Floyd Co. resident to lead Young Farmer Advisory Committee

by | Jul 17, 2017 | 5 Ag Stories, News

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) elected new leadership for its Young Farmer Advisory Committee. The newly elected leaders will work to unite young farmers in Iowa through various programs and events.

The newly elected leaders include: Laura Cunningham, Brianne Streck, Mary Beth Jackson, Hannah Johnson and Ben Pullen.

Laura Cunningham lives near Nora Springs, in Floyd County. Laura and her husband, Aaron, co-own SkyView farms, a direct-market Angus cattle operation. Cunningham, a graduate of Iowa State, works full-time for Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. Laura will serve as chair for the IFBF Young Farmer Advisor Committee. Cunningham says the role means a lot to her as a young farmer and a woman.

?The face of Farm Bureau and agriculture is far more diverse than it?s ever been, and today being a Farm Bureau leader is about seeking opportunities that unite, not divide,? Cunningham said. ? As chair, I look forward to working with the committees to help guide the work they do to bring people together and plan young farmer engagement programs and events in their districts.?

Brianne Streck lives southeast of Moville, in Woodbury County. Streck grows corn, soybeans, hogs and currently two bucket calves. Streck also works as a grain merchandiser at Flint Hills Resources. Streck will serve as vice-chair for the IFBF Young Farmer Advisor Committee.

Mary Beth Jackson lives near Oskaloosa, in Mahaska County. Mary Beth and her husband, Mike, grow corn, soybeans, cover crops and custom feed hogs. Jackson also works an off-farm job, selling Premier Design Jewelry. Jackson will serve as secretary for the IFBF Young Farmer Advisor Committee.

Hannah Johnson lives near Bloomfield, in Davis County. Hannah and her husband, Brett, raise commercial cow-calf pairs and club lambs, which they market to 4-H and FFA members throughout the Midwest. Johnson also works as an agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor within the Moulton-Udell Community School District. Johnson will serve as historian for the IFBF Young Farmer Advisor Committee.

Ben Pullen lives on a farm outside of Spencer, in Clay County. Ben and his wife, Bri, raise sheep and recently begun direct niche-marketing Hereford pigs. Pullen also works full-time as a Youth Program Specialist for Iowa State University Extension. Pullen will serve as public relations chair for the IFBF Young Farmer Advisor Committee.