Agricultural leaders in our four states are among 100 visionaries being recognized nationally as part of the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives search, which honors individuals shaping rural communities and agriculture for the better. The top 100 honorees were announced on National Ag Day at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Honorees from Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming include:
Erin Brenneman
Wellman, Iowa
Agriculture Education and Community Impact
Kurtis Charling
Oakland, Nebraska
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Bernard Geschke
Papillion, Nebraska
Agriculture Education and Community Impact
Kiera Leddy
Stockholm, South Dakota
Youth Leadership (Under 21)
Odessa R. Oldham
Lander, Wyoming
Agriculture Education and Community Impact
Dave Sprecht
Basin City, Washington (recently relocated from Lincoln)
Agriculture Education and Community Impact
Kurt Stiefvater
Salem, South Dakota
Leadership (21 and Up)
Jessica Tekippe-Schmitt
Fort Atkinson, Iowa
Beginning Farmer or Rancher Achievement
The honorees were selected by a panel of experts in rural issues from a pool of about 1,100 nominees from across the United States. Click for the full list of honorees.