Four women were honored with the Women Impacting Agriculture Award for their significant influence in Iowa agriculture during the 8th Annual Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference, held in Ames on Dec. 4-5.

The Women Impacting Agriculture Award was established to recognize and celebrate women who are driving positive change in Iowa by enhancing economic resiliency and stability, conserving natural resources, and serving as influential agricultural leaders, family members and community volunteers.

The 2024 Women Impacting Agriculture honorees are Chris Cornelius, Wendy Johnson, Julie Kenney and Janette Smith.

“Each year, the award selection committee is impressed by the dedication to agriculture demonstrated by all applicants, and the decisions are always difficult. We are truly pleased to honor and celebrate the achievements of this year’s honorees,” said Madeline Schultz, Women in Ag program manager.

Chris Cornelius

Chris Cornelius is a fourth-generation owner and manager of Cornelius Seed in Jackson County, where...