By Katrina Hageman
Two College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seniors, Jordan Johnson, agricultural business and international agriculture, and Braden Wells, agricultural business, have been named the first recipients of the Bill Northey Legacy of Leadership in Agriculture scholarship.
Bill Northey (‘81 agricultural business) was a former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and fourth-generation farmer. He dedicated his career to promoting the state of Iowa, its people and its agriculture.
This scholarship was established to support students who share Northey’s commitment to creating a sustainable future in agriculture and making a positive impact in the industry by leading, serving and problem-solving.
A dedicated leader
Johnson developed a strong work ethic and passion for the agricultural industry at a young age on her family's row crop and swine farm in northwest Illinois.
Throughout her time at Iowa State University, Johnson has been involved in several leadership- and agriculture-focused clubs. She has also expanded her world views of agriculture by studying abroad in Spain and the United Kingdom.
“Because of the leap I took when moving away from home, I have grown into the person I am today and have experienced more than I have ever imagined,” Johnson said.
During the academic year, Johnson is a student assistant in the economics department. She helps with the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development and works with research and data received from farmers.
“Jordan is an inspiring student, not only because of her dedication to academic success, but because of her resilience, determination and resourcefulness when faced with challenges,” said Amani Elobeid, teaching professor of economics and Deiter Endowed Chair for Sustaining Excellence in Agricultural Business. “She demonstrates the type of leadership that motivates others, and she leads by example. I am impressed by her desire to continuously find ways to grow both academically and personally.”
Johnson has completed two summer internships – one as an FS Growmark agronomy marketing intern with Stephenson Service Company and another as a research intern studying 45Z tax credits at Kentland Farms.
“Being a first-year recipient of the Bill Northey Legacy of Leadership in Agriculture scholarship has been a great honor because I was seen as a student who is following Northey’s legacy of being an innovator and leader,” Johnson said. “Coming from a farm family, I understand the responsibilities, hard work and courage it takes to be involved in the agricultural industry, and I will look up to Bill Northey’s leadership in my future.”
After graduation next spring, Johnson will return to northwest Illinois and plans to become a consultant in the agricultural energy sector.
An innovative leader
From the beginning, Wells has evolved into a student leader that CALS students look up to.
In the Agricultural Business Club, Wells serves as the logistics coordinator and helps with the professional meetings committee. He also serves as the CALS Council representative for the Iowa Corn Growers Collegiate Club.
“Iowa State has granted me opportunities to take on leadership roles and be an innovator,” Wells said. “The Iowa State agricultural business program has offered classes that directly correlate to my career goals, especially with my passion for agricultural merchandising.”
During the academic year, Wells is a peer mentor in the Economics 1100 course, where he helps students transition into college and organizes class activities that encourage networking.
“Innovation and leadership go hand in hand, and I have used both to be successful during my time at Iowa State,” Wells said. “Not everything will always go your way, and I have learned as a leader to take what happens and turn it into something good using my problem-solving skills.”
“Braden has always been a strong student who has risen to the occasion when facing multiple challenges,” said John Reasoner, academic advisor and Agricultural Business Club advisor. “I’ve enjoyed seeing Braden continue to grow as a leader through his involvement with our learning community and the Agricultural Business Club. The entire agricultural business advising team is very proud of his growth and development as a leader, and we are all excited to see him excel in his first steps in the professional world.”
Wells said it is an honor to be selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the Northey scholarship.
“In my career, I hope to advance the world of agriculture in similar footsteps as Bill,” Wells said.
After graduation in the spring of 2026, he plans to work for Poet as a grain merchandiser.