Iowa Corn I-LEAD Class 12 Selected for Participation

Iowa Corn I-LEAD Class 12 Selected for Participation

Iowa Corn is proud to announce the members selected to participate in Class 12 of the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development (I-LEAD) program, which focuses on increasing industry professionals’ knowledge and understanding of the corn industry. This reputable ag leadership program is a two-year intensive learning experience available through the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the Iowa Corn Growers Association. 

I-LEAD Class 12 Members: 

  • Adam Sibbel, Indigo and Farmer
  • Amanda Fortman, Iowa Corn 
  • Andrew Falco, Growth Energy 
  • Blake Bayliss, Feed Energy Company and Farmer
  • Brandon Kuhn, Midwest Growth Partners 
  • Elizabeth McOllough, Gold-Eagle Cooperative 
  • Heidi Mandt, Waukee Community School District 
  • Jacob Burt, Bayer Crop Science and Farmer
  • Jamin Manus, Innovative Ag Services 
  • Jonathan Bladt, Office of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley and Farmer
  • Kate Long, Farm Credit Services of America and Farmer
  • Kent Hartwig, Gevo, Inc. and Farmer
  • Kiersten Stover, Bayer Crop Science 
  • Luke Nieuwendorp, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship 
  • Marshall Dolch, Syngenta Crop Protection 
  • Matthew Kilworth, Corteva Agriscience and Farmer
  • Paula Ellis, Farmer
  • Rebecca Frantz, Hertz Farm Management 
  • Rob Ratchford, BankIowa 
  • Ross Cady, Incite.ag 
  • Ryan Schwyn, Homeview Agronomy and Farmer
  • Sophie Bell, Farmer 
  • Zackery Leist, Syngenta Crop Protection and Farmer

The I-LEAD class will meet ten times over the course of two years providing experience and training by Iowa Corn in areas such as leadership, effective communication, policy, advocacy and global agriculture. The program includes an experience in Washington D.C., a domestic agricultural learning mission and an international learning mission.   

 For more information on the program, visit www.iowacorn.org/ilead.   

For More Information:

Sydney Garrett, Public Relations Manager, sgarrett@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242

Related Articles

News & UpdatesNews
Iowa Corn Growers Applaud Reintroduction of Fertilizer Research Act to the U.S. House of Representatives
November 20, 2025
Iowa Corn Growers Applaud Reintroduction of Fertilizer Research Act to the U.S. House of Representatives

Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, Mark Mueller, released the following statement on reintroduction of the Fertilizer Research Act to the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on competition and trends in the fertilizer market and their subsequent impacts on fertilizer price:    “The Iowa Corn...

News & UpdatesNews
Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team Students Selected for 2025 – 2026 Participation
September 26, 2025
Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team Students Selected for 2025 – 2026 Participation

Iowa Corn is proud to announce the students selected to participate in the 2025-2026 school year’s Collegiate Advisory Team (CAT) program, which focuses on increasing college students’ understanding of the corn industry. During the one-year program, students will visit the Capitol, tour industry leaders’ operations, and expand their network and knowledge outside of the classroom. ...