Michael McEnany and Ashley Thompson of Nevada, Matt and Hilary Lanman of Fremont and Tyler and Abby Woodward of Hamburg have been appointed to Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Advisory Committee. The couples will serve a three-year term as district representatives.

The committee is tasked with uniting young farmers, ages 18 to 35, in local and statewide networking and educational events. This includes planning the annual Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference which brings in more than 500 farmers and agriculturalists from across the state. 

Tyler and Abby Woodward, District 9, southwest Iowa

The Woodwards raise corn and soybeans on their fourth-generation farm. 

Tyler is vice president of the Fremont County Farm Bureau and is participating in Iowa Farm Bureau’s Ag Leaders Institute. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter, Grape Community Hospital Foundation board member and helps with local Boy Scouts events. 

Abby is involved in P.E.O., a philanthropic organization centered on higher education for women, and volunteers at school events throughout the year. The couple are members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and have a one-year-old daughter.

Matt and Hilary Lanman, District 7, southeast Iowa

The Lanmans raise meat goats and run a lawncare business.  

Matt works for Nutrien Ag Solutions and is a volunteer firefighter in Hedrick.

Hilary is the Jefferson County Youth Coordinator for the local extension office and is colloquially known as the “4-H lady.” She is involved with Ag in the Classroom and Fairfield FFA Alumni and volunteers with her church.

Michael McEnany and Ashley Thompson, District 5, central Iowa

McEnany and Thompson raise cow-calf pairs and direct market beef. 

Michael works for a local farmer, growing corn, beans, hay and rye. Ashley works as a program specialist at Iowa State University and at Whatcha Smokin,’ a popular barbecue destination in Luther.

Michael is the Story County Farm Bureau voting delegate, and the duo both serve on the Story County Cattlemen’s board. They are committed to helping local youth learn more about livestock care from hands-on learning with FFA students to working with kids interested in showing calves at the county fair.

To learn more about how to get involved in the young farmer program, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.