Brother Larry Shover of Eta Chapter (Iowa State) was the recipient of Manchester Chamber’s Friend of Ag Award. Brother Shover is known for his dedication to the dairy industry and his work with numerous agricultural organizations over the years.
He has served on various dairy boards including the Dairy Farmers of American Corporate Board, the Midwest Dairy Association Iowa Division Board, and more. He has also received several awards in the dairy industry and overall agriculture.
Brother Frank “Paco” Stewart of Psi Chapter (Maine) after nearly 40 years as the CEO at Northland Residential Corporation, made a major career change and is now a singer, actor and model. He and his band have a combined 11 albums focusing around faith, holiday music, Broadway, pop/rock and music from the 50’s to the 70’s.
He was also featured in the 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year Pepsi Commercial.
Brother Dan Wetherell of Beta Gamma Chapter (Wisconsin-Platteville) is retiring after 46 years in the swine industry, 25 of those years being with JBS/Cargill Live Pork. Brother Wetherell looks forward to spending more time with his wife, volunteering at their parish, spending time with his five granddaughters and traveling.
Brother Michael Gardella of Phi Chapter (California-Davis) has completed all exam requirements for the Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent license and has been admitted to practice before the IRS. He is launching an independent tax preparation and advisory firm, specializing in serving individuals, small businesses and non-profits.
This license is the highest credential awarded by the IRS, showing brother Gardella’s dedication to AGR’s commitment to lifelong growth and service.
Brother Reece Melton of Rho Chapter (Colorado State) has been appointed as the Natural Resource Director for Rio Blanco County. In a Herald Times article, Brother Melton expressed his deep interest in natural resources and public policy. Over the years, he has advocated for wolves, water and agriculture, which led him to pursue this position.
Brother Cade Carlson, Brother Seth Heitman and Brother Blake Zimmer of Lambda Chapter (Minnesota) placed second at the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, held in Gainesville, Florida in early April.
Brother Lowell Mohler of Theta Chapter (Missouri) was one of six agricultural innovators inducted into the Missouri Agriculture Hall of Fame April 8, at the Capital Bluffs Event Center in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Brother Mohler has worked with the Missouri Farm Bureau and was the Director of Agriculture. He has left a legacy of agricultural leadership and support for youth programs, and the Missouri State Fair. At the state fair, he served from 1996 to 2015. During this time, he helped the fair establish its own foundation.
Brother Michael Schaal of Eta Chapter (Iowa State) was one of five people to receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Woodstock Progressive Milk Producers’ Association. Brother Schaal is the son of a Woodstock Progressive Milk Producers’ Association member, granting him the opportunity to be eligible for this scholarship. He grew up on a dairy farm, and his future goals are to improve sustainability and profitability of farming operations.
Brother Mike Borel of Eta Chapter (Iowa State) was one of 20 recipients of the 2025 AgriBusiness Global Visionary Award. He was featured in their announcement on the AgriBusiness Global website. He will be featured in the June report to provide insight on navigating the current market.
Brother Borel is a partner at Kearney, a leading management consulting firm.
Brother Jace Green of Alpha Tau Chapter (Western Illinois) became the Student Government Association President at the university. Brother Green is the current Noble Ruler of the chapter. Brother James Bierman, also from Alpha Tau Chapter, became the Student Member of the Board of Trustees during the same Transfer of Power ceremony held April 23. Brother Bierman is the VNR-House Operations.
