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 Thank President Trump for Support of E15 During Speech in Iowa
January 28, 2026
Iowa Corn Growers Thank President Trump for Support of E15 During Speech in Iowa

Earlier today, President Donald Trump specifically called out and supported efforts to pass nationwide, year-round E15, promising to sign the legislation “without delay” once it reaches his desk.  Iowa Corn Growers Association Vice President and farmer from Knoxville, Iowa, Steve Kuiper, released the following statement:  “Iowa’s corn growers appreciate President Trump shining light on E15 and recognizing the weight this legislation...

News & UpdatesNews
Open Letter to President Trump: The Intersection of Economy and Energy in Iowa is E15
January 26, 2026
Open Letter to President Trump: The Intersection of Economy and Energy in Iowa is E15

Full-Page Ad in Tuesday Des Moines Register Will Highlight the Push for Nationwide, Year-Round E15 Iowa Corn and Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today released an open letter thanking President Trump for his constant support of nationwide, year-round E15 and asking for his help to finally push E15 access through Congress. Despite strong support from...