JOHNSTON, IA — Applications are open for the Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team (CAT) program, which focuses on increasing college students’ understanding of the corn industry. During the one-year program, students will visit the Capitol, tour industry leaders' operations and expand their network and knowledge outside of the classroom. Applications are available on Iowa Corn’s website and are due September 27.  

“The Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team (CAT) has had a profound impact on my agricultural journey, fostering both personal and professional growth,” said Delia Swanson of Iowa State College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. “Through my involvement with the CAT Team, I had the opportunity to network with peers from various colleges and universities across Iowa, all united by a shared passion for the agricultural industry. Building connections within the agricultural sector is so important, and programs like CAT play a vital role in helping young individuals, like myself, establish these networks early on in their lives.”

"Developing strong leaders is essential at Iowa Corn," said Ralph Lents, President of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. "We, along with other commodity organizations, count on the leadership of dedicated farmers and producers to steer us forward. The Collegiate Advisory Team helps cultivate the careers and leadership potential of the next generation of farmers and agricultural industry leaders."

2024- 2025 Schedule of Events:

• Session 1: November 7-8, 2024 – Iowa Corn Office – Johnston, IA
• Session 2: January 23-24, 2025 – Capitol Visit & Iowa Corn Office – Des Moines, IA 
• Session 3: April 3-4, 2025 – Iowa Corn Office, Farm Tour or Industry Tour
• 2025 Iowa Corn Grassroots Summit (optional) – All college students and ICGA members are invited

Any post-secondary student who has completed high school and is attending an Iowa college or university to pursue a career in agriculture is encouraged to apply. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact Denise Forney, Iowa Corn Vice President of Talent and Organizational Development at dforney@iowacorn.org. For more information, visit www.iowacorn.org/CAT.