March 2026
2020s
Jacob Manternach (’20 food science, ’23 MS meat science/food science and technology), industry extension specialist in animal science, received the Early Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Chase Olsen (’22 animal ecology), academic adviser in natural resource ecology and management, received the Early Achievement in Advising Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Ahlea Forster (’25 MS animal science), research scientist in animal science, received the Early Achievement in Research Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Allison Reuvers (’24 agricultural and life sciences education), agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Colfax-Mingo High School, was named one of the 2026 Golden Owl awardees.
Jacob Friedrich (’23 horticulture, global resource systems), plant sciences graduate student at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, was featured in a university article highlighting his efforts to investigate controlled environment solutions to improve global food security.
2010s
Karl Kerns (’14 animal science), assistant professor of animal science, received the Early Achievement in Research Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Malayne Meyer (’16 agricultural and life sciences education), agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Osage High School, was named one of the 2026 Golden Owl awardees.
Zach Morris (’11 agricultural and life sciences education, ’15 MS), agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at West Liberty High School, was named one of the 2026 Golden Owl awardees.
Ben Booth (’10 agricultural and life sciences education, ’18 MS), agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at IKM-Manning High School, was named one of the 2026 Golden Owl awardees.
Peiyang Li (’19 environmental science, biological systems engineering, ’21 MS agricultural and biosystem engineering, ’23 PhD) is the new Texas A&M AgriLife Research livestock air quality and agricultural engineer at the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center and assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.
Eric Miller (’18 MS agricultural and life sciences education), agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Atlantic High School, was featured in an Atlantic News Telegraph article about his teaching efforts.
Edward Kemboi (’15 agronomy) was announced as one of the former Iowa State student athletes who will be inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2026.
Morgan Hibbs (’17 agricultural and life sciences education) and her husband, Tyler, were featured in a The News (Kalona) article about their family farm near Tiffin, Iowa.
2000s
Amber Anderson (’06 agronomy, plant health and protection, ’08 MS sustainable agriculture, ’23 PhD soil science), associate teaching professor of agronomy, received the Early Achievement in Teaching Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Lesa Vold (’00 animal science), program manager and communications specialist with the Egg Industry Center, received the Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Danielle Clark (’09 agronomy, ’12 MS crop production and physiology), research scientist in agronomy, received the Outstanding Achievement Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Ryan Foor (’02 agricultural and life sciences education) has been appointed as deputy commissioner of education by the Nebraska State Board of Education.
Krystal Wright (’06 agricultural and life sciences education), middle school and high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Benton Community School District, was named one of the 2026 Golden Owl awardees.
Brad Leuwerke (’02 animal science, ’06 MS veterinary microbiology, ’06 DVM veterinary medicine) was named the 2026 Swine Practitioner of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.
1990s
Laura Greiner (’96 animal science, ’99 MS animal nutrition, ’01 PhD), associate professor of animal science and director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, received the Dean Lee R. Kolmer Award for Excellence in Applied Research and the Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Dan Voss (’93 professional agriculture) and Susan Voss were named one of the Class of 2026 Iowa Master Farmers.
1980s
Scott Louscher (’84 agricultural business), accredited farm manager and certified crop adviser, received the top business development award from Farmers National Co.
Barb Clawson (’83 agricultural and life sciences education, ’88 MS), student services specialist and adjunct associate professor for Iowa State University’s Department of Horticulture, was named one of the 2026 Golden Owl awardees.
1970s
Gerald “Jerry” Miller (’71 MS agronomy, ’74 PhD) received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Conservation Districts in recognition of his contributions to the conservation and management of our nation’s natural resources.
Richard Cruse (’72 agronomy), professor of agronomy and director of the Iowa Water Center, received the Outstanding Achievement in International Agriculture Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Mick Barry (’72 forestry) won the World Championship swimming the 100m Butterfly in August at the World Aquatics Masters Championship held in Singapore. He also won the bronze medal in 200m IM and captained the USA Water Polo team winning the silver medal. All in the 75+ age division and was wearing his Iowa State University Water Polo Club swimming suit in all his events.
Pete Wenstrand (’74 agricultural business) and Dana Wenstrand (’87 home economics education and adult home economics education) have been named 2026 Iowa Master Farmers.
February 2026
2020s
Natalie (Eick) Paino (’20 agricultural business) of Hightail was named the winner of the Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2026 Grow Your Future competition.
Harrison Furlow (’21 animal science) was featured in a Farm Journal’s PORK article about his work as the public policy director at the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
2010s
Delaney (Webb) Hatton (’19 culinary food science, food science) recently joined General Mills as a senior research and development scientist with Cereal Partners Worldwide.
Anna Brooks (’18 agricultural and life sciences education), agriculture teacher at Ames Community School District in Ames, Iowa, was named the North Central STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipient.
2000s
Mollie (Luze) Aronowitz (’06 horticulture) has been named the 2025 Farm Manager of the Year by the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Gabriel “Gabe” Padilla (’00 agronomy, international agriculture) joined J&K Fresh as its west coast director of operations.
Jason Ross (’00 animal science) was named an Honorary Master Pork Producer by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Dan Bolin (’06 dairy science) and his wife, Lynn, were featured in an Iowa Food & Family Project article about their dairy farm that includes an on-site bed and breakfast.
1990s
Bryon Sleugh (’97 MS crop production and physiology, ’99 agronomy, crop production and physiology PhD) recently began his tenure as president of the American Forage and Grassland Council.
Pamela Joslyn (’90 genetics), a STEM educator at Muscatine Community School District in Muscatine, Iowa, was named the Southeast STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipient.
1980s
Don Swanson (’84 agricultural business) and his wife, Pam, were featured in an Iowa Food & Family Project article about their passion for farming.
January 2026
2020s
Erin Bergquist (’02 dietetics, ’24 PhD agricultural education and studies) has been named to the 2026 cohort of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows in Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Emily Saeugling (’22 animal science) began a new role as dairy foods account manager for Land O’Lakes, Inc.
2010s
Rebecca Furbeck (’18 food science) joined Kemin Food Technologies as the new technical services manager for proteins.
2000s
Nick Helland (’05 agricultural studies) received the Environmental Leader award from the Iowa Soybean Association.
Chris Gaesser (’08 agronomy) received the Innovator in Production Research award from the Iowa Soybean Association.
Courtney (Taglauer) Burkhalter (’09 agricultural and life sciences education, ’16 MS) recently graduated from the Iowa Farm Bureau Leadership Program.
1990s
Awoke Dollisso (’95 animal science, ’98 MS agricultural education and studies, agricultural and life sciences education, ’02 PhD) has been named to the 2026 cohort of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows in Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Tim Marek ('90 agricultural studies) and his wife, Heather, of Marek Land and Livestock, were featured in the winter 2026 edition of Fresh Pickings magazine.
1980s
Wendy Wintersteen (’88 PhD entomology) received the Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer award from the Iowa Soybean Association.
Dean Frazer ('87 agricultural studies) has been named the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Dave Tierney ('85 public service and administration in agriculture) was named an Agribusiness Impact Award recipient, presented by the Agribusiness Association of Iowa.
1970s
Laura Krouse (’77 agronomy, ’78 agricultural business), owner of Abbe Hills Farm in Mount Vernon, Iowa, was named the recipient of the 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award from Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Beth Doran (’75 home economics education, ’83 animal science), retired beef specialist in northwest Iowa with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, was inducted into the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame.
December 2025
2020s
Lauren Zaabel (’25 agricultural business) successfully completed the Iowa Bankers Association’s Introduction to Commercial Lending School. She is employed by United Bank & Trust in Newton, Iowa.
Alexa Gormley (’22 animal science) was featured in a Farm Journal’s PORK article about the research she’s conducting regarding intestinal health in pigs.
Jalyn Brownell ('22 animal science, '24 DVM veterinary medicine) has joined Iowa Equine as an associate veterinarian.
Natalie (Eick) Paino ('20 agricultural business) received one of the 2025 Women Impacting Agriculture awards from the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program.
Marta Grant ('21 agricultural business, international agriculture) has accepted a new role as an outreach and communications specialist with the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University.
2010s
Janelle Johnson (’14 agricultural business, public service and administration in agriculture) was featured in an Iowa Farmer Today article.
Ben Shivers ('13 agricultural studies) and his family were featured in a Farm News article about their three-generation hog operation and farm near Bondurant, Iowa.
2000s
Andrew Swope (’05 agricultural systems technology) has been hired as the new agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Cole Burrack ('09 animal science, '13 DVM veterinary medicine) received the 2025 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Educator Award from the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
1980s
Bill Northey (’81 agricultural business) will be honored posthumously with the 2026 Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Patrick Schnable (’86 PhD agronomy) was elected to the National Academy of Inventors.
1970s
David Meisinger (’78 PhD animal science) was inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame
November 2025
2010s
Bryan Rank (’13 MS agricultural and life sciences education, ’16 PhD), dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at East Texas A&M University, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Non Land-Grant Agriculture and Renewable Resources Universities committee.
2000s
Kevin Roepke (’06 public service and administration in agriculture) has been named executive director for the U.S. Soybean Export Council. In this role, he will lead the strategy and team for Middle East, North Africa and South Asia operations.
Sarah Low (’02 public service and administration in agriculture), professor and head of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been named a Fellow of the Regional Science Association International – the highest honor in the field of regional science.
1980s
Curt Behrends ('86 agricultural business) received the Alumni Award from the Cass County 4-H program.
October 2025
2020s
Caden Sporleder (’25 agricultural and life sciences education) was featured by the Iowa Falls Times Citizen for his new role as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at AGWSR High School.
Jenna Simon (’23 horticulture) started a new position as a cultivation technician at Green Thumb Industries.
Julia Baker (’23 MS wildlife ecology) received the Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice from Iowa State University.
Ben Pease (’21 PhD horticulture) was recently named territory manager for Aquatrols’ Midwest region.
2010s
Allison Brown (’15 culinary science) accepted a position as an academic advisor for the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University.
David Bruene (’13 agricultural studies) received the Professional and Scientific Excellence Award from Iowa State University.
Karl Kerns (’14 animal science) received the Award for Early Achievement in Teaching from Iowa State University.
Kelsi (Gensley) Cox (’16 animal science, ’17 MS biomedical sciences) was featured by the Southeast Iowa Union for earning her Airline Transport Pilot certification.
Miranda (Furrer) Baer (’13 animal ecology) has accepted a promotion to become the lead academic advisor for the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University.
2000s
Kelly Iverson (’01 agronomy) was named to Seed World magazine’s list of 30 High-Impact Women in U.S. Seed.
Lindsay Stoaks (’06 journalism and mass communication, ’13 MS agricultural and life sciences education) was featured on the “Who’s Your Iowa Farmer” Facebook page for her role as president of Southwestern Community College.
Carol Water (’02 MS horticulture) was featured in a Nebraska Today article about her work as a commercial fruit and vegetable production extension educator for the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, based in Weeping Water.
Stephanie Hansen (’02 animal science) received the Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award from Iowa State University.
Manpreet Singh (’06 PhD food science and technology) has been named president of the International Association for Food Protection.
1990s
Shannon Latham (’93 agricultural journalism, public service and administration in agriculture) is the new executive director of the Iowa FFA Foundation.
Garland Dahlke (’94 MS animal science, ’97 PhD) received the Professional and Scientific Excellence Award from Iowa State University.
1970s
Russ Euken (’79 animal science, ’88 MAG professional agriculture) received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice from Iowa State University.
September 2025
2020s
Emma Ahrendsen (’24 agricultural business) is the new Clay County Fair administrative assistant.
Forrest Douglass (’20 horticulture) began a new role as instructional lab facilitator in horticulture technology at Central Piedmont Community College.
Shayla Seils (’21 agricultural and life sciences education) has been hired by the New London Community School District to serve as its agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor.
Christopher Meyer (’24 agronomy, business administration) has accepted a role with DEKALB and Asgrow as a field sales representative covering upstate New York and New England.
Dusti Ingles (’23 MS agricultural and life sciences education, ’25 PhD) accepted a role as assistant professor of agricultural education at the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture.
2010s
Amber Samson (’13 agricultural and life sciences education, ’19 MS) began a new role as an agricultural educator at Madrid Junior/Senior High School in Madrid, Iowa, and is starting the community’s first ever FFA chapter.
Jake Swanson (’14 global resource systems) was presented the 2025 Emerging Iowa Leader Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Anna Brooks ('18 agricultural and life sciences education) has been selected as a National Teacher Ambassador for FFA for the 2025-26 school year.
2000s
Carolyn (Wolf) Johnson (’01 horticulture) has won an Award of Merit from the Perennial Plant Association for her design and installation of the residential project, Macalester Raingardens. The award was announced at the PPA National Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 29, 2025.
Brady Stewart (’02 agricultural systems technology) has been named the new chief strategy officer for Iowa Select Farms.
Elizabeth Karcher (’07 PhD nutritional sciences, immunology) is the new associate dean for undergraduate education in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
Dr. McKenzie (Knox) Thompson ('07 animal science, '12 DVM veterinary medicine) was inducted into Madrid High School's 2025 Hall of Fame.
1990s
Jason Brockshus (’97 dairy science, agricultural and life sciences education) has been named the new CEO and general manager of the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa.
Jason Sbiral (’97 forestry), head grower and facility manager at Plantpeddler, was featured in a HortiDaily article.
1970s
Martin Cleveland (’78 agricultural engineering) retired from a construction engineering position after 46 years at Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District in Omaha, Nebraska. In that role, he served as design engineer and project manager for flood reduction projects.
August 2025
2020s
Harrison Furlow (’21 animal science) has joined the Iowa Pork Producers Association as its new director of public policy.
Hannah Kruse (’22 animal science) and her family were honored as Minnesota’s Rock County Farm Family of the Year.
Lauren Jaschke (’24 agronomy) was named the Sidney Iowa Rodeo Queen.
Josh Jeske (’21 agricultural and life sciences education) and his business, Terraform Tillage, were named a top 10 semi-finalist in the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
2010s
Amber (Heinrich) Selman (’12 animal science, dairy science, agricultural and life sciences education) and husband, Benjamin Selman (’12 dairy science), along with Amber’s extended family, were honored with a The Way We Live Award from the Iowa State Fair.
Gary Wynne (’19 agricultural business, international agriculture) has been appointed agriculture and energy policy advisor by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.
Sarah Tweeten (’15 agricultural communication) was featured in a Farm News Leaders in Ag article.
Dr. Jenna Kasperbauer (’10 animal science, ’14 DVM veterinary medicine) has joined the emergency and urgent care team at Oasis Animal Hospital & Emergency Center.
Adam Sacquitne ('16 agricultural studies, '18 MS agricultural and life sciences education) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
2000s
Keaton Krueger (’09 agronomy, ’11 MS crop production and physiology) was appointed to serve as Innovation and Sustainability Advisory Team Vice Lead with the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council.
Aaron Steil (’05 horticulture, biology) received two Gold Laurel Medals of Achievement, presented by GardenComm: Garden Communicators International. One medal was in the writing category for the 2025 ISU Extension and Outreach Garden Calendar - Perennial Beauty. The second medal was in the speaking and broadcast category, television series for "Gardening with Steil."
Lesa Vold (’00 animal science) and her husband, Earl, were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Natalie Hedlund ('06 animal ecology) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
1990s
Stu Swanson (’90 agricultural business) was appointed to serve as Western Hemisphere Advisory Team Lead with the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council.
Lee Crock ('94 animal science) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
1980s
Jolene Riessen (’81 animal science) was elected to serve as corn sector director on the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council.
Tom Boeck (’85 agricultural and life sciences education), agricultural education teacher at Central Lee Community School District, was selected to receive a 2025 Honorary American FFA Degree.
Steven Lonergan (’88 animal science, ’91 MS) began his term as president-elect of the American Meat Science Association.
Kathleen Lonergan Erickson (’85 agricultural journalism) was featured in a KMA News “Catching Up With” segment.
Kevin Cooper (’83 agricultural and life sciences education) was recognized with an Honorable Mention at the annual Iowa Character Awards.
Dr. James McMillan ('87 animal science, '93 DVM veterinary medicine) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Trent Henkes ('84 dairy science) and Leslie Henkes ('64 dairy science) were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Renny Crawford ('82 public service and administration in agriculture, agricultural extension education) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
1970s
Glen Smith (’79 agricultural business) has been nominated to be the next Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture.
Jay Hansen ('71 agricultural and life sciences education) and his wife, Jeanne, were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Mark Schroder ('79 agricultural mechanization) and his wife, Lyla, were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Kingsley Johnson ('74 agricultural and life sciences education) and his wife, Cynthia, were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Kevin Hadley ('72 farm operation) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
1960s
Bob Houghtaling ('62 animal science) and Lois Houghtaling ('64 home economics education) were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Dr. Robert Bryant ('64 animal science, '64 DVM veterinary medicine, '88 MAG professional agriculture) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Frank Albertsen ('67 agricultural and life sciences education) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
July 2025
2020s
Ashley Henneman (’24 agricultural and life sciences education) is the new agriculture teacher and FFA advisor in the Griswold Community School District in Griswold, Iowa.
Tyler Miller (’24 agricultural studies) was featured in an Ames Tribune article about his efforts to balance academics, football and raising a family.
2010s
Michael McEnany (’11 agricultural studies) was elected to serve as chair of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer Advisory Committee for 2025-2026.
Abigail Sindt (’15 animal science, ’19 DVM veterinary medicine) was recognized as the 2025 4-H Alum of the Year by the Story County 4-H History Committee.
Martin Gross ('11 biology, '13 MS food science and technology, '15 PhD agricultural and biosystems engineering, food science and technology), founder and CEO of Gross-Wen Technologies, won an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Heartland Award for his algae-based wastewater treatment technology.
2000s
Mark Licht (’00 agronomy, agricultural extension education, ’03 MS soil science, ’15 PhD crop production and physiology) has been named co-director of the Iowa Soybean Research Center.
Mike Retallick (’05 PhD agricultural and life sciences education) has accepted a role as the associate dean for personnel and finance at Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Dawn Refsell ('01 agronomy, '03 MS crop production and physiology) was named a 2025 Women of Influence honoree by the Des Moines Business Record.
1990s
Steve Whitham (’90 agricultural biochemistry) has been named co-director of the Iowa Soybean Research Center.
Jason Cope (’95 biology, environmental studies) was named a 2025 Top Agri-food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation.
Mike Ver Steeg ('94 agricultural studies) was re-elected to serve on the Iowa Corn Growers Association Board of Directors, representing District 1.
1980s
Dr. James “Jim” McMillan (’87 animal science, ’93 DVM veterinary medicine) was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Jerry Maier ('81 farm operation) was re-elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, representing District 2.
June 2025
2010s
Tim Rauen (’10 dairy science) was named the 2025 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder by Holstein Association USA.
Huong Nguyen (’16 MS sustainable agriculture, ’22 PhD) began a tenure-track position of weed biology and integrated weed management in the Department of Plant Science at McGill University – Macdonald Campus.
Devon Murray (’11 agricultural studies) was selected as one of three 2025 Young Farmer Leadership Award recipients by the Iowa Farm Bureau.
2000s
Dawn Refsell (’01 agronomy, ’03 MS crop production and physiology) and partner, Doug Pontious, were featured in a Farm News article about their love for agriculture.
Martha Smith (’04 agricultural business, international agriculture) began a new position as vice president, head of North America agricultural affairs and license to operate at Bayer Crop Science.
1990s
Victoria Carr-Brendel (’91 MS microbiology) was elected to Glucotrack, Inc.’s board of directors.
1980s
Jim Drackley (’89 PhD animal science) was elected to a one-year term in the office of vice president for the American Dairy Science Association.
May 2025
2020s
Niranjana Krishnan (’21 PhD toxicology), assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland, College Park, was featured in an Entomology Today article that highlights early career professionals.
Chris Creguer (’23 MS agronomy) was appointed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Bean Commission.
Jenna (Vanderheiden) Conrad (’23 agricultural business) started a new position as lead marketing strategist at Illinois Farm Business Farm Management.
2010s
Evan Brehm (’12 agricultural and life sciences education) was presented the Secretary’s Ag Leader Award for Conservation by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.
Trent Wells (’14 MS agricultural and life sciences education, ’19 PhD) has been promoted to the rank of associate professor with tenure at Murray State University, effective July 1, 2025. He will also begin serving as chair of the Department of Agricultural Science within the university’s Hutson School of Agriculture.
Anna Brooks (’18 agricultural and life sciences education) was named a National Teacher Ambassador for the 2025-2026 school year by the National FFA Organization.
Hannah Hansen (’13 food science, chemistry, ’15 MS food science and technology) has joined the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team as a food safety extension specialist.
2000s
Thomas Paulsen (’01 MS agricultural education and studies, ’11 PhD) was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the Iowa FFA Association.
1990s
Diane Young (’91 dairy science, agricultural meteorology) director of technical services and owner of Foundation Analytical Laboratory, is the recipient of the 2025 Overall Lab Manager Excellence Award.
1960s
Dale Netherton (’63 forestry) recently published his 15th book, “The Unasked Questions.”
April 2025
2020s
Paige Higby (’23 animal ecology) received the Outstanding Interpretive Print Media award from the Iowa Association of Naturalists.
Laura (Mincks) Brecht (’20 agricultural and life sciences education, ‘23 MS) was announced the Golden Owl Award winner at the 2025 Iowa FFA Leadership Conference.
2010s
Trey Forsyth (’17 agricultural business, public service and administration in agriculture) was appointed as chief of staff for food safety for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
2000s
Alex Wibholm (’05 agricultural business, economics) has been appointed as the interim CEO of the Pork Checkoff organization.
Courtney Knupp (’07 agricultural business) was appointed as senior advisor to the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Dawn Koltes (’08 MS animal breeding and genetics, ’13 PhD genetics) received the Mission Award for Teaching from Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Beta Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture.
1990s
Allen Niedermann (’93 entomology, forestry) and his wife, Melissa, were featured in a University of Missouri article about how the couple met in an entomology lab on campus and now two of their children attend Mizzou.
Laura Greiner (’96 animal science, ’99 MS animal nutrition, ’01 PhD) received the Mission Award for Extension from Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Beta Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture.
1980s
Bob Hartzler (’87 PhD agronomy) was presented the 2024 Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Iowa Conservation Education Coalition and the Iowa Association of Naturalists.
Kevin Myers (’87 agricultural and life sciences education, ’90 MS animal science, ’12 PhD meat science, food science and technology) has been appointed interim group vice president of supply chain for Hormel Foods Corporation.
Gene Gourley (’86 farm operation, ’93 MS animal science) received the Alumni Award of Merit from Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Beta Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture.