By Whitney Baxter
Fun, people and growth. Those are three words Marta Grant (’21 agricultural business, international agriculture) used to describe the Young Professionals in Agriculture organization.
Founded in 2012, Young Professionals in Agriculture (YPiA) seeks to connect young agricultural professionals in central Iowa. Members gather monthly to participate in industry tours, fun social events or community service opportunities.
Anyone 40 years of age or younger who works in an ag-related profession is welcome to join. The organization serves those looking to network casually and expand their perspective on the different facets of agriculture. They’ve found many individuals who move to Des Moines for a job find a sense of belonging at YPiA.
Annual programming includes an executive breakfast, market outlook, ag policy panel and more. Other social events include an Ames and Des Moines volleyball league, and community service activities involve volunteering at Iowa Gardening for Good or preparing meals for the Ronald McDonald House.
“We put a lot of intentional thought and time into the programs and events we put on throughout the year,” said Carleigh DuBry, YPiA membership chair.
Grant heard about the organization as an Iowa State University student. She decided to join YPiA after returning to central Iowa to become a study abroad advisor in Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Study Abroad office. At the time, the friends she went to college with had taken jobs elsewhere, and Grant was looking to build her social network again.
“It seemed like a really great way to meet people and connect with alums,” Grant said.
That’s what YPiA is all about – networking and building connections, said Anne Dinges (’19 agronomy, global resource systems), YPiA vice president.
To offer this opportunity to ag professionals beyond central Iowa, sister YPiA chapters have formed in eastern Iowa and southwest Iowa/Omaha, Nebraska. The organization also would like to grow to Kansas City and Minneapolis.
“We want to help young agricultural professionals in those locations find the same community we’ve found here,” Dinges said.
Get involved in YPiA
Grant has been surprised by how much YPiA has boosted her confidence and expanded her knowledge of the agriculture industry. She encourages other young professionals to join.
“Just come to an event, try to make a connection and meet someone new,” Grant said. “It may take two or three events, but don’t be afraid to make the effort to go.”
To foster a welcoming atmosphere, board members hold new member social events quarterly, ensuring individuals see a friendly face the next time they attend a meeting or event. Those interested in learning about or joining YPiA are invited to meet the board at the Summer New Member Social at Big Grove Brewery in Des Moines on June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Questions about the event can be directed to ypiaorg@gmail.com.
Visit the Young Professionals in Agriculture website to learn more or become a member.