Iowa State Student Teams Place High at National Agriculture Conference

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University students competing at the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization Conference earned second- and third-place finishes in career-oriented contests. One of two Iowa State teams competing in College Bowl contests placed second while Swine Specialist and Crops Specialist teams each placed third. The College Bowl competition covers multiple subjects and the specialist contests focus on one area. The conference took place March 9 to 12 in Springfield, Ill. It included career development workshops and tours. Students on the second-place College Bowl team included: Sarah Pakala, a senior in agricultural studies from Dike; James Cornelius, a senior in agronomy from Andrew; Michael McEnany, a senior in agricultural studies from Nevada; Brad Muller, a senior in agricultural studies from Cedar Falls; and Ryan Schroeder, a sophomore in agricultural studies from Coon Rapids. The other College Bowl team consisted of: Samantha Holland, a senior in agricultural and life sciences education from Alleman; Melissa Schmitt, a dairy science senior from New Providence; David Burmeister, a senior in agricultural studies from Logan; and Andrew Heineman, a junior in agricultural studies from Ogden. Students competing on the third-place Swine Specialist team were: Ashley Loes, a senior in agricultural studies from Bernard; Jessica Kuehner, a junior in agricultural studies; and Pakala. Students competing on the third-place Crops Specialist team were: Michael Fosdick, a senior in agronomy from Mediapolis; and Heineman. Holland and Schmitt also competed in the individual agricultural education and dairy science contests, respectively. Tom Paulsen, agricultural education and studies faculty member, serves as the PAS students' advisor and Kuehner is the PAS representative. The Cedar Rapids-based National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization (PAS) is associated with agriculture, agribusiness and natural resources offerings at approved postsecondary institutions offering baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, diplomas and or certificates. It is one of the 10 student organizations that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education as an integral part of career and technical education.