Grassroots Strength: Honoring John Schott

Iowa Corn’s strength starts at the local level, with an involved and dedicated group of grassroots members. Local leaders who continue to show up, lend their voice and lead in their communities, engaging both farmers and consumers. Without our active local members, Iowa Corn would not be as effective. Together, we are stronger. 

Each year at the Annual Grassroots Summit, Iowa Corn recognizes a local leader for their outstanding contribution to the organization and for creating real impact in their communities. This year’s recipient of the Local Leader Award was John Schott. 

John’s farming career began shortly after he graduated high school, where he started working alongside his dad in Pocahontas County. Shortly after, in 1976, John rented his first piece of ground where he raised corn and soybeans. In 1990, he became a DEKALB seed dealer, a role he proudly served in for 32 years.  

After nearly five decades in farming, John retired a year ago, working with a young farmer in his area to take over his operation. 

Schott’s Support for Ag Continues Today

But John remains actively involved in agriculture, supporting and advocating for farmers in our state.  

He currently serves as the president of the Pocahontas County Corn Growers and as a member of the Iowa Corn Animal Agriculture and the Environment Committee as well as on the ICGA Political Action Committee. John also represents Pocahontas County on the District 1 Committee. 

For several years, John has also served as a delegate for Corn Congress, advocating for agriculture at the national level. 

“John was one of the first people I met with when I started at Iowa Corn; he helped show me the ropes,” shared Shelton Hoefling, District 1 Field Manager. “I knew after that first meeting, John Schott was very passionate about the entire Iowa Corn organization as well as the Pocahontas County Corn Growers.” 

At the local level, John has been involved in a number of activities including organizing the annual corn and soybean test plot and field day in Pocahontas County, speaking with bikers from across the nation during RAGBRAI and even volunteering at the Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair and the Clay County Fair. John highlighted the important role farmers and organizations like Iowa Corn play in sharing the impact of corn to consumers. 

A leader, through and through

“Iowa Corn has done a very good job of promoting our product. And if you grow corn, you realize that you need to have somebody advocate for you,” shared John. “That’s what Iowa Corn does at the state and national level. They are doing their utmost to help protect our business and try to help us make money.” 

In his community, John is a true leader. He continues to show his dedication and passion for agriculture and Iowa Corn through working with his local FFA chapter, 4-H groups and volunteering and helping raise funds for different causes in the community. 

In addition to his outstanding achievements, John possesses exceptional leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate those around him. John Schott is a prime example of being a dedicated local leader for Iowa Corn, exemplifying leadership and commitment within the agricultural community.  

Thank you, John, for all you do on behalf of Iowa Corn.