Eight students at Iowa State University completed the third cohort of the Next Gen Innovation Impact Study hosted by America’s Cultivation Corridor during the fall 2024 semester. Students spent the semester uncovering innovations that are driving sustainability in agriculture.
The program was sponsored by Midwest Dairy and conducted in partnership with Iowa State University Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“The program is an exciting way for the next generation of leaders to learn about and be inspired by the innovations happening in agriculture today,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “Throughout the semester, interns learned from Iowa’s agriculture and research leaders about innovative technologies, programs, research and practices that have the potential to significantly elevate agricultural sustainability and food system resilience in our state and around the world.”
Students met with Secretary Mike Naig for the final session to share highlights from the semester.
Participants included:
- Colby Brandt from Le Sueur, Minnesota, a sophomore majoring in Agriculture and Rural Policy Studies
- Shade Bunker from Sparta, Wisconsin, a junior majoring in Agricultural Business and Economics
- Megan Clark from DeWitt, Iowa, a junior majoring in Agricultural Communications and International Agriculture
- Ryan Konecne from Morning Sun, Iowa, a junior majoring in Agricultural Business and Economics
- Jackie Miller from Maquoketa, Iowa, a senior majoring in Agricultural Communications and International Agriculture
- Irene Nielsen from Mason, Michigan, a senior majoring in Dairy Science, Agricultural Communications and International Agriculture
- Antonio Reyes-Munoz from Caguas, Puerto Rico, a senior majoring in Agricultural Studies and International Agriculture
- Lauren Zaabel from Kellogg, Iowa, a senior majoring in Agricultural Business and Economics
Students researched innovations in four industry segments – animal science, plant science, bioprocessing and consumer goods. They also conducted a survey of Iowa State students and communicated about agricultural innovation broadly among target audiences. Some of the communications projects included a blog post on Hoards Dairyman, podcast interview with Farm 4 Profit and ISU Research Park Innovators Podcast, and LinkedIn videos highlighting new technologies including Chop Local and Neatleaf.
“The Next Gen program provides students with the opportunity to connect with and learn from leaders in Iowa agriculture, renewable fuels, food systems and more,” said Mareah Stallsmith, Midwest Dairy. “Even more importantly, we’re looking forward to the students’ fresh perspectives and insights on agricultural sustainability and ideas to share about innovation with the industry and consumers.”
Students completed a full schedule of learning opportunities including panel discussions, networking events, mentoring and tours including Chevron Renewable Energy Group, Corteva Agriscience, Iowa State BioCentury Research Farm, ISU Dairy Farm and ISU Kent Feed Mill & Grain Science Complex.
Published December 2024.