Brother Mitch Eviston of Delta Chapter (Purdue) was named Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 East Central Award winner. Brother Eviston is the founder and CEO of Meristem Crop Performance. He was selected by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs and business leaders for his long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to growth and impact.
Brother Donald “Dusty” Holley of Alpha Gamma Chapter (Florida) was promoted to the roles of Executive Vice President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Executive Director of the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation, Managing Editor of the Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal, Executive Director of the Florida COW PAC, and Chief Operating Officer of the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board. He assumed his new positions in mid-April. These new roles came after the retirement of his predecessor.
Brother Aaron Clark of Gamma Chapter (Penn State) has started a new role as a public information officer for the Bucks County Sheriff's Office in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. After earning his degree in journalism and political science, Clark worked in communications for members of Congress and in financial services. In his free time, he operates Timber & Truss Marketing, a marketing consultancy specializing in direct-to-consumer agriculture branding, sales, and communication. He is married with two children (six and two) and lives in Perkasie, Pennsylvania.
Brother Douglas Gardner of Psi Chapter (Maine) retired from the University of Maine in 2024 after 26 years Doug has also served as an Adviser to the Psi Chapter. He is now enjoying his retirement.
Brother Quinn Holland of Alpha Delta Chapter (Montana State) founded his own company, Nutrax, dedicated to helping agriculture producers get paid more for their “sustainable” production while also helping large food companies better invest in their supply chain. Brother Holland’s work in the past has built solutions that paid farmers more than $50 million for their work. He founded his company because he believes the world should be doing more to support the people working to feed communities.
Brother Todd Steinacher of Alpha Tau Chapter (Western Illinois) launched his own company as an agronomic coach. Brother Steinacher helps young professionals who are entering the agronomy sales industry to obtain their CCA certification and help them, and other agronomy sellers, obtain their CEU’s. He also coaches them throughout the growing season so they can better serve farmers and other clients in the industry.
Brother Steinacher also works directly with farmers to evaluate ways to use good agronomy to improve yields and profits. He also works with several community colleges to help mentor young agriculture students looking to improve their education in crops and sales. Steinacher is a past recipient of the AGR Grand President Award.
Brother Elijah Floerke of Beta Delta Chapter (Illinois State) started an internship as a Grain Operations Intern for Archer Daniels Midland. In this position, he assists with day-to-day operations, load barges, and probe trucks. Brother Floerke is the current VNR-Planning and Activities for the chapter.
Brother Jack Shae of Rho Chapter (Colorado State) received his commission into the United State Army in mid-May.
Brother Jared Henderson of Theta Chapter (Missouri) was named the Director of Government Affairs by Growth Energy. Brother Henderson has worked on Capitol Hill for eight years, including as a senior policy adviser for Senator of New Mexico, Ben Ray Luján, and legislative assistant for former Senator of North Dakota, Heidi Heitkamp. Brother Henderson is a past recipient of the AGR Grand President Award.
Brother Caden Bottum of Alpha Phi Chapter (South Dakota State) is currently an intern for Hurley & Associates as a Farm Marketing Consultant. Brother Bottum is learning about different marketing strategies and ways to protect revenue while minimizing risks for farm operations, and more. Brother Bottum is also the Noble Ruler of Alpha Phi Chapter.
Brother Austin Beitlich of Beta Gamma Chapter (UW-Platteville) recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and plans to begin a career as a sales application engineer at Chart Industries.
Beta Tau Chapter at Mississippi State University set a semester record of a 3.25 GPA. This new record is the first since its founding in 1992. The chapter shared on social media how proud they were of each brother’s dedication and hard work.
Brother Jackson Pyles of Beta Chapter (Ohio State) completed his United States Air Force Basic Military training. The chapter proudly shared his accomplishment on their social media and thanked him for his service to the nation.
Brother Chuck Clemons of Alpha Gamma Chapter (Florida) will be the next Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the University of Florida. Brother Clemons has 17 years of service in Santa Fe College’s administration, two years as a speaker pro tempore of the Florida House of Representatives and seven years in the federal government, including a presidential appointment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Brother Jaye Hamby, Ed.D. of Alpha Kappa (Tennessee-Knoxville) was appointed as the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. In his new position, he will lead USDA’s efforts to advance agricultural innovation, community outreach, and foster the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Brother Mike Mayfield of Alpha Kappa Chapter (Tennessee-Knoxville) was appointed as the State Executive Director for the Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA). In his position, Brother Mayfield will oversee administrating and organizing county FSA programs in all 95 Tennessee counties.
He also previously served in this position during President Donald Trump’s first term, after 35 years as the County Director of Giles County, Tennessee.
