The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program recognized four Iowa agricultural leaders during the 9th annual Women in Ag Leadership Conference, which was open to all and held in Ames on Dec. 3–4. (ISU Extension)
AMES, Iowa — The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program recognized four Iowa agricultural leaders during the 9th 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.”
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.
Darcy Maulsby – Calhoun County
A fifth-generation Iowa farmer, writer and agricultural advocate, Darcy Maulsby has devoted her career to telling the story of Iowa agriculture. Since 2002, she has led Darcy Maulsby & Co., providing strategic marketing and communications services to cooperatives, agribusinesses and farm media. She is an award-winning journalist and the author of eight nonfiction books that highlight Iowa’s history and food culture. She shares these stories statewide through the Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau.
Following her father’s passing in 2019, Maulsby stepped into a leadership role on her family’s Century Farm, navigating its generational transition and advancing conservation efforts in partnership with NRCS and Iowa Learning Farms — a commitment that earned her the 2023 Conservation Woman of the Year Award. An Iowa State alumna with degrees in journalism, history and marketing, she remains deeply involved in community leadership and serves on several local boards.
Natalie Paino – Bremer County
Entrepreneur, dairy farmer and mother of two, Natalie Paino brings innovation and passion to both her family’s White Gold Dairy and her value-added business, Hightail Delivery. With a bold vision for diversification, she built a “micro-dairy” that repurposes shipping containers into ice cream and cheese production facilities — an effort supported by grants and a commitment to sustainable, local food systems.
Paino leads on-farm conservation through rotational grazing, no-till practices and intensive manure management, ensuring both environmental and economic resilience. She is also dedicated to mentoring young employees, sharing her story widely and empowering other women in agriculture.
An Iowa State agricultural business graduate, Paino remains actively involved in ISU’s Cultivate U and entrepreneurship programs. When she’s not in the barn or creamery, Paino participates in her church and supports her local Lutheran school.
Loretta Reimers – Crawford County
Loretta Reimers of Schleswig is a skilled farm manager, community leader and lifelong learner whose practical insight has made her a trusted voice in Crawford County agriculture. Working closely with her son and farm tenants, she conducts annual reviews of farm performance, identifies opportunities for improvement and strengthens both profitability and long-term stewardship.
Reimers is widely respected for her financial expertise and negotiation skills, helping landowners secure fair contracts with green-energy developers and encouraging women in agriculture to understand the true value of their land. As a dedicated participant in ISU Extension and Outreach programs, she is known for her thoughtful questions and generous mentorship.
Beyond farm management, Reimers enriches her community through music by playing in her church’s German band and through years of service rooted in curiosity, commitment and hands-on experience.
For more information about the Women in Ag program, contact Madeline Schultz at schultz@iastate.edu or Lisa Scarbrough at lscarb@iastate.edu.
