Northwestern student serves on agricultural advisory team

Katie Schmith, a senior at Northwestern College from rural Orange City, is serving on the Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team.

Comprised of Iowa students pursuing degrees in agriculture, the Collegiate Advisory Team (CAT) assists the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board in developing programs that target and enhance those organizations’ relationship with individuals pursuing careers in agriculture production and allied industries.

“I became interested in agriculture when my husband and I started hobby farming,” says Schmith. “Together we have some cow-calf pairs and recently built a 1,200-head hog confinement.”

CAT members attend a variety of meetings and events that promote the Iowa Corn Growers Association. The purpose of the collegiate team is to increase awareness and appreciation for the role and impact of the Iowa corn and agriculture industry, select and develop appropriate program components for ongoing students programs, and assist with the development of student and youth outreach programs.

“After college, I hope to obtain a career in agriculture, but not just on the animal side; I have an interest in the whole field,” says Schmith. “I wanted to join the Iowa Corn CAT because I wanted to gain more knowledge about the Iowa Corn Growers Association as well as share some personal experience I have in agriculture.”

Schmith is a senior majoring in business administration/agri-business. She is the daughter of Mark and Paula Jacobsma of Sioux Center.