Four Iowans Honored for Agricultural Impact

By Lisa Scarbrough and Madeline Schultz

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program recognized four Iowa agricultural leaders during the ninth annual Women in Ag Leadership Conference, which was open to all and held in Ames on Dec. 3–4.

The “Women Impacting Agriculture” recognition honors and celebrates those who drive positive change in Iowa by enhancing economic resiliency and stability, conserving natural resources and serving as influential agricultural leaders, family members and community volunteers. Nominated by coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members, honorees are selected from a highly competitive pool of submissions. This year’s recipients were chosen for their exceptional impact, leadership and unwavering commitment to Iowa agriculture.

“These honorees represent the strength and vision that drive Iowa agriculture forward,” said Madeline Schultz, Women in Ag program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Their leadership and commitment inspire others to innovate, collaborate and build resilient rural communities.”

The 2025 honorees are Tamara Deal, Darcy Maulsby, Natalie Paino and Loretta Reimers.

Tamara Deal – Guthrie County

A forward-thinking Iowa farmer and conservation leader, Tamara Deal blends her family’s 135-year agricultural legacy with a vision for long-term sustainability. As president of Deal Family Farms LLC, Deal Inc. and Fair Deal Hog Farm, she manages more than 1,100 acres, oversees grain marketing and leasing and mentors emerging farm leaders.

Deal champions soil health and stewardship through no-till, cover crops and diverse crop rotations. She partners with Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund to enhance both environmental quality and farm profitability. She also hosts conservation luncheons to bring women landowners together across the Raccoon River Watershed.

An Iowa State graduate in psychology and management information systems, Deal collaborates with ISU researchers on sustainability and water quality efforts and serves as a sustainability ambassador with the Women, Food, and Agriculture Network. Beyond the farm, she is an active community volunteer, providing leadership to Guthrie County’s Imagination Library and the Guthrie County Community Foundation.