JOHNSTON, Iowa – August 4, 2023 – 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 29, 2023.

“I would recommend the Collegiate Advisory Team to others because it helped me expand my network of industry professionals before leaving college,” said Austin Miller of Buchanan  County and 2022-2023 CAT member.  “Through the program, I was able to tour an ethanol plant, learn how policy development is created from the ground up and expand my knowledge of what commodity organizations do.”

“Leadership development is a priority at Iowa Corn,” said Larry Buss, President of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. “Our organization and other commodity groups rely on strong farmer and producer volunteers to guide our organizations now and into the future. The Collegiate Advisory Team, allows us to jumpstart many farmers and ag industry leader’s careers and leadership capabilities.”

2023- 2024 Schedule of Events:

• Session 1: November 9 – 10, 2023
• Session 2: January 25 – 26, 2024
• Session 3: March 28 – 29, 2024
• Session 4: Iowa Corn Grassroots Summit (Optional)

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