Class Notes
February 2025
2020s
Vishesh Bhatia (’20 genetics, ’24 PhD genetics and genomics) began a new role with DNA Genetics as a geneticist.
Vanessa Hinners (’24 animal ecology) is the new naturalist at Carroll County Conservation.
Natalie Young (’24 global resource systems) has joined World Bicycle Relief as a marketing associate.
Madison Stief (’24 animal science) is the new youth coordinator for the Cherokee County ISU Extension office.
Chloe Hagen (’20 animal science, ’22 MS) joined Vita Plus as a swine nutritionist and technical salesperson.
Dalton Humphrey (’24 PhD animal science) accepted a role with Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science as a research assistant professor in swine nutrition and production.
Laura (Mincks) Brecht (’20 agricultural and life sciences education, ‘23 MS), agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Prairie High School, was named one of seven Golden Owl Award honorees by the Iowa FFA Foundation.
Ryan Faught (’20 agricultural and life sciences education), agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Forest City High School, was named one of seven Golden Owl Award honorees by the Iowa FFA Foundation.
2010s
Krista Gent (’12 food science) and husband, Pat, were named to the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s 83rd class of Master Pork Producers.
Austin Lane (’15 animal science) and his father, Ken Lane (’88 agricultural studies), received the Master Seedstock Producer Award from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Justin Kuecker (’11 animal science, ’15 DVM veterinary medicine) was named a 2024 Master Pork Partner by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Albulena Basha (’19 MS sustainable agriculture, economics) was selected as one of the honorees for the 2025 Women Impacting ISU calendar.
Sterling Meyer (’14 animal science) was named a state Belle Ringer award winner by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Crystal Nieland (’10 agricultural and life sciences education, ’14 MS) was named a county-level winner of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Belle Ringer Award.
Jennie Greene (’18 animal science) was named a county-level winner of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Belle Ringer Award.
Matthew Romoser (’15 animal science, ’17 MS animal physiology) was named a county-level winner of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Hog Wild award.
Dustin Gaede (’17 agricultural business) joined Readlyn Savings Bank as an ag/commercial loan officer. He also joined the Farmers Coop in Readlyn/Shell Rock as a board member.
Brian Doscher (’14 forestry) opened Bluestem Boulders, a rock climbing facility, in Ames.
De’Airius Salibi (’17 food science) accepted a new position as director of innovation at Leahy-IFP.
Alex Rodgers (‘16 agricultural and life sciences education), agriculture instructor and FFA advisor at Southeast Warren Community School District, was named one of seven Golden Owl Award honorees by the Iowa FFA Foundation.
2000s
John Daniels (’07 agricultural and life sciences education), vocational agriculture teacher at Belle Plaine Community School District, was featured in a Southeast Iowa Union article about his teaching experience.
Laurie Hueneke Martens (’01 animal science, international agriculture), associate vice president, Global Public Policy and Government Relations for Merck Animal Health, received the Feather in Her Cap Award from the Feather in Her Cap Association.
Meghan Bond (‘04 agricultural and life sciences education, ’16 MS), agriculture teacher at Central Community School District, was named one of seven Golden Owl Award honorees by the Iowa FFA Foundation.
1990s
Brad Meyer (’95 agricultural business) was named to the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s 83rd class of Master Pork Producers.
Kent Mowrer (’91 animal science) was named one of two 2024 Honorary Master Pork Producers by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Mike Ver Steeg (’94 agricultural studies) received the Iowa Environmental Steward Award from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Laura Hommel (’98 agricultural business, public service and administration in agriculture) was named a state Belle Ringer award winner by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Chad Berentschot (’95 animal science) was named a county-level winner of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Hog Wild award.
Andrew Johnson (’98 agricultural business, ’00 MS agricultural education and studies), 7th-12th grade vocational agriculture teacher at Clarinda Community School District, was named one of seven Golden Owl Award honorees by the Iowa FFA Foundation.
1980s
Ken Lane (’88 agricultural studies) and son, Austin Lane (’15 animal science), received the Master Seedstock Producer Award from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Robert “Bob” Blomme (’86 agricultural studies, ’90 DVM veterinary medicine) was named a 2024 Master Pork Partner by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
January 2025
2020s
Melinda Zubrod (’23 agronomy) has been named one of 21 Rising Seed Stars by Seed World Magazine.
Brock Ortner (’22 animal science) joined the Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone 1 team as the new livestock extension educator for Sheridan County.
Jenna (Vanderheiden) Conrad (’23 agricultural business) began a new role as farm business consultant at Illinois Farm Business Farm Management.
2010s
Mitchell Hora (’17 agricultural systems technology, agronomy) was featured in a Renewable Energy Magazine article about his efforts to pave the way for a renewable tax credit. He also was appointed to the newly formed Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program Advisory Council.
Josh Jeske (’21 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in an Iowa Soybean Association article about the business he founded, Terraform Tillage.
Elizabeth Burns-Thompson (’11 agricultural business, international agriculture) is the new executive director of Modern Ag Alliance.
Bryan Rank (’13 MS agricultural and life sciences education, ’16 PhD) has been selected as the next dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at East Texas A&M University.
Brooke Yates (’13 agricultural business) was appointed as bank president of Atkins Savings Bank & Trust in Atkins, Iowa.
Sarah Jones (’17 MS plant breeding) has been named one of 21 Rising Seed Stars by Seed World Magazine.
Ethan Dykstra (’13 horticulture) began a new role as irrigation business developer at A+ Lawn and Landscape.
Jenna Lansing (’16 agricultural business) joined Conagra Brands as a manager in procurement.
Heidi Ackerman (’13 agronomy, ’16 MS agricultural and life sciences education, soil science) started a new role with Practical Farmers of Iowa.
2000s
Renee Thompson (’09 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in a Q&A article by the Iowa Farmer Today about her experience as an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor at West Branch High School.
Derrick Mayfield (’09 biology, ’13 MS plant pathology) has been named one of 21 Rising Seed Stars by Seed World Magazine.
Travis Lautner (’08 agricultural studies) is a new member of the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation Board of Directors.
1990s
David Buman (’93 agricultural business) began a new position as business owner at Buman Financial Services.
1980s
Robert Freese (’83 animal science, ’87 DVM veterinary medicine) was featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article about his career as a veterinarian in Indianola, Iowa.
Kevin Kephart (’87 PhD agronomy) has taken on the role of acting associate director for programs for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
1970s
Allan Schinckel (’78 animal science) recently retired professor in Purdue’s Department of Animal Sciences, was featured in a Faculty Spotlight by Purdue University’s College of Agriculture.
Glen R. Smith (’79 agricultural business) was elected as chairman of the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation board of directors.
December 2024
2020s
Kathryn Post (’21 culinary food science) accepted a new role as research and development technician at Mom’s Meals.
Jodie Sindlinger (’23 food science) started a new role as a research and development technician with Hy-Vee.
2010s
Bryan Rank (’13 MS agricultural and life sciences education, ’16 PhD) has been appointed dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at East Texas A&M University.
Blake Duden (’17 global resource systems) has been hired as vice president of sales at Rantizo.
2000s
Melanie Bloom (’01 agricultural and life sciences education, animal science, ’08 MS agricultural and life sciences education), Sioux Central High School ag teacher, was named the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year.
Teresa Brandenburg (’07 agricultural and life sciences education) joined the American Soybean Association Board of Directors as a new director.
1990s
Rolston St. Hilaire (’98 PhD horticulture) was appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.
1980s
Chris Cornelius (’83 agricultural journalism) was announced as one of four recipients of the 2024 Women Impacting Agriculture Award from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
November 2024
2020s
Josh Michel (’23 MS agronomy) was featured in a story by The Gazette about his work as an Iowa State University Extension field agronomist.
Madeleine Bretey-Smith (’20 agronomy) received an Achievement in Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals.
Cooper McDermott (’20 agricultural business) has joined Meristem Crop Performance as a sales representative for eastern Iowa.
2010s
Logan Kilburn-Kappeler (’16 animal science, ’19 MS) has been hired by Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science as an assistant professor.
Amy Powell (’19 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) received the 25 Years of Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals.
Marcie Fahn (’14 agricultural business, economics, international agriculture, ’16 MS sustainable agriculture, economics) began a new role as program coordinator for the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods at Iowa State University.
2000s
Stacey Roberts (’04 animal science, ’06 MS animal nutrition, ’09 PhD nutritional sciences) was featured in a Feed Navigator article about her career in the feed industry.
1990s
Dawn Mellion (’95 PhD agricultural education and studies) has been appointed as the new executive director of the National Black Growers Council.
1980s
Tom Boeck (’85 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article about his 40-year career as an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor.
1970s
Chuck Morris (’74 public service and administration in agriculture, ’75 sociology, ’96 PhD agricultural education and studies) received the 2024 Iowa Corn Walter Goeppinger Lifetime Achievement Award.
October 2024
2020s
Jake Sterle (’22 animal science, international agriculture, ’22 MBA business administration) began a new position as director of industry resource development at National Pork Producers Council.
Paige Jergens (’24 agricultural business) started a new position as soil conservation technician at Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Ellen Cook (’23 agricultural and life sciences education) accepted a new role as marketing coordinator on the Merck Animal Health integrated livestock and aqua team.
Marta Grant (’21 agricultural business, international agriculture) was featured in a Successful Farming article about her experiences as a young farmer and working professional.
Kelli Wicks (’20 agriculture and society, international agriculture) has joined the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association as the new director of government relations and public policy.
Kayle Eivins (’22 animal science, agricultural and life sciences education, ’24 MS meat science/food science and technology) has been hired by Kemin Food Technologies as a technical service associate for its business unit.
Grace Howe (’22 agricultural and rural policy studies) has accepted a new role as executive director of the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association.
2010s
Mitchell Hora (’17 agricultural systems technology, agronomy) was featured in a Successful Farming company spotlight for the tech company he started.
Stephanie “Stiffy” Hice (’19 PhD food science and technology) received the Emerging Leader award from Iowa State University’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.
Jacob Heck (’14 horticulture) began a new role as director of agronomy at Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage, California.
1990s
Joe Strottman (’97 horticulture, ’15 MS plant breeding) accepted a new role as senior germplasm development scientist at Syngenta.
1980s
Juan Carlos Monge (’83 food technology, ’98 MS animal science, meat science/food science and technology) has joined Kemin Food Technologies as the technical services manager for the business unit.
1960s
Curt Jones (’69 dairy science) received the 2024 Iowa Corn Walter Goeppinger Lifetime Achievement Award.
September 2024
2020s
Kendra Boles (’22 agricultural studies, ’24 MS agricultural and life sciences education) began a role as middle school science teacher for Murray Community School District in Murray, Iowa.
Olivia Hanlon (’20 agricultural business) is the new communications manager for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Paiton McDonald (’22 agricultural biochemistry, international agriculture), graduate student in Michigan State University’s Department of Animal Science, has been selected as a Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellow.
Maddy McGarry (’20 agricultural and life sciences education, international agriculture) began a new position with the Kubit team.
Emma Kerns (’21 forestry) began a new role as a field forestry specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, covering northeast Iowa.
2010s
Branygon Kirsch (’14 agricultural business) has joined Availa Bank in Fort Dodge, Iowa, as a loan officer.
Anna Brooks (’18 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article about her first year as an agricultural education teacher at Ames High School in Ames, Iowa.
1990s
Amy Baker (’97 MS animal science, genetics, ’02 DVM veterinary medicine, ’04 PhD immunobiology) was featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article about her work related to animal disease threats. She was named the Distinguished Senior Research Scientist of the Year for 2024 by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.
1970s
Gerald “Jerry” Miller (’71 MS agronomy, ’74 PhD) was recognized by the Soil Science Society of America for reaching (and surpassing) the 30-year mark as a Certified Professional Soil Scientist.
Terry Lowry (’72 agricultural and life sciences education), his wife, Linda, and their family were presented the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award during Grinnell’s annual Ag Appreciation Day.
1960s
Dr. Fred Sick (’65 animal science, ’74 DMV veterinary medicine) and his wife, Geralyn, were named recipients of the 2024 Dordt University Ambassador Award.
August 2024
2020s
Yiliang Cheng (’20 MS food science and technology, ’24 PhD) has accepted a role as an assistant professor of enology in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at California State University.
2010s
Emily Damro (’17 agricultural and life sciences education) started a new role as high school agriculture educator and FFA advisor for the La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter at Union Community School District.
Zac Preston (’13 agricultural systems technology) was elected to serve as chair of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer Advisory Committee for 2024-2025.
Megan (Kregel) McAllister (’11 dairy science) was elected to serve as vice chair of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer Advisory Committee for 2024-2025.
Hannah (Pagel) Fonseca (’18 agricultural and life sciences education) has transitioned to the Agri-Pulse sales and marketing team as the Eastern sales representative.
Katie (Klaes) Romesburg (’16 agricultural business) started a new position as grain origination merchant lead at Cargill.
Alyssa (Meyer) Lai (’14 dairy science, global resource systems, ’23 MS agricultural and life sciences education) started a new role as founder at Vi Sinh Xinh.
Abrah (Meyer) Wright (’19 agricultural business, supply chain management) accepted a new role as territory finance manager at John Deere.
Rebekah (Sletten) Barr (’19 agricultural business, international agriculture) joined LS2group as a senior account executive.
Lance Goettsch (’13 agronomy, international agriculture, ’16 MS crop production and physiology) was featured in a Clinton Herald article about his role in helping his hometown of Calamus, Iowa, grow.
Ben Covington (’12 agricultural systems technology, ’13 MS industrial and agricultural technology) and his family were recognized as the 2024 Queen Anne’s County Farm Family of the Year.
Lillie Beringer-Crock (’18 animal science) was named 2024 Iowa Conservation Woman of the Year.
Natalie Bidner (’18 global resource systems) began a new role as director of international agriculture policy at the United States Council for International Business based in Washington, D.C.
Kristen (Blum) Halbur (’12 agricultural business) launched a new agricultural real estate appraisals business, Halbur Appraisals.
Blaine Groth (’15 agricultural business) joined ContinuumAg as vice president of sales.
Ethan Thies (’14 agricultural systems technology, ’21 MS agricultural and life sciences education) joined Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as the program’s first conservation field specialist.
2000s
Elizabeth Karcher (’07 PhD nutritional sciences, immunology) was featured in a faculty spotlight by Purdue University’s College of Agriculture.
Matt Willimack (’01 agricultural business) was elected to serve a three-year term on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
Brent Swart (’01 agronomy, ’04 MS crop production and physiology) was re-elected to serve a three-year term on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
Keri Carstens (’04 MS toxicology, ’09 PhD) was named one of Seed World’s Top 15 Management Mavericks of North America – United States.
Nathen Deppe (’09 agricultural systems technology) was named one of Seed World’s Top 15 Management Mavericks of North America – United States.
Angela Anderson (’05 public service and administration in agriculture) accepted a new role as director, sustainability and supplier commitments – global supply chain at Starbucks.
Jenny Lichty (’09 agricultural and life sciences education, ’14 MS) began a new position as a middle school science teacher at Highland Community School District in Riverside, Iowa.
Sarah Low (’02 public service and administration on agriculture) received the George Goldman Award for Excellence in Regional Economic Development from the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association.
1990s
Mark Peterson (’90 agricultural business) and his wife, Kim, were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at the Iowa State Fair.
Tracy Brader (’97 agronomy, plant health and protection) was named the 2024 Iowa Master Farm Homemaker.
Dwayne Faidley (’95 animal science) started a new position as associate professor of agriculture at Ellsworth Community College.
Jeff Kopaska (’97 MS animal ecology) has been selected as the next executive director of the American Fisheries Society.
1980s
Kelly Schwalbe (’82 agricultural journalism) received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Agricultural Communicators Network.
Nancy Brannaman (’83 agricultural business, farm operation, ’85 MS agricultural economics, economics) was appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.
July 2024
2020s
Addison Randall (’24 animal science, agricultural and life sciences education) has joined the Iowa Pork Producers Association team as its program and events manager.
Amber Friedrichsen (’23 agricultural and life sciences education, agronomy) has been promoted to managing editor for Hay & Forage Grower magazine and its digital platforms.
Brooke Lee (’23 agricultural studies) accepted a new role as administrative assistant – onboarding at Center Grove Orchard.
Ge Zhang (’20 entomology) won the Journal of Economic Entomology – Editor’s Choice Award.
Sawyer (Naasz) Johnson (’24 animal science) is the new volleyball head coach at Illini West High School in Carthage, Illinois.
Jordan Daugherty (’22 biology) was featured in an article by the Salina Post ahead of her appearance at the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene, Kansas, as the 2024 Miss Rodeo Kansas State Queen.
2010s
Cody Smith (’18 agricultural and life sciences education, political science) began a new role as director of climate initiatives at the Iowa Environmental Council.
Ryan Noack (’18 agricultural business) recently joined McHutchison and Vaughan’s Horticulture as a sales representative.
Brette Feldhacker (’12 animal science, ’16 DVM veterinary medicine) joined Dordt University as an assistant professor of biology.
Payson Kerns (’17 animal science) and his family will be honored with the 2024 Way We Live Award at the Iowa State Fair.
2000s
Jim Fitzgerald (’09 agricultural and life sciences education) was selected as Iowa’s 2024 Outstanding Ag Teacher by the Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators.
Jeff Bradshaw (’07 PhD entomology, plant pathology) was featured in a Faculty Spotlight on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources webpage.
Kara (Ladlie) Grant (’02 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured in an article in The Land, reflecting on her time as the Minnesota State FFA president during the 1998-99 academic year – 25 years ago.
Robert Secor (’09 horticulture) and Megan Secor (’09 horticulture) and their family will be honored with the 2024 Way We Live Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Peter Whitman (’06 agricultural systems technology) and his family will be honored with the 2024 Way We Live Award at the Iowa State Fair.
1990s
Christine Prescott-Jacobsen (’97 animal ecology) has been selected as the next director of Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University.
T.R. Potts (’98 animal science) has been hired as the newest Western coach for the University of South Carolina’s Equestrian team.
Darren Binning (’99 environmental science) has been named the new president and chief operating officer of Seneca Cos., a Des Moines-based petroleum products company.
1980s
Mark Cornish (’87 fisheries and wildlife biology) received the 2023 Civil Works Planning Excellence Award from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for his work on the Lock and Dam 22 Fish Passage project.
Sandra (Tobin) Snyder (’89 genetics, ’93 DVM veterinary medicine) was elected president of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association.
1970s
Bill Secor (’79 agricultural business) and his family will be honored with the 2024 Way We Live Award at the Iowa State Fair.
1960s
Michael “Mick” Guttau (’69 farm operation) recently celebrated his retirement from TS Bank after a 52-year career in community banking.
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.
