakke (’01 agricultural biochemistry) received the James Huntington Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching from Iowa State University. He also was presented the Learning Communities Outstanding Innovations Award from Iowa State University’s Learning Communities.
Kirk Haaland (’06 industrial technology) was part of the CIRAS Manufacturing 4.0 Team that received the Award for Achievement in Economic Development in Iowa from Iowa State University.
Patrick Wall (’01 animal science, ’03 MS) was presented the Professional and Scientific Excellence Award from Iowa State University.
Steve Jonas (’01 horticulture) and Nicole Jonas (’02 horticulture) were featured in an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach article about their participation in Annie’s Project and how the program helped them grow their business.
Brent Hales (’00 PhD rural sociology) will become the new associate vice president for research and Cooperative Extension at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Brittni Brown (’09 MS industrial and agricultural technology) was featured in a story on Iowa State University’s College of Engineering website.
Scott Smalley (’06 MS agricultural and life sciences education, ’11 PhD) was named the 2023 Distinguished Agriculture Teacher Educator by the American Association for Agricultural Education.
Amy Brandau (’00 agricultural business) received Learning Communities Outstanding Innovations Award from Iowa State University’s Learning Communities.
1990s
Justin Ewalt (’99 animal science) and his wife, Jamie, were featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article for their success in using social media to advertise their farm-based beef business in Tabor, Iowa.
Kyoungjin Yoon (’95 PhD microbiology, immunology and preventative medicine) received the Award for Achievement in Intellectual Property from Iowa State University.
Garland Dahlke (’94 MS animal science, ’97 PhD) was presented the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice from Iowa State University.
1980s
Jim Jordahl (’82 farm operation, ’91 MS agronomy) received the Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award from Iowa State University.
Rich Wrage (’84 agricultural and life sciences education, ’98 MS) was presented the R.K. Bliss Extension Award from Iowa State University.
Kendall Lamkey (’85 PhD agronomy) received the Learning Communities Faculty Engagement Award from Iowa State University’s Learning Communities.
1970s
Douglas Ware (’75 MS animal science, ’76 PhD) was presented with the Distinguished Achievement in Agriculture Award from Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture.
Russ Euken (’79 animal science, ’88 MAG professional agriculture) received the Award for Distinguished Service in Extension and Outreach from Iowa State University.
April 2023
2020s
Grace Reineke (’22 horticulture) was featured by the Denison Bulletin-Review for the floral business, Mill Creek Flower Farm, she recently established near Dunlap, Iowa.
Maddy McGarry (’20 international agriculture, agricultural and life sciences education) was named the 2023 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen.
2010s
Laura Cunningham (’10 agricultural business) was featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article highlighting her involvement in agriculture.
Nichole Wilson (’18 animal science) was inducted as the alumni advisor for Sigma Alpha, Delta Chapter, at Iowa State University.
Rylee Triggs (’19 agriculture and society) began a new position as digital marketing specialist at Precision Planting.
Conrad Pannkuk (’16 horticulture) was hired as a sales representative for PBI-Gordon Corporation.
2000s
Nicole Jonas (’02 horticulture) was featured by KCCI Des Moines for how the training she received through Annie’s Project, a nationwide program to empower women in agriculture, helped her find success in her horticultural crop business, Red Granite Farm.
Brent Flander (’01 agronomy) has joined PBI-Gordon Corporation as national account manager.
Huaijun Zhou (’02 PhD animal breeding and genetics, animal science, ’03 MS bioinformatics and computational biology) was featured in an Alumni Spotlight article on Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science webpage.
1980s
Mike Gooder (’80 horticulture) and his wife, Rachel, received the Iowa State University Outstanding Horticulture Alumni of the Year Award.
Mitchell Hoyer (’80 animal science, ’81 agricultural and life sciences education) has been named the interim 4-H Youth Development state program leader with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
1970s
Rachel Gooder (’79 horticulture) and her husband, Mike, received the Iowa State University Outstanding Horticulture Alumni of the Year Award.
1960s
William Crawford (’69 dairy science) was recognized for 50 years of service as a Mason.
March 2023
2020s
Ryan Calvert (’21 agricultural and life sciences education) accepted a position with DICK’S Sporting Goods as a marketing manager.
Mason Ohnemus (’21 agricultural business, finance) recently joined Principal Financial Group as a portfolio analyst – global asset allocation.
Brianna Powell (’21 agricultural business, international agriculture) was named the recipient of the 2022 Top New Local Member of the Year Award from JCI Iowa.
Cheyanna Sheaffer (’22 horticulture) was featured by The Oskaloosa Herald for the floral shop she recently opened in Pella, Iowa, called The Timeless Tulip.
2010s
David Bruene (’13 agricultural studies) was selected for the Professional & Scientific Outstanding Achievement in Teaching Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Nate Dobbels (’12 agricultural and life sciences education, international agriculture) received the Professional & Scientific Learning Community Coordinator Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He also received the 2023 Outstanding Advisor Award from the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization.
Elizabeth Ripley (’11 agricultural business, economics) was part of the Iowa Learning Farms and Water Rocks! team that received the Team Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Marcie Fahn (’14 international agriculture, economics, agricultural business, ’16 MS sustainable agriculture, economics) was presented the Dean’s Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences award at Iowa State University.
Beth Foreman (’12 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) was presented the Dean’s Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences award at Iowa State University.
Joe Wheelock (’14 sustainable agriculture, entomology) accepted a position as program manager – Heartland Tree Alliance at Bridging the Gap.
Brittney Carroll (’12 agricultural and life sciences education) has begun a new role as district director for U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.
McKinzie Flanagan (’15 animal science) was featured in a Big Rapids News story, highlighting her work as the animal control officer for the city of Dubuque.
Dan Doeing (’13 agricultural and life sciences education, ’18 MS) began a new position as an agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Puyallup School District.
Ashley Lusk (’14 animal science) has been promoted to sales account executive at Elanco.
2000s
Brady Stewart (’02 agricultural systems technology) was named group president of fresh meats at Tyson Foods.
Elizebeth Logsdon (’06 agricultural studies, ’08 MS agricultural and life sciences education) and her husband, along with another couple, have started a new business, Legends Farm and Lawn, in Centerville, Iowa.
Scott Smalley (’06 MS agricultural and life sciences education, ’11 PhD), associate professor at Iowa State University, was named a Golden Owl Award finalist.
Stephanie Hansen (’02 animal science) received the Mid-Career Achievement in Research Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Jason Ross (’00 animal science) was selected for the Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Patrick Wall (’01 animal science, ’03 MS) received the Professional & Scientific Excellence Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Mark Licht (’00 agronomy, agricultural extension education, ’03 MS soil science, ’15 PhD crop production and physiology) was part of the Iowa Learning Farms and Water Rocks! team that received the Team Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Marna Yandeau-Nelson (’05 PhD genetics) was presented the Rossmann Manatt Faculty Development Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
David Kwaw-Mensah (’05 MS soil science, ’08 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) received the Raymond and Mary Baker Agronomic Excellence Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Michael Fritch (’00 agronomy) started a new position as a sales agronomist at VERBIO North America.
Jamee Eggers (’02 animal science) started her own boutique consulting company, Rafter J Consulting.
Mark Knauer (’02 agricultural and life sciences education, ’06 MS animal breeding and genetics) received the 2023 North Carolina Pork Council’s Award for Excellence in Innovation.
1990s
Debbie Barkela (’97 agricultural and life sciences education), vocational agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Belmond-Klemme High School, was named a Golden Owl Award finalist.
Anthony Mahama (’98 PhD plant breeding, agronomy) received the Distance Education Teaching Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Craig Morris (’92 animal science) was named one of the 100 most influential executives in the global seafood industry by IntraFish Media.
Todd Loecke (’91 agricultural studies) has been appointed to the new role of head of key accounts for Syngenta.
Todd Wiley (’91 animal science, agricultural and life sciences education) was featured by Wallaces Farmer for the farrow-to-finish operation he and his wife, Denise, run near Walker, Iowa.
1980s
Jim Russ (’83 agricultural and life sciences education), high school agricultural education teacher at New Hampton High School, was named a Golden Owl Award finalist.
Jim Jordahl (’82 farm operation, ’91 MS agronomy) received the Professional & Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Leon Schumacher (’87 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in a story on Iowa State University’s College of Engineering website about his belief in the importance of engineering for agriculture.
John Lawrence (’84 animal science, ’86 MS economics) received the 2023 Iowa Master Farmer Exceptional Service award.
1970s
Craig McEnany (’79 agricultural and life sciences education) was presented the Dean’s Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences award at Iowa State University.
Warren Dick (’77 MS agronomy, ’80 PhD) was featured by Ohio’s Country Journal for his efforts in establishing the Bethel Environmental and Agricultural University and Training Center in Woliso, Ethiopia, to teach farmers about agricultural production.
Tom Hoegemeyer (’74 agronomy) was presented the Ag Achievement Award from the Nebraska Corn Board.
Mike Telford (’76 animal science) received the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award from the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board.
John Fischer (’75 farm operation) and his wife, Mary, were honored as a 2023 Iowa Master Farmer.
1960s
Dale Netherton (’63 forestry) recently published his 14th book, “The Random Universe.”
John Miranowski (’66 agricultural business) was presented the Dean’s Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences award at Iowa State University.
February 2023
2020s
Emily Campbell (’20 agricultural studies) was featured by Farm News, a story reflecting on her time as an FFA member and the influences the organization had on her career path.
Marissa Lawry (’22 agricultural business) began a new position as talent acquisition project assistant at Pivot Bio.
Clayton Poots (’21 agricultural studies) is now a production manager at Bayer.
Connor Royer (’20 agricultural business) started as a contract administrator at DLL.
2010s
Jill Marshall (’13 genetics, ’16 MS) took part in Iowa Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet at the Young Farmer Conference in January and will advance to the next round of competition at the Bureau’s Annual Meeting in December.
Sierra Hagedon (’16 agricultural systems technology, ’21 MS industrial and agricultural technology) took part in Iowa Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet at the Young Farmer Conference in January and will advance to the next round of competition at the Bureau’s Annual Meeting in December.
Sarah Tweeten (’15 agricultural and life sciences education) took part in Iowa Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet at the Young Farmer Conference in January and will advance to the next round of competition at the Bureau’s Annual Meeting in December.
Shayne Wiese (’17 animal science) was featured on the Iowa State University Department of Animal Science website.
Samuel Ikendi (’19 MS sustainable agriculture, ’22 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) joined University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources as an academic coordinator for climate-smart agriculture.
Morgan Hibbs (’17 agricultural and life sciences education) has begun a new role as education outreach director for Linn County Farm Bureau.
Janelle Gapp (’15 animal science) was featured by the Ames Tribune in a story about the nonprofit she started with the goal of taking low-income Ames students on international trips.
Christina Riessen (’14 horticulture, agricultural and life sciences education) started a new career as a horticulture instructor at Des Moines Area Community College – Ankeny campus.
2000s
Brent Frederick (’01 MS animal science, animal nutrition) has been named technical services and innovation director for Cargill’s Animal Nutrition pork team.
Mollie Aronowitz (’06 horticulture), sustainability director and land manager for Peoples Company, was recognized as a recipient of the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture’s Leader in Conservation Award.
1980s
Ross Havens (’88 animal science) was appointed to serve on the USDA’s Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board.
Tim Meyer (’89 agricultural studies) has been named CEO of Producers Livestock Marketing Association, based in Omaha, Nebraska.
1970s
Dave Drennan (’75 agricultural journalism) was presented the Meritorious Service Award by the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation for his 23 years of service to the state’s dairy industry.
January 2023
2020s
Kelsey Fisher (’21 PhD entomology) began a new position as assistant scientist II with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Brighton Rouse (’22 agricultural and life sciences education) joined Edgewood-Colesburg High School as the new agriculture education instructor.
Kathryn Fitzsimmons (’22 agricultural and rural policy studies) has joined the Wisconsin Soybean Program as a policy project manager.
Emma Kehrli (’21 agricultural business) started a new position as ISG product marketing integrator at John Deere.
Justin Swanton (’20 animal science, agricultural and life sciences education) accepted a program specialist position at Iowa State Veterinary Field Services in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
2010s
Amy Bettle (’19 environmental science) was recognized as the Kraken Hero of the Deep by the Seattle Kraken.
Kristen McEvoy (’18 agriculture and society) recently started as marketing director for Wells AG Supply.
Carolyn Hetzel (’14 nutritional science) was featured in an Iowa Farm Bureau article.
Ben Neff (’18 industrial technology, agricultural systems technology) was featured by the Marshalltown Times Republican for his wildlife photography.
Ali Bieret (’13 agricultural business) has been hired as an insurance agent at Breda Insurance in Breda, Iowa.
Sarah Henry (’15 agricultural and life sciences education) started a new position as deputy district director at the U.S. House of Representatives.
Kennedy Phillips (’19 agricultural and life sciences education) has taken on a new role at Vermeer Corporation as brand experience lead.
Jimmy Kent (’14 agricultural business) was promoted to president at Grain Processing Corporation.
2000s
Betty Gabriel (’02 animal science) will star as Elizabeth Wright in the third season of Prime Video’s “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.”
Dan Srp (’01 agricultural studies) was reelected to serve another term as a Clinton County Supervisor in Clinton County, Iowa.
Ryan Van Roekel (’09 agronomy, seed science) has started a new position as regional agronomy lead for Pivot Bio.
Mike Anderson (’00 animal science, ’02 MS) has been named the executive director of the Iowa Beef Checkoff organization by the Iowa Beef Industry Council board of directors.
Scott Ausborn (’08 environmental science) was featured by WHO 13 News.
Ben Bader (’08 agricultural systems technology) was honored as one of Iowa’s Master Pork Producers for 2022.
1990s
Mark Hulsebus (’94 animal science) accepted a position as sales and portfolio director of Alltech’s pig business team.
Todd Davis (’94 agricultural business) has taken on a newly created role as chief economist for the Indiana Farm Bureau.
Victoria Carr-Brendel (’91 MS microbiology) has been appointed to the Vicarious Surgical Board of Directors.
1980s
John Lawrence (’84 animal science, ’86 economics) is the 2022 recipient of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame award.
Allen Burt (’84 farm operation) was elected to serve as a board member on the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.
Dawn Snyder (’88 fisheries and wildlife biology) was featured by the Sioux City Journal.
Cindy McCollough (’81 animal science) was featured by WHO 13 News.
John Newton (’81 horticulture) won the 2023 Col. John Morley Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
Sonia Uytiepo (’88 MS economics) accepted a position as branch manager of Community Bank in Latham, New York.
Mark Schleisman (’86 agricultural business) was honored as one of Iowa’s Master Pork Producers for 2022.
Jim McMillan (’87 animal science, ’93 DVM veterinary medicine) was named one of the 2022 Master Pork Partners during the 2023 Iowa Pork Congress.
1970s
Fred Cubbage (’74 forestry) wrote a book, “Natural Resource Leadership and Management – A Practical Guide for Professionals.”
1960s
Gary Wiechmann (’69 CT technical agriculture) was inducted into the Cass County Cattleman’s Hall of Fame.
December 2022
2020s
Grant Hilbert (’20 economics, agricultural business) was featured in a story by Ag Web.
Erin Chalupa (’21 animal science) was elected as the secretary/treasurer of the Iowa Young Professionals in Agriculture Board of Directors.
Rachel Zumbach (’21 agricultural and life sciences education, international agriculture) was elected as the special events/community relations chair of the Iowa Young Professionals in Agriculture Board of Directors.
Cynthia Hamlett (’21 agriculture and society, dairy science) was elected as the programs chair of the Iowa Young Professionals in Agriculture Board of Directors.
Brianna McBride (’22 dairy science, food science) accepted a position with California Polytechnic State University as the dairy manager for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Kelli Wicks (’20 agriculture and society, international agriculture) has been selected to join the latest cohort of the Farm Foundation’s Cultivators Program.
2010s
Cassandra Jones (’12 PhD nutritional sciences), Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry teaching coordinator and professor, has been named a recipient of the 2022 USDA Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards for Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Clark Dolch (’11 agricultural business), farmer and ag loan officer for Farmer Merchant State Bank, was featured in the 3-part Spokesman Speaks podcast series as part of his 2022 Young Farmer Leadership Award by Iowa Farm Bureau.
Jennifer Lillo (’15 global resource systems, environmental studies) has started a new position at Biosecurity New Zealand in New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
Rebekah Sletten (’19 agricultural business, international agriculture) was elected as the president of the Iowa Young Professionals in Agriculture Board of Directors.
Nic Klein (’18 agricultural business, economics) was elected as the membership chair of the Iowa Young Professionals in Agriculture Board of Directors.
Chloe Carson (’18 agriculture and society, agricultural and life sciences education) was elected as the advisor of the Iowa Young Professionals in Agriculture Board of Directors.
Merena Henkle (’16 genetics) received first place in the Iowa Farm Bureau 2022 Discussion Meet competition.
Jill Marshall (’13 genetics, ’16 MS) received third place in the Iowa Farm Bureau 2022 Discussion Meet competition.
Laura Cunningham (’10 agricultural business) received one of the 2022 Women Impacting Agriculture Awards from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Samuel Ikendi (’19 MS sustainable agriculture, ’22 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) has begun a new role as academic coordinator – climate smart agriculture at University of California, Merced.
2000s
Mary Ebert (’09 animal science) received fourth place in the Iowa Farm Bureau 2022 Discussion Meet competition.
Bridget Mahoney (’09 animal science, agricultural and life sciences education, ’11 MS agricultural and life sciences education) received one of the 2022 Women Impacting Agriculture Awards from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Tom Paulsen (’01 MS agricultural education and studies, ’11 PhD agricultural and life sciences education), professor and department head of the Regina Roth Applied Agricultural and Food Studies Department at Morningside University, received the 2022 Dr. William C. Yockey Assessment Award.
Tara Neal (’02 agricultural and life sciences education) received one of the 2022 Women Impacting Agriculture Awards from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
1990s
Bryan Unruh (’95 PhD horticulture), University of Florida professor and associate director of the West Florida Research and Education Center, has been selected to receive the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s 2023 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship.
Dewayne Goldmon (’91 PhD agronomy) has been named a 2022-23 outstanding alumni by the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
Frank Casey (’96 MS soil science, agronomy, ’00 PhD water resources, soil science, agronomy), associate director for the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, was named a Fellow of the Food Systems Leadership Institute by the Association of Public Land-grant Universities.
1980s
Al Lyman (’87 agricultural studies) was named the Illinois Beef Association Member of the Year.
Stephen Kolison Jr. (’86 MS forestry, ’90 PhD), president of the State University of New York at Fredonia, was elected as new board member for the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.
1960s
Glen Mente (’61 animal husbandry, ’63 MS animal nutrition) was inducted into the Calamus-Wheatland Community School District 2022 Hall of Fame class as a Distinguished Graduate.
November 2022
2010s
Nicholas Lauterbach (’14 animal science, ’18 DVM) has joined Pharmgate Animal Health as a technical services veterinarian.
Meaghan Anderson (’12 agronomy, ’14 MS crop production and physiology), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist, was selected for an Innovation Award by the Iowa State University provost’s office.
Rebecca Vittetoe (’14 agronomy, ’19 MS), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist, was presented an Innovation Award by the Iowa State University provost’s office.
Emily Damro (’17 agricultural and life sciences education), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H youth program specialist in Benton and Linn counties, received an Innovation Award from the Iowa State University provost’s office.
Lisa Kubik (’14 agricultural business) started a new position as an inside sales manager at Agoro Carbon Alliance.
Kristen Neubauer (’14 animal science) took on a new role as project manager at RXO.
Breanna Wagner (’16 agricultural and life sciences education) started a new position as producer services manager at Iowa Soybean Association.
2000s
Jennifer Bentley (’02 dairy science, ’11 MS professional agriculture), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy extension specialist, was awarded an Innovation Award by the Iowa State University provost’s office.
1990s
Kristin Taylor (’98 agricultural and life sciences education), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach creative projects specialist, received an Innovation Award from the Iowa State University provost’s office.
Tim Johnson (’97 MS crop production and physiology) was featured in an article in the Des Moines Register.
1980s
Fred Hall (’81 dairy science), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy extension specialist, was selected to receive an Innovation Award from the Iowa State University provost’s office.
Bill Goehring (’86 animal science) was elected as the new president of the American Hereford Association.
October 2022
2020s
Benjamin Thomas (’20 agricultural business) started a new position as credit relationship manager at Leighton State Bank.
Lydia Martins (’22 animal science) was named the recipient of the 2022 Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Foundation Incoming Freshman Scholarship.
Laura James (‘21 biology, environmental studies), watershed project coordinator with Beaver Creek WMA, was a graduate of the 2022 Land Stewardship Leadership Academy.
Kariann Elsbernd (’22 agricultural and life sciences education) has accepted a position as the new marketing manager at Double L Group, LLC.
2010s
Rob Swieter (’15 agronomy) has been selected to serve as ServiTech’s chief operating officer.
Connor Bollum (’19 agricultural business, international agriculture) started a new position as supply chain merchandiser at Bay State Milling Company.
Chelsea Harbach (’19 PhD plant pathology) has accepted a position with Iowa State University’s Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic and the Integrated Pest Management Team.
Ryan Bergman (’14 agricultural systems technology, ’15 MS industrial and agricultural technology) has started a new position as a product manager for planters for John Deere.
Austin Pueschel (’18 agricultural business) started a new position as a social media coordinator at Athene.
Rebecca Haugland (’16 agricultural and life sciences education) started a new position as director of marketing at GlobalVetLink.
Madison Durflinger (’19 animal science, biology) was selected to receive the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Sports and Field Day Community Engagement Scholarship.
Matt Schulte (’16 animal science, ’18 MS meat science/food science and technology, ’22 PhD) has joined Topigs Norsvin as a meat scientist.
Emily Ludwig (‘14 biology, animal ecology), resource conservationist with NRCS, was a graduate of the 2022 Land Stewardship Leadership Academy.
Emily Martin (‘16 environmental science, ‘18 MS), conservation programs coordinator at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, graduated from the 2022 Land Stewardship Leadership Academy.
Taylor O’Bryan (‘16 environmental science, agronomy), soil conservationist with NRCS, was a graduate of the 2022 Land Stewardship Leadership Academy.
Ethan Thies (‘14 agricultural systems technology, ‘21 MS agricultural and life sciences education), environmental specialist with IDNR, graduated from the 2022 Land Stewardship Leadership Academy.
Kayla Bergman (’16 animal ecology, environmental studies), policy manager at the Center for Rural Affairs, was awarded a New Voices in Water Quality in Iowa award.
Caleb Martin (’14 agricultural business) was promoted to director of loan review at One Community Bank.
2000s
Brett Peelen (’04 agronomy), owner and founder and 5th Gen Ag in Primghar, Iowa, was featured in a news article by the N’West Iowa Review.
Jeremy Davis (’01 agricultural education, ’04 MS) has been selected as an Iowa State University Alumni Association board member.
Erik Christian (’04 agronomy, ’07 MS crop production and physiology, ’12 PhD) was promoted to associate director, product development agronomy at Pivot Bio.
Katie Rock (’06 international agriculture, plant health & protection), Polk Country Soil and Water Conservation District commissioner, was awarded a New Voices in Water Quality in Iowa award.
Justin Chestnut (’00 agricultural systems technology), executive director – U.S. Farm Animal Distribution and Retail for Elanco Animal Health, was elected to serve on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board.
1990s
Kathy Moen (‘94 entomology, plant pathology, pest management), resource conservationist with NRCS, was a graduate of the 2022 Land Stewardship Leadership Academy.
