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Photos from the 2024 Annual Meeting

About the Keynote Presenter

Kamyar Enshayan, Former Director of the University of Northern Iowa CEEE

Kamyar Enshayan is the former Director of the Center for Energy & Environmental Education (CEEE) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Dr. Enshayan taught environmental studies beginning in 1993 and founded the University of Northern Iowa’s Local Food Program in 1997. He received the 2008 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award from Practical Farmers of Iowa.

About the Organic Agriculture and Water Quality Panel

Dr. Sabrina Ruis, USDA National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment

Dr. Sabrina Ruis grew up on a strawberry, squash, and pumpkin farm in central Minnesota, sparking a lifelong interest in plants and soils. She earned a B.Sc. in Horticulture and Biology from UW–River Falls (2008), followed by a Master’s in Horticulture (2012) and a Ph.D. in Soil Science (2015) from UW–Madison. After a postdoctoral position at the University of Nebraska, she became a Research Assistant Professor in 2020, focusing on how soil management practices—such as cover crops, tillage, and residue management—affect soil health. In 2023, she joined the USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE) in Ames as a Research Soil Scientist, continuing research on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, crocheting, cross-stitching, photography, hiking, reading, and growing houseplants. 

Dr. Margaret Smith, Farmer/Agronomist/IOA Board President

Margaret co-manages a 600 acre organic grain, forage, and livestock farm near Hampton with her husband, Doug.  She also works as an agronomist for Albert Lea Seed to market organic and non-GMO seed.  Prior to moving to Albert Lea Seed in 2018, she worked for Iowa State University as a Value Added Agriculture Extension Specialist for over 25 years. Her education includes a Masters from Iowa State in Crop Production & Physiology and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Crop Ecology & Production. Margaret has been involved in a variety of projects from working with African farmers in Uganda and Swaziland, Annie's project, course development and on-farm research. Dr. Smith currently serves as the Iowa Organic Association's board president.

Aaron Lehman, Farmer/Iowa Farmer's Union Board President

Aaron is a fifth-generation family farmer from rural Polk County, where he and his family raise corn, soybeans, oats, and hay in both organic and conventional rotations. Aaron was elected to serve as the IFU president in 2016 and had served as the IFU vice president immediately prior to his election. He also has served as the executive director and legislative director for IFU and on the National Farmers Union Policy Committee. Aaron’s father Phil is a past IFU vice president and board member, and Aaron was active in Farmers Union youth programs growing up. Aaron is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University and Treasurer of the North Polk School Foundation. He is a graduate of North Polk High School in Alleman, Iowa and earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Aaron has previously served on the North Polk School District Board of Directors, the Iowa Citizen Action Network Board of Directors, and various school and church communities. He is a member of the Iowa Organic Association, Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa chapter of the National Farmers Organization. Aaron and his wife Nicole have two children, Jordan and Benjamin.

Aidan Struve, Farmer

About the TOPP Organic Transition Mentorship Panel

Amber & Preston Gable

Preston and Amber both grew up on farms in Northwest Iowa. They share a passion for the outdoors and enjoy taking on new projects to see what adventures will be discovered. As high school sweethearts, they attended Iowa State University together, and now are continuing to pursue their farming dreams. 

Mike & Janine Robertson

Mike and Janine both come from deep-rooted agricultural backgrounds, with multi-generational farming heritage on both sides of their families. After moving to Knob Hill in 2013, they began transforming the property to reflect their values—building fences for draft horses, restoring historic-style hog buildings, and transitioning the land to Organic. By 2016, they were selling USDA Certified Organic Berkshire-cross pork and have since expanded to include laying hens and a vibrant market garden. Together with their three adopted children—Carlie, Michael, and Oliver—they are committed to raising food with integrity, sustainability, and a love for the land.

Michael McNeil

Michael McNeill is a PhD agronomist trained at Iowa State University. His work following graduation included working as a plant pathologist with the U.S. Army and later managing a corn breeding research station for Funks Seeds International. In 1983 he started Ag Advisory Ltd. as an independent agricultural consulting service providing genetic, agronomic and economic consultation for farmers.

This year's Annual Meeting will also feature an extended opportunity for attendees to connect with a variety of IOA Sponsor Exhibitors within the Iowa Organic Association network.

In-Kind Sponsors

This event is based upon work that is supported by the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the TOPP and U.S. Department of Agriculture.