Russ Euken, beef and swine field specialist and team member for the Iowa Beef Center and the Iowa Pork Industry Center, is the recipient of the staff 2025 Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. In his 44-year career with extension, Euken has served with expertise, teamwork and a focus on client needs.
Euken has been involved in programming activities covering a variety of topics including beef feedlot facilities, manure nutrient value, drought response, livestock marketing, assessing swine mortality and employee management. These efforts involved leading a team, accessing external funds, program and resource development, program delivery and evaluation. In total, Euken has led or played a role in delivering approximately 450 educational programs, reaching more than 10,000 clients. This work exemplifies Euken’s ability to create timely, relevant programs that meet the challenges faced by the agricultural community. Continually evaluating the impact of his work also ensures that the workshops not only address immediate producer needs, but help build long-term resilience in the industry. A colleague stated, “His focus on clear communication and practical application ensures his programs are accessible to producers with varying levels of experience and technical knowledge.”
Individual contacts are also an important focus for Euken. Approximately 250 producers or industry clients contact him annually for assistance. He also interacts frequently with the media, providing information about livestock production and addressing questions about livestock issues.
Within the Iowa Beef Center and the Iowa Pork Industry Center, Euken has helped organize professional development activities and contributed to a website redesign project for the Iowa Pork Industry Center. He is currently leading a team project that will update the Beef Feedlot Systems Manual, a go-to resource for beef producers looking to build or remodel beef feedlot facilities in the United States. A colleague stated, “Russ is relied upon by his colleagues to review publications, new software and decision tools. His ability to find the ‘bugs’ and give helpful advice is well known and sought after.”
Euken has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill in delivering effective educational programs to a diverse range of audiences during his time with Extension service, while also emphasizing personal and professional development for both producers and his Extension colleagues. His thoughtful and analytical approach emphasizes feasibility, profitability and best interests of producers. A colleague stated, “I have learned to rely on his insight, professional judgement, collaborative spirit and deep understanding of how to make an impact on our stakeholders.”