2024 SICKLE & SHEAF ➻ Spring

fiction Reality

Also Inside:

Examining Agriculture’s Technological Revolution TO

2024 Grand President Award Winners

Meet the recipients of this year's Grand President Award!

The Great Decline Male college enrollment is on a downhill slope, but Greek Life is looking to change that.

Conquering the Difficulties of Leadership How to handle tough situations and conversations.

Why

I Give:

“Being a lifelong learner is part of staying young and being able to thrive.”

FOUNDATION DONOR: B rother Jerry Steiner

CHAPTER AND SCHOOL: I ota (Wisconsin-Madison)

LIFETIME GIVING LEVEL: O rder of the Harvest

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING IS WHAT Brother Jerry Steiner attributes to giving him a full, fruitful life, and one of the many things that have allowed him to constantly learn is Alpha Gamma Rho. Brother Jerry Steiner was a State FFA Officer when a colleague and friend recommended he join Alpha Gamma Rho. After learning more about the Fraternity, that's exactly what he did.

“I was immediately surrounded by brothers.” Brother Steiner said, “It was just a phenomenal experience to expand my horizons.”

He said it was the right kind of environment to push his development. Jerry reflected on his time at AGR and that it was not only educational, but also gave him many fond memories with his chapter brothers.

Brother Steiner joined Monsanto working in sales out of college, which is where he also met fellow brother and donor, Brother Glenn Stith. Over

the years, Jerry climbed the ladder at Monsanto and the last decade of his career was spent on the Executive Team. During his time with the company, he worked in a variety of sectors including marketing, managing oversea businesses, corporate strategy and corporate affairs (policy making).

I doubt that I would have ended up where I did, had I moved into a dorm instead of the chapter house

Jerry retired from Monsanto in 2014 and since then he has kept busy in business startups. He now serves on several boards of many different startup companies. He said he loves to stay engaged and loves to learn. He attributed his time spent in the Iota chapter house to allowing him to see

YOUR PURPOSEFUL MISSION

more sides of agriculture.

“One of the things I got out of AGR was that I got to pick up many different perspectives and as a result I learned something,” he said. “I think being a lifelong learner is part of staying young and being able to thrive.”

Brother Steiner continues to support Alpha Gamma Rho through his donations because he wants young men to have the opportunities to learn and grow like he did. He said his greatest interest within AGR is the development of leadership programs like Top Leaders Institute, Leadership Seminars and Recruitment Schools.

Jerry emphasized how AGR was instrumental in growing his leadership thinking, critical thinking skills, and other skills he now uses in his career every day.

“I doubt that I would have ended up where I did, had I moved into a dorm instead of the chapter house,” Brother Steiner said.

The mission of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho is to drive Alpha Gamma Rho’s Purpose of Making Better Men . YOUR contributions support scholarships, leadership development training and experiences, opportunities to make life-long connections and more. Every gift to the Foundation, YOUR Foundation, is an investment in the future and makes an impact in the lives of worthy brothers. We thank you for entrusting YOUR Foundation with YOUR gift. Make a gift today at alphagammarho.org/donate.

2024 Grand President’s Award Winners

FOUR OUTSTANDING BROTHERS WERE SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE 2024 ALPHA GAMMA RHO GRAND PRESIDENT’S AWARD. Administered and nominated by a selection committee, the Grand President’s Award is given to AGR alumni, age 40 or younger, who have achieved success in their professional careers and made significant contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho. The award demonstrates an honorable acknowledgement of the recipient’s exceptional brotherhood, leadership, professionalism and knowledge of his industry.

Grant Bargfrede, B.J. Brugman, Dipal Chaudhari and Jared Henderson were recognized for their achievements during the Leadership Seminars held in February. During their acceptance speeches, they reflected on the opportunities AGR afforded them and the lessons they learned as undergraduates and beyond.

For more information, or to nominate a brother for a future award, visit alphagammarho. org/grandpresidentsaward

Grant Bargfrede IOWA STATE

A native of Ankeny, Iowa, Grant Bargfrede was involved with 4-H from a local, state, and national level. Grant attended Iowa State University where he was initiated into the Eta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho in 2010.

Upon graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service and Administration in Agriculture, Grant went to work for FLM+. Later in 2014, he joined the AGR Home Office staff where he started as a Chapter Consultant and then served as the Director of Chapter Advancement. Today he continues to serve as its Senior Director of Operations where he is involved in many day-to-day operations of Alpha Gamma Rho. Grant has also been involved throughout the Interfraternal community as a member of the Fraternity Executives Association. Grant was instrumental in helping re-establish a Chief Operating Officers leadership cohort among many Inter/National Fraternity and Sorority Headquarters. This cohort is meant to bring other headquarters professionals together regularly to network while learning and growing together as professionals to help our respective Greek experiences.

Within the Kansas City community, Grant has been involved with the American Royal Association where he was selected to the Chairman’s Club, a young professionals group of the American Royal in 2016. From 2019 to 2022, Grant served on the Leadership team for the Club.

B.J. Brugman IOWA STATE

Brother B.J. Brugman was raised on a family farm near Royal, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business. As an undergraduate, BJ joined Eta Chapter and served in a variety of leadership positions including VNR–Alumni Relations and VNR–Membership Development. BJ’s leadership extended beyond the Fraternity through his involvement in numerous academic clubs and campus organizations. Brother Brugman received a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University in 2016.

Upon graduation from Iowa State in 2012, he began a successful career in the animal health industry. Joining Elanco Animal Health, BJ quickly assumed significant responsibilities, managing Elanco’s largest strategic livestock customers in the United States, and ultimately spearheading the strategy for the top 200 global customers across various species.

Today, BJ serves as the founder and CEO of Distynct, a forward-thinking startup focused on enabling precision livestock farming.

BJ has continued to stay involved in Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity beyond his collegiate years. He served as Chapter Adviser for Nu Chapter at NC State for two years and currently serves as Chapter Adviser for Eta Chapter at Iowa State.

The Grand President’s Award is presented to outstanding Fraternity alumni, age 40 or younger, who have achieved remarkable success in their professional careers and made great contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho.

Dipal Chaudhari

TENNESSEE–KNOXVILLE

Brother Dipal Chaudhari of Alpha Kappa Chapter at Tennessee-Knoxville is a leader with sales and marketing experience working at Bayer Crop Science. He joined Bayer, previously known as Monsanto, after graduating from University of Tennessee–Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science degree in BioChemistry and Molecular Biology.

He began working with Monsanto in their Customer Operations group as a Customer Operations Specialist. After 18 months, he went to sales to become a sales trainee on the Missouri team. In spring of 2013, he moved back to St. Louis to join the DEKALB Asgrow Marketing team where he held multiple roles. Then he transitioned back to commercial sales in the spring of 2016, where he currently leads a team of 11 Field Service Representatives as the Area Business Manager for DEKALB Asgrow in Southern Illinois. At the beginning of 2022, Dipal took on the responsibility of leading the DEKALB Asgrow Deltapine Brands for the US as the DEKALB Asgrow Deltapine Brand Lead. Dipal has a passion around relationship building, commercial business strategy, and helping develop others. In Dipal’s personal time he enjoys spending time with his two boys and watching sports.

Brother Dipal has two sons with his wife. He enjoys sports, his family, and running.

Jared Henderson

MISSOURI

Brother Jared Henderson has been involved with the agriculture industry his entire life. He was raised on his family’s fifth generation row crop and cattle farm in central Missouri, served as a Missouri FFA State Vice President and attended the University of Missouri, where he earned bachelor degrees in Agriculture Economics and Agriculture Education. He then went on to earn his Masters in Public Affairs from the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs located at the University of Missouri.

During his time as a student, Jared was heavily involved with the Theta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho, where he served as VNR–Alumni Relations, VNR–Planning and Noble Ruler.

After graduation Brother Henderson moved out to Washington, D.C. where he first started his career working for CropLife America. Since then, Jared has worked for three different Members of Congress in roles such as Legislative Assistant, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor. In these positions, his responsibilities have always included acting as the chief agriculture policy advisor for those members in addition to other policy area responsibilities and staff management roles.

Currently, Jared lives in Washington, DC where he enjoys traveling, checking out local food and drink scenes and when he can, getting back home to the family farm in Missouri.

Corporate Partners

AGR is committed to offering opportunities to connect for members and corporations in the dynamic global agriculture and food industries. Thank you to our Corporate Partners for your support of our Purpose!

Want to see your company added to our list? Visit alphagammarho.org/ corporate-partners for information on how to become a Corporate Partner.

ELITE

SILVER

Bader Rutter

BRONZE

PIC

The Rho in Rhodeo

DEEP IN THE ROOTS OF AGRICULTURE

are many things, including rodeos. Since the mid-1800s, rodeos have been a staple of American culture, and are now a small piece that represent many Alpha Gamma Rho chapters across the nation.

Each year, either as a fun way to spread the word about AGR, or as a philanthropic event, some chapters host a “rhodeo” for members of their communities and campuses to attend.

Brother Jordan Mansfield, the Noble Ruler of Nu Chapter at North Carolina State University spent two years as VNR–Activities before entering his role as Noble Ruler, and had the opportunity to plan two of the rodeos the chapter has hosted.

“It’s something people on campus look forward to,” Brother Mansfield said.

Although Nu Chapter usually hosts the event on their own, this past year they teamed up with their campus Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority to help put on the rodeo.

The event consisted of a DJ, a mechanical bull and barbeque prepared by the chapter brothers. The rodeo is the biggest philanthropy event Nu Chapter hosts in support of NC Farm Families, an organization dedicated to aiding farms that

have been threatened with allegations and attacked on a legal level. In 2023, the event brought in roughly 150 people from their campus to raise $1,500 total. After expenses and a 50/50 split, Alpha Gamma

Intense brother involvement, lots of planning, and enthusiasm to make a difference, are what have made their events successful year after year, including their annual Rhodeo.

RODEOS HAVE BECOME A STAPLE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO CHAPTERS ACROSS THE NATION, NU CHAPTER, ALPHA PI CHAPTER AND ALPHA ZETA CHAPTER SHARED HOW THEY PUT ON THEIR RODEOS.

Rho’s Nu Chapter and Kappa Alpha Theta were able to donate $750 each to their respective charities.

Brother Mansfield said this past rodeo had an increase in attendance from previous years, but he felt the chapter still had a lot of room to improve.

“We are trying to get a lot more alumni participation,” he said. “We previously went to the Top Leaders Institute, and through many conversations, found out many other chapters host similar philanthropy events; trying to get alumni or businesses in the area to sponsor the event.”

Brother Mansfield emphasized the use of alumni and local businesses to sponsor their events so they can maximize the amount of money donated to NC Farm Families.

“The point of these is to support something greater than just the college setting,” he said. “It’s to give back to the community as a whole.”

He also explained that without the help of his chapter brothers, the Rhodeos wouldn’t be as successful and popular as they are. Brothers throughout the chapter had different tasks that all played a key role in the event from planning to barbequing the food.

Brother Mansfield said intense brother involvement, lots of planning and enthusiasm to make a difference are what have made their events successful year after year, including their annual Rhodeo.

Brother Dylan Gilmore of Alpha Pi

Chapter at the University of Arizona said 2023 was the first rodeo the chapter had hosted since 2016. He said he was looking for a good way to get his chapter involved on campus and turned to the popular rodeo philanthropy event.

Alpha Pi Chapter’s rodeo for philanthropy had a petting zoo of livestock provided by an alumnus, a dunk tank and a local country artist. The event raised $500 to support local FFA students who couldn’t afford FFA jackets. Roughly 60 people were in attendance for the event. Brother Gilmore said he felt their first rodeo after seven years was successful and set a good foundation for them to host future rodeos.

“Being from Arizona, we are not a big agriculture school, but it (the rodeo) just shows the difference and diversity that brings people to our chapter,” Brother Gilmore said.

He noted the uniqueness of the event and how it stands out among other philanthropies on campus is partially what makes the event successful.

Brother Gilmore said this year they hope to have booths like a carnival for games and food to draw in more people from their campus and community.

Alpha Zeta Chapter at Kansas State University also held a rodeo last year. Brother Will Yates and Brother Dalton Carey were looking for a fun way to get their chapter more involved on campus and got the idea to do a week-long rodeo from AGR’s Beta Epsilon Chapter at Arkansas State University. Brother Yates and Brother

“The point of these is to support something greater ... It’s to give back to the community as a whole.”

Far Left: Kansas State Mens Basketball Coach Jerome Tang supported Alpha Zeta Chapter's efforts at their Rhodeo.

Left: Brothers and participants took the opportunity to ride the mechanical bull to support Growing Hope Globally.

Below Left: Nu Chapter had a decent crowd that joined the chapter in supporting NC Farm Families.

“We wanted to change the way our events were, change the way we were viewed, and get a lot more involvement throughout the fraternity and sorority community,” Brother Carey said.

The chapter had a struggling fall philanthropy in the past where they partnered with another sorority to host, but they weren’t having a great turnout, leading them to look for another option.

As Alpha Zeta Chapter began to plan their event, they came across an alumnus who was associated with Growing Hope Globally, which teaches people struggling overseas how to grow their own crops so they may sustain themselves and make money on their own. The chapter used the rodeo to raise $2,100 in total. $630 of the total was split between the top three sororities who participated in their rodeo week, and the remaining $1,470 was donated to Growing Hope Globally.

“It went impressively well for it being the first time we had ever done it and we were really happy with it,” Brother Yates said.

The brothers said next year they would like to get more time to plan their event, consider getting some sponsors and look into holding a five-day event rather than four.

Both Will and Dalton said what really made their event successful was how they marketed the event to sororities on their campus.

“I used a couple of apps to make some graphics on Instagram and I would have all of the guys post them on their Instagram stories or Snapchats just to get some outreach,” Will said.

Dalton and Will said they used group chats with sororities, hung flyers and would attend sorority chapter meetings to spread the word about the event, which led to more than 7 different sororities participating in their rodeo week.

Carey spent two weeks planning a variety of events that would become a competition among sororities on campus. Their rodeo consisted of a car wash, a series of games held at the Riley County Fairgrounds in Manhattan, Kansas, a social media photo competition and a mechanical bull riding competition. Each day was a different event.

Although every chapter’s rodeo may look different, they all stand for the Promise and Values of AGR. The goal being to work together and support others along the way.

“It portrays what we want to leave as our legacy,” Brother Mansfield said. “It shows the community that we are more than just a fraternity on campus.”

Conquering the Difficulties of Leadership

MOVING INTO A LEADERSHIP ROLE, either in college or in a career, is an exciting and defining moment for anyone. But leadership isn’t just the pats on the back and the recognition. It’s often making hard decisions and having hard conversations. As a social and professional fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho strives to help prepare its members for the challenges brothers may face in leadership roles throughout their lives.

The National Fraternity focuses on networking and using its vast membership to do so. Many AGR members have achieved milestones, big and small, in leadership roles. To help guide younger generations of members To Make Better Men , AGR leaders from all over the nation have provided their best advice on conquering the difficulties of leadership.

Brother Jason Wetzler of Pi Chapter at Oklahoma State University started his own company as a Leadership Consultant and is very familiar about the challenges within leadership. While in college, Brother Wetzler was the Noble Ruler of his chapter and had many experiences that helped him as a leader.

He said overall it was a great and life-changing experience, but the most defining moments were the ones that pushed him as a leader to have hard conversations.

“Having one-on-one conversations with brothers who were falling short

“Having one-on-one conversations with brothers who were falling short on expectations they had set for themselves, that we set for each other as AGRs. Those are the experiences as a leader that take courage — take grit.”

— JASON WETZLER OF PI CHAPTER AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

on expectations they had set for themselves, that we set for each other as AGRs. Those are the experiences as a leader that take courage — take grit.”

Brother Wetzler said.

He noted the company Crucial Learning provides training in many areas, including a course titled Crucial

Conversations. The course provides methods to have difficult conversations in a smooth and civil manner. Brother Wetzler said the method is laid out in a way that the facts from the situation are provided, feelings about those facts are explained and then a question is asked. He emphasized the question does not pose a solution such as asking the other person to change their habits, but rather opens an opportunity for more conversation and growth.

Brother Gabe Smoak of Alpha Gamma Chapter at University of Florida had a similar experience having to go through with a difficult task when he was Noble Ruler of his chapter. The situation led him to having to learn how to maintain relationships among the brothers during a difficult time.

“Learn to manage the relationships ... because at the end of the day, the chapter is there for the sake of brotherhood and you have to preserve that brotherhood above all else,” Brother Smoak said.

Best Leadership Advice

“Lean into failure; failure leads to learning and learning leads to growth. ”

— Brother Jason Wetzler, Pi Chapter of Oklahoma State University (Top Leaders Institute Facilitator)

“Be honest, don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong and don’t be afraid to seek out help from others.”

— Brother Gabe Smoak, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Florida (Collegiate Advisory Council)

“Be very up front, having a transparent conversation is key. Maintain positivity during those hard times. Positivity is not naivety, it’s leadership.”

— Dipal Chaudhari, Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville (2024 Grand President Award Recipient)

“Ask yourself, what is the right thing to do? It may not be the easiest, the cheapest, the best liked or the most popular, but our self-conscious will usually tell us what is right.

Consider how your decisions will make you feel in the future. Will you be confident that you will be pleased with your choices? Or is there a chance you will regret it?”

— Doug Griffin, Delta Chapter, Purdue (Past Grand President)

Another piece of advice Brother Wetzler provided was be willing to take risks and be willing to make a decision, even if it might be the wrong one. He told a story of when he worked for a farmer, he would help gather crops, one of them being rhubarb. He said he had a hard time telling the difference between ripe rhubarb and crops that weren’t

quite ready to harvest. Jason asked the farmer repeatedly which rhubarb was ripe, but he didn’t get the answer he was looking for.

Brother Wetzler said the farmer’s response was, “Jason, you know, I used to work at a grocery store and me and a young man started at the same time, and he got fired after two weeks. You want to know why?” Jason responded, ‘why?’ The farmer stated, “because

“Learn to manage the relationships ... because at the end of the day, the chapter is there for the sake of brotherhood and you have to preserve that brotherhood above all else.”

— GABE SMOAK OF ALPHA GAMMA CHAPTER AT UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

he couldn’t make a decision.” The Farmer then went on to explain that the manager of that grocery store told the indecisive employee he wanted him to make the wrong decision, or any decision. Even that was better than no decision.

This story stuck with Brother Wetzler and he realized there will always be a chance his decisions could be wrong, but if they are, he has the opportunity to learn from those wrong decisions and grow. He said to lean into failure

and embrace that failure can eventually lead to success if a person continues to try.

Brother Dipal Chaudhari of Alpha Kappa Chapter at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville works for Bayer Crop Science as a Brand Lead and before this position he led a sales team for the company.

Dipal shared how to handle negative situations with positivity and explained how his role as VNR-Finance gave him the opportunity to use this tool.

“At the basics of being VNR-Finance, I had to make sure chapter brothers paid their bills and I had to make sure the chapter’s bills were paid,” Dipal said. “Sometimes we had budget conversations ... and being positive in that situation isn’t necessarily being oblivious to the budget crunch we might have or a tough tradeoff we’ll have to make. It comes down to someone having to step up and be positive so that we can think about the solutions and think about what options we have to go tackle the challenge versus just dwelling in the negativity of the challenge that it may bring forth.”

Brother Chaudhari noted that utilizing positivity in tough situations can help the group as a whole prevail and usually comes to a sought outcome.

To hear more from your Alpha Gamma Rho leaders and alumni about how you can excel as a leader in any position, register for National Convention in Sacramento, California August 1 through August 3.

Best Leadership Advice (Cont.)

“Leadership starts with listening. If you don't listen to people that you are leading, you aren't leading, you are dictating.”

— Jeremy Turner, Phi Chapter, California-Davis (Alumni Panelist)

“Things to avoid when having a tough conversation with someone:

• Never single anyone out. It can lead to the person becoming defensive.

• Don’t criticize the group based on one person’s performance, but rather encourage the group and save the difficult conversations for oneon-one settings.”

— Glenn Stith, Omicron Chapter, Kentucky (Chairman of the Educational Foundation Board)

“When making difficult decisions, try not to just think of the immediate, but also ponder the long term consequences.”

— Adam Geiger, Iota Chapter, Wisconsin-Madison (Alumni Panelist)

“It's ok to say no. We are all human and sometimes it is easy to get overextended in work or in the organizations we are involved in.

Making sure you develop boundaries and are able to meet your commitments are all a part of the professional and personal development process.”

— Jared Henderson, Theta Chapter, Missouri (2024 Grand President Award Recipient)

Recruit

84

Number of alumni who assisted with a Top Leaders Institute in 2024

Commit

34

Number of AGRs who have served as Leadership Seminar Facilitators

Educate

106

Average number of participants attending Recruitment School in the last 10 years

Recognize

130

Number of Grand President's Award recipients

AGR’s Top Leaders Institute would not be nearly as successful without the strong support of our alumni.

Thank you to those who helped lead small group sessions while sharing their Fraternity experiences with our undergraduate brothers.

Representing

22 different chapters, these brothers have worked with the alumnae of Sigma Alpha Sorority to provide a value-added experience through Leadership Seminars to the members of both organizations.

By attending Recruitment School, VNRs of Recruitment, Recruitment Committees, and members will gain a stronger understanding of the best techniques and technology to recruit the next generation of AGR members through a valuebased selection process hosted by PhiredUp.

Since 1991 when the award was created, 130 alumni under the age of 40 have been recognized for their ongoing support and efforts to AGR. Know a worthy brother who should be considered for this recognition? Submit a nomination today through the AGR website!

The Great Decline

MALE COLLEGE ENROLLMENT IS DECLING AND WILL CONTINUE UNLESS GREEKS STEP UP.

“Alpha Gamma Rho’s goals are to help young men become a role model for society, prepare them for their futures and through them, a broader and better agriculture.”

— REX MARTIN, ALPHA GAMMA RHO CEO

65%

Percentage of fraternity and sorority alumni who are more likely to recommend their alma mater compared non-members.

IT’S THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES and as a student rounds the corner, he walks into a room full of chatting women, and spread throughout the group are three other men. He finds a seat near one of the other men and introduces himself. The professor walks in and promptly begins the class. During role call, the student counts the class; 12 women, four men. He thinks maybe some other male students overslept or were running late. No one else shows up.

— NIC/GALLUP ALUMNI SURVEY

to graduate. What he didn’t know, was the other four biology classes looked very similar, predominantly female. Male enrollment in college has been declining. A study conducted in 2021 shows male undergraduate enrollment fell nearly 7% in the Fall semester of 2020. In Spring 2021, 400,000 fewer men enrolled than the fall of 2020.

The next day, he walks into class again. The same three guys and 12 girls are waiting for class to start. No one shows up late. The class is made up of 33.3% men and 66.6% women. The class was biology. A standard class all students had to take

As a social-professional fraternity To Make Better Men, the future of education and the National Fraternity is a prime focus. The concerning declines in male enrollment create a foggy view of what is to come, but through the bonds of brotherhood, AGR can assist in creating a broader and better agriculture for the future.

Alpha Gamma Rho CEO, Rex Martin

84%

Percentage of fraternity and sorority alumni who would join again if a college student today.

— NIC/GALLUP ALUMNI SURVEY

considering college or are just getting started with college. If they see a fellow brother starting to step off the path of education, reinvigorate them. Remind them why they came in the first place and offer support to them as they need it along the way.”

President and CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Jud Horras also deeply expressed the importance of establishing relationships with potential members and young fraternity members. He also noted that alumni being proactive and making referrals to their headquarters is also helpful.

“There is no doubt higher education is facing an enrollment challenge, and that challenge, based on birthrates from 18 years ago, it is going to get harder over the next five years,” Horras said.

No matter the person’s background entering college, the experience they had as a fraternity or sorority member were pivotal in the success of both recruitment and retention among Greek Life.

looked to AGR alumni and older collegiate brothers to aid the National Fraternity in reinstilling the importance of post-secondary education and how being a part of AGR can help young men in their futures.

“As a National Fraternity, we need to unite ourselves on this front,” Rex said. “Alpha Gamma Rho’s goals are to help young men become a role model for society, prepare them for their futures and through them, a broader and better agriculture.”

He continued to stress the importance of the alumni and older collegiate experiences and how they could provide a guiding hand to young men across the nation.

“Alumni, as well as junior and senior collegiates should share their college and AGR experiences with young men

He pointed out that men contribute to 70% of the decline in overall enrollment we are seeing today.

One of the key points Horras noted to help combat the decline are men getting involved on campus, which may include joining a fraternity.

“So, in many ways, I think fraternities are becoming even more an essential piece of the fabric of higher education,” he said.

Horras also stressed the importance of relationship building inside and outside the chapter among members and potential members. Alumni participation in a chapter and interacting with the young men around them considering college is a crucial player in fraternity membership.

Another study NIC did alongside Gallup was the Gallup Alumni Survey in which fraternity and sorority alumni across the nation were asked a variety

of questions about their experience in college as a member of fraternity/sorority life and was compared to those who were non-members. The results were no matter the person’s background entering college, the experience they had as a fraternity or sorority member were pivotal in the success of both recruitment and retention among the fraternity and sorority community.

When asked if they could go back to school and do it all over again, would they still join their fraternity or sorority, 84% said they would join again.

Fraternity and sorority members were also more likely to recommend their alma mater to others than non-members (65% compared to 43%).

The experiences a fraternity member has in college are not only life changing for the member, but can also change the life of someone else. Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity encourages its members to share their experiences anywhere they can, whether it be a conversation with someone, a social media post or a written article. The members of AGR, along with fraternities across the nation, can change the course of education through connection and brotherhood.

fiction Reality

Examining Agriculture’s Technological Revolution Y TO

YYOU’VE LIKELY HEARD THE CONVERSATION on the world stage as to whether farmers will be able to keep up with food production to meet the growing demands to feed roughly 10 billion people by 2050. This ongoing conversation has often shaped the way we think about the goals for agriculture. More recently, attention has shifted to focus on increasing sustainability to ensure preservation and protection of natural resources and ecosystems.

The demands on production agriculture continue to evolve, and so has the technology and innovations created by those working to meet the various and complex needs of society.

CYCLES OF INNOVATION

If you think back to “The Jetsons,” they lived in a reality where they talked to each other on a screen, hired Rosie the Robot to clean the house, used a toothbrush machine, and used numerous gadgets and gizmos to get things done at the push of a button. Could they really have predicted Zoom, Teams, Roombas, electric toothbrushes and smart phones?

Not too long ago, the thought of driverless cars seemed like an impossible reality, but the industry has responded with driverless, GPSguided tractors. Another example of the advanced technology that has become commonplace is the selection of genetics for both plants and animal agriculture.

“The technology and innovations that seemed so far-fetched 10 years ago are here today,” said Brother Tim Heiller of Eta Chapter at Iowa State University, Key Account Manager & Recruitment and Training Director of PIC, a swine genetics company. “From autonomous vehicles and tractors to variable-rate planting and input applications based on data maps, we’re living in a reality that seemed improbable just a decade ago.”

These cycles of innovation often start with an idea that doesn’t fit within the practicality of day-to-day production based on the complexity or the initial price point to implement by the typical producer. The selection pressure on new technologies coming to market is high, and so is the failure rate.

“Developing ‘Technology X’ often doesn’t pan out,” said Heiller. “However, we learn from that and either find a way to refine and try again or we stumble upon ‘Technology Y’ in the process — something we weren’t even thinking about. And that ‘Technology Y’ becomes highly successful.”

CONSOLIDATION DRIVING INNOVATION

One way the industry has seen the acceleration of innovation is through consolidation and bringing more resources all under one roof. This trend is true for both corporations and production agriculture farms and ranches.

“We’re seeing that the big are getting bigger, and the middle-sized businesses are shrinking,” said Brother Greg Nickerson, also from Eta Chapter, Chairman Emeritus of Bader Rutter and Grand President of AGR. “What is interesting, however, is small companies continue to emerge with innovations and have real power in transforming the industry with novel technologies.”

Consolidation is fueling the innovative cycle to run faster and faster. Add in artificial intelligence, and iterative improvements to innovation go even faster.

“For us, the idea of genetic progress in pigs is based on making improvements over fewer generations,” Heiller said. “With genetics and genomics, we’re able to breed for traits in pigs that have historically been lowly-heritable. That’s a game changer that has helped us advance genetic progress that would have taken generations, but now in much fewer breeding cycles. The next step that is probably in front of the industry will be gene editing.”

GENE EDITING: TECHNOLOGY CHANGING THE WORLD

The idea of improving genomic profiles is something that has received negative attention in mainstream, consumer media. The backlash over Biotech began in the late 90s and has continued into

the new millennium, but the technology was first developed in 1973 by biochemists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen who worked to insert DNA from one bacteria into another. Since then, researchers and innovators have sought ways to leverage this technology. Biotech crops have become more popular and have often brought critical innovation to the industry. The modifications have enabled increased production, improved pest and drought resistance, better nutritional content, and enhanced sustainability practices for growers. Through biotechnology, growers have also been able to get smarter on application of inputs and reduce labor costs, too. But this hasn’t been without its complications based on consumer perceptions.

Biotech crops

... have enabled increased production, improved pest and drought resistance, bettered nutritional content, and enhanced sustainability practices for growers.

Major concern over biotechnology has likely run its course," Nickerson said. "But as the industry continues to move forward with new technologies focused on genetics and genomics, it will likely face greater scrutiny from ever-evolving regulatory pressures."

Nickerson went on to explain how industry leaders need to remain mindful of their messaging as consumers are closer to production agriculture than ever before with the internet and social media at their fingertips. Consumers can often be caught up in the onslaught of messaging from multiple organizations and companies, leading them astray on what is really happening in the world of agriculture.

As agriculture continues to innovate and find ways to make food production more efficient and more sustainable, consumers will continue to pay attention to the ethics of how their food is being produced. Messaging and communicating the science will be an important task for the future

“In our messaging and communications, we have the ability to be hyperfocused through the numerous digital tools available to us,” said Nickerson. “We’re moving towards a goal of measurements—real-time results and real-time changes based on the data and analytics—to help our clients make the

With technologies like CRISPR gene editing on the precipice of becoming more mainstream, the agriculture industry and its employees need to be prepared to communicate this complex information about food and sustainable practices to consumers.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE

Artificial intelligence has been the focus of many of the headlines in early 2024, but artificial intelligence itself isn’t new. In fact, artificial intelligence has been around for quite a while with technologies like Apple’s Siri or even autocorrect and text prediction being simpler examples of early applications. What’s new is the accessibility of platforms such as ChatGPT to the general public.

“Successful leaders in our industry are going to have to know about new technologies like artificial intelligence and how to leverage it,” Heiller said. “Take classes, experiment, and seek internships and jobs that apply it to learn more about it. And step outside of your

Fears of artificial intelligence taking and replacing jobs has been a common theme, but students shouldn’t worry about that as much. Instead, focus on harnessing the power of artificial

“The industry is going to continue to need specialists who can apply these technologies,” said Nickerson. “While

the technologies can help streamline and increase efficiency, they won’t replace people who can think in crossdisciplinary ways and apply that thinking at a system level rather than looking at the individual connection points.”

This approach to system-level thinking is what will help whole organizations continue to accelerate innovation, especially as consolidation happens and more resources (and data points) become available. Thinking at the system level can also help improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability in the long run.

Soft skills like interpersonal relationship development and networking will continue to be one of the most highly sought after skills of prospective employees.

“Think beyond yourself and your role,” Heiller said. “With whatever project you’re working on, if you can think through it in a ‘we mentality’ rather than a ‘me mentality’, you’re going to have better products and services for your customer.”

Despite what “The Jetsons” might have you thinking about working from home becoming the new norm, soft skills like interpersonal relationship development and networking will continue to be one of the most highly sought after skills of prospective employees.

“The most amazing new hires are team players who are focused on helping the team succeed rather than focusing only on their own success,” Heiller said. “The ‘Super Me’ type person who is highly successful on an individual level can only go so far. The leaders who think across the team and help the whole team succeed are the most valuable employees.”

Located in historic Sacramento, California, there are sights and wonders to be explored while you are there. National Convention will be held at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, which is located inside the Public Market Building with a modern feel and an amazing view of the city.

At National Convention, you will have the opportunity to participate in conducting business, social gatherings and off-site events including a trip to the Old Sacramento & Railroad Museum.

Alpha Gamma Rho will, once again, hold its Career Fair where brothers can network with some of agriculture’s biggest industry leaders. This event is open to all brothers looking for internship opportunities, career opportunities or just networking within their industry.

Speaking of industries, California agriculture produces over 400 different commodities, which includes nearly half of the United States’ grown fruits, nuts and vegetables making it the best place for our brothers to cultivate their futures to create a broader and better agriculture.

Although National Convention is a place for learning, it is also a place of growing relationships and creating memories. Alpha Gamma Rho brothers will have the chance to bond with their brothers from across the nation while exploring California and its many facets.

We hope to see you there!

Alpha Gamma Rho’s 68th National Convention is

almost upon us!

Join your brothers August 1-3, 2024, by participating in breakout sessions, networking opportunities and more.

Hard Work Equals Success

In early February, seven brothers from Beta Eta Chapter of Virginia Tech completed a work project to help raise funds for the chapter house and its operations. The work project took place at Hammock Dairy Inc. in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. During the two-day trip, over 200 freestalls were torn down and replaced with new ones to help update the dairy’s facilities and improve the cows’ comfort. All of the brothers were responsible for operating large machinery and utilizing numerous power tools to complete the task. The brothers were also able to learn more about the dairy industry and the type of day-today activities that take place on these operations.

Throughout the project, the farm provided brothers with delicious home-cooked meals and

plenty of cold milk. As a result of the brothers’ hard work and dedication, the owners of the dairy farm graciously provided the chapter with $2,500. This money was then used to help support various activities held by the Beta Eta Chapter, such as its annual “Harvest Havoc” philanthropy event. This year, the chapter’s philanthropy event was a great success, as Beta Eta Chapter was able to raise money for Farm Rescue, an organization that provides assistance to farm and ranch families that have experienced significant hardships. This work project allowed the brothers of Beta Eta Chapter to bond through hard work and aggressive effort, all while fulfilling Alpha Gamma Rho’s purpose of “ Making Better Men .”

Farmer’s Ball

With nearly 40 years worth of history, we love to celebrate with collegiate brothers and alumni alike. Three years ago, in 2021, the brothers of Beta Xi Chapter set out and were determined to revive a forgotten tradition, the Farmer’s Ball. A combination event of alumni engagement, fall semi-formal and celebration of brotherhood was reborn in Lubbock, Texas. Three years later, in 2024, the Farmer’s Ball is now a fully formed event Beta Xi Chapter brothers look forward to planning and attending every fall. Farmer’s Ball serves as a fun filled night of fellowship with current and past generations of brothers and significant others. The event hosted dinner, drinks, dancing, and with the “Casino RHOyale” theme in 2023, lighthearted games. There are lots of memories that remain to be formed at Farmer’s Ball in years to come. We, as brothers in the bond of Alpha Gamma Rho, hope to be able to fruitfully continue this tradition for future generations of brothers to enjoy!

BETA XI CHAPTER Texas Tech University

BETA ETA CHAPTER VIRGINIA TECH

Rhodeo for Awareness

This year, Alpha Sigma Chapter's efforts centered around breast cancer awareness. Supporting a brother's mother who has now triumphantly overcome breast cancer, and raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl through the Zachary Horton Foundation.

The main event, the Alpha Gamma Rhodeo, was a significant success, drawing attention and support from within and beyond our community. The funds raised were thoughtfully allocated: a portion was directly donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to aid in breast cancer research and patient support, another part supported our brother's mother, a beacon of hope and resilience for us all, and finally, contributions were made to the Zachary Horton Foundation, highlighting the critical issue of fentanyl awareness.

These initiatives reflect our commitment to making a meaningful difference in health and safety awareness, showcasing the strength of our community's solidarity and the tangible impacts of our collective efforts.

Collectively, we raised $6,500 for our philanthropy, which was spread among our three donation choices, with the majority going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

BETA NU CHAPTER Texas A&M

Chilli & Camaraderie

Each Spring semester the Beta Nu Chapter at Texas A&M attends Chilifest, a beloved tradition for Texas A&M students that embodies the spirit of community and brotherhood. Members, alumni, and local residents converge to enjoy the music festival and the Chili cook-off. But the best part is that fraternities create a themed wooden "build" and hosts its own party

Chilifest serves as more than just an event; it's a reflection of AGR's core values. Throughout the planning and execution, brothers from various generations worked hand in hand, building our “Build,” which was themed as a “winter wonderland.” The comradery of the Beta Nu Chapter was strengthened throughout this process, rein -

forcing the bonds that define our brotherhood. The Chilifest provides a platform for shared experiences and memories, strengthening connections among members and alumni alike.

Beyond the camaraderie, Chilifest serves as a bridge between our chapter and the broader community. By opening our doors to neighbors, friends, and residents, we extend a warm welcome and invite them to share our experiences and values. Chilifest isn't just an event; it's a testament to the enduring strength of our Alpha Gamma Rho family and a reminder of the importance of unity, service and community.

This year, Beta Nu Chapter held Chilifest on April 6 and 7.

ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER Fresno State

Sandslam

The inaugural Sandslam philanthropy event was held last spring. Our philanthropy is Mental Health Awareness. This event came into being on a whim when Brother Wilton Pittman, our former philanthropy committee chairman brought the idea to our executive meeting one day early that spring. The teams were set up as three brothers paired with three girls in a 16-team bracket. Chapter brothers contacted all of their sorority connections to encourage and publicize the event. Many people were excited about the opportunity to have fun and compete.

Between pulling the weeds, tilling the sandpit, and tightening the net; the sandpit looked good as new. The day of the event the weather forecast predicted rain but luck was on Xi Chapter's side and it held off until the victor was crowned. It was perfect weather for sand volleyball and Kona Ice. Brother Hunter Rials’ team won the event and with that the day came to an end. We couldn’t have asked for more successful first run at an event that is sure to continue for years to come.

Race Against Alzheimer’s

Since 2010, the Gamma Delta Chapter at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College has hosted an annual barrel race in September to support the Tift County Alzheimer’s Association. The race is held at the rodeo arena on the campus of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where it attracts over one hundred riders and many guests to watch the competition. The event is advertised through social media and the College to attract barrel racers throughout the state of Georgia. Most of the riders are students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and local riders who travel to the competition. Brothers of the Gamma Delta Chapter spend a few weeks prior

preparing the arena for the race and cleaning around the bleachers for the spectators. Throughout the summer and fall, brothers gather sponsorships from local businesses support put on the barrel race. The sponsorship money is then donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. Apart from the barrel race, the brothers also attend the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The walk consists of a ceremony recognizing the different sponsors and fundraising teams, booths set up to share information about Alzheimer’s, and a walking track through downtown Tifton. In 2023, Gamma Delta Chapter donated $5,000 to the Association.

XI CHAPTER Auburn University

GAMMA DELTA CHAPTER Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Cornhole for a Cause

Cornhole for a Cause was an event hosted by the Alpha Theta Chapter at the University of Maryland, as well as Phi Epsilon Chapter of the Zeta Psi Fraternity. The idea was spearheaded from the VNR– Philanthropy, Brother Kallist Baker, and was unanimously agreed upon by the chapter. The aim of Cornhole for a Cause was to raise money to donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as well as the One Love Foundation while competing in a cornhole tournament. Brothers and anyone wanting to participate paid to create teams of two and competed through exciting rounds of cornhole to win designated prizes. Friends stopped by, enjoyed freshly grilled meals and cheered on the brothers. In addition, two sororities cosponsored the event and participated as well.

In the end, the event raised approximately $800, which was split between the two fraternities and donated to their designated causes. The first place team received gift cards to a local restaurant, and the second place team received a University of Maryland Yeti mug. It was a day filled with excitement, collaboration, and bonding for all the brothers while supporting two great causes!

The Spring 2023 Cornhole for a Cause was the first of its kind, and has potential to become a loved and memorable tradition between the University of Maryland’s Alpha Gamma Rho and Zeta Psi Fraternity.

Carwash Kickback

This past September, while Vermont was still experiencing summer-like weather, the brothers of Alpha Rho Chapter at the University of Vermont partnered with their good friends at Delta Delta Delta Sorority to host a “Carwash Kickback” in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Organized by the VNR–Activities, Brother Chris Duduch, the event included not only an epic car wash experience from the brothers and sisters involved, but also offered burgers and hot dogs, drinks, Pie-A-Brother, a 50/50 raffle, and a blow-up water slide so that even those without a vehicle could come and have a good time while supporting a good cause.

In the end, the event attracted over 200 cars and people from all over the Burlington area. One thousand and one hundred dollars was raised and matched for a total of $2,200 to be donated to St. Jude. The Carwash Kick back helped the chapter build communiity relations, while also achieving active participation by the brotherhood. The event was a huge success, not only in regard to how much we raised for a good cause, but also in terms of actively participating in philanthropy as a brotherhood. The brothers could not have been more proud of the work they did and are looking forward to making it a yearly event. Hopefully we can raise even more next semester!

ALPHA THETA CHAPTER University of Maryland

ALPHA RHO CHAPTER University of Vermont

Paying It Forward

Friday, September 15, 2023, the Beta Gamma Chapter hosted their annual Ag Fest event in conjunction with the Wisconsin-Platteville School of Agriculture. Previously, Ag Fest was a kickoff event with club speakers and a dinner. This year, with some hard work by the brothers, the event has become much bigger. The chapter at Washington State University had an idea during a chapter meeting to expand the event to include a live band, yard games, and a grill out. This immediately improved the event's potential to be a recruitment tool. It also gave the chapter a chance to fundraise and give back to the School of Agriculture.

At Ag Fest 2023, we were lucky enough to host three keynote speakers: our newly appointed Wisconsin-Platteville Chan-

cellor, Tammy Evetovich; the CEO/GM of Insight FS and Beta Gamma alumnus Ben Huber; and the Pioneer North America Sales Excellence Leader, Dan Uppena. These three speakers shared their experiences in college and how the world of agriculture has impacted their life for the better. After the speakers, the Adam Bartels Band performed to close out the night.

Ag Fest was a hit! Throughout the 5-hour event, there were over 300 attendees including students, alumni, faculty and community members. Thanks to the generosity of our Ag Fest donors, we raised over $4,000 for the School of Agriculture Program Fund! We hope our success this year will continue in the future, building upon our chapter’s legacy of fellowship and service to the school and community.

Washington State

Dancing for Dreams

The swing dance philanthropy organized by Alpha Gamma Rho’s Sigma Chapter serves as a dual-purpose event, bringing together members of the Fraternity, as well as the broader community, in a gathering filled with friends, music and enjoyment. The event typically features lively swing dancing and line dancing, engaging participants of all skill levels and backgrounds. Attendees not only enjoy a night filled with energetic and rhythmic entertainment but also contribute to a noble cause.

The philanthropic aspect of the swing dance event revolved around raising funds for charitable endeavors, this year donating to “Permission to Start Dreaming.” Sigma Chapter has strategically aligned itself with organizations that make a tangible impact on the community. Whether supporting local charities, educational initiatives, or agricultural projects, the chapter's commitment to philanthropy shines through during this vibrant gathering.

The successful outcomes of Sigma Chapter's swing dance philanthropy extend beyond the dance floor. Through the collective efforts of chapter members, attendees, and community sponsors, the event generates significant financial contributions and fosters a sense of unity among participants. These funds are then channeled towards various charitable causes, leaving a lasting positive impact on the community and exemplifying the Fraternity's commitment to both fun and philanthropy.

SIGMA CHAPTER

BETA GAMMA CHAPTER Wisconsin-Platteville

In Memory of Our Great Brothers

The passing of the following brothers was reported to the Home Office between October 11, 2023 and February 20, 2024. The listing includes initiation year. Due to discrepencies found in the previous issue of Sickle and Sheaf, some names have been repeated in this issue. We apologize for the errors made.

Arkansas

William Gage, 2001

Larry Phillips, 1961

Arkansas State

Charles Adams, 1997

David Veasman, 1985

Auburn

James Hicks, 1963

Roger Kirkland, 1963

California-Davis

Jess Ayers, 1957

Bartholomew Clark, 1980

California-Fresno

David Hill, 1970

Jerry Pollard, 1963

Clemson

Scott Dandridge, 1977

Richard Dorn, 2011

Roachel King, 1974

Clyde Rauch, 2000

Joseph Wingard, 1995

Colorado State

Raymond Marquardt, 1956

Connecticut

John Greenbacker, 1936

Russell Hunter, 1958

Cornell

Thomas Bache, 1941

Charles Barrett, 1958

Robert Foster, 1967

George Schoonmaker, 1954

Dan Schreiber, 1979

Clinton Traver, 1966

William Zawicki, 1955

Delaware Valley

Wesley Franken, 2013

Florida

Ralph Hays, 1970

Kay Richardson, 1957

Marvin Simmons, 1965

Richard Stratton, 1977

Brent Sutton, 1981

Georgia

Harry Larsen, 1963

Wilbur Mull, 1962

Martin Weathers, 1977

Illinois

Lloyd Corzine, 1951

Robert Craft, 1948

Donald Denby, 1954

Steven Gerdes, 1974

William Heinhorst, 1952

Alvin Hulting, 1939

James Killey, 1968

Alvin Warren, 1951

Robert Young, 1959

Illinois State

Robert Daggett, 1973

Iowa State

Gary Butson, 1962

Varlyn Fink, 1958

Thomas Johanns, 1985

Dwayne Mathews, 1952

Joseph Narigon, 1949

Kansas State

Billy Collins, 1950

Herbert Hoskins, 1948

Loy Reinhardt, 1956

Raymond Sis, 1950

Richard Wilcke, 1962

Kentucky

Joe Grimes, 1948

Roy Hunt, 1941

Richard Lewis, 1961

Dale Lovell, 1961

William Maupin, 1949

Glenn Price, 1940

Maine

Raymond Amsden, 1941

John Barclay, 1959

David Clement, 1957

Richard Duncan, 1959

Thomas Harmon, 1949

Craig Quimby, 1985

Maryland

William Boyd, 1965

Ralph Buckel, 1963

Clyde Culver, 1956

Richard Duke, 1950

Bernard Grove, 1954

Leroy Hall, 1964

Terrence Hoshall, 1965

Robert Jones, 1947

H. George Kemp, 1952

John Laws, 1967

Harry Merryman, 1956

James Prigel, 1942

William Rosenberger, 1952

Robert Shaffer, 1952

Henry Vincett, 1950

Massachusetts

Thomas Danko, 1949

Everett Hatch, 1949

Michigan State

James Ball, 1962

Joseph Kasper, 1954

James Marvin, 1954

Jack Wilson, 1955

Minnesota

Stanley Blasey, 1957

Gerald Bosshardt, 1967

Paul McConnell, 1956

George Schwartz, 1958

Edmund Thornton, 1960

Missouri

James Hertzog, 1953

Russell John, 1950

Frank Miller, 1941

John Woodward, 1960

Montana State

Dennis Fladstol, 1966

Dallas Horton, 1961

Benny Minow, 1964

Leland Risa, 1970

Murray State

James Murphy, 1972

Nebraska

Larry Axthelm, 1961

Ronald Einspahr, 1960

Donald Kasbohm, 1956

Roger Moline, 1954

Charles Reppert, 1954

Robert Rupp, 1940

Arthur Struempler, 1948

Dale Wright, 1957

John Young, 1950

New Hampshire

Emery Bassett, 1957

Donald Clark, 1955

Norman Fassett, 1961

New Mexico State

Anthony Campbell, 1963

Harold Honeyfield, 1955

North Carolina State

Daniel Hill, 1962

Edward Hill, 1953

Robert Hill, 1961

William Whitfield, 1963

North Dakota State

James Austin, 1956

Donald Bahl, 1941

Richard Clark, 1950

Bruce Fagerholt, 1967

Myron Johnsrud, 1952

Robert Steffes, 1956

Ohio State

Gary Barth, 1966

Francis Hirsch, 1960

Thomas Lindsey, 1965

James Nichols, 1954

Michael Somerville, 1964

Donald Tom, 1983

Oklahoma State

James Brown, 1959

Charles Codding, 1966

Zed DeVaughan, 1956

Steven Griffin, 1971

Dennis Moore, 1958

Raymond Sharp, 1958

D. Brad Shepherd, 1976

Penn State

James Griffin, 1954

Purdue

Bill Banter, 1965

Oscar Blank, 1940

John Cullar, 1950

Don Hazelett, 1956

Michael Jackson, 1974

Timothy Johnson, 1965

Allen List, 1966

Richard Middlesworth, 1955

Byron Moore, 1942

Gregory Schoettle, 1971

South Dakota State

Franklin Hartway, 2012

Derek Zenk, 2010

Southern Illnois

R Hoskins, 1970

Tennessee-Martin

Jimmy Overman, 1989

Tennessee-Knoxville

Kenneth Alley, 1967

Johnny Bruff, 1959

James Cherry, 1951

John Curtis, 1951

William Entrekin, 1991

Jerry Finley, 1971

Lamarse Ivy, 1992

Charles Patrick, 1971

Steven Mark Posey, 1980

Utah State

William Pendleton, 1965

Virginia Tech

Michael Broaddus, 1988

Frederick Buck, 1987

Ian Dransfield, 2011

Thomas Patterson, 1982

Washington State

Alvin Sherman, 1952

Martin Warner, 1968

West Virginia

Billy Day, 1951

James Dove, 1952

Daniel Hamel, 1976

Robert Hayden, 1966

Shawn Sorrell, 1967

Western Kentucky

Gary Jones, 1965

Robert Schneider, 1979

Wisconsin-Madison

Paul Hartman, 1966

Roland Manthe, 1955

Wisconsin-Platteville

Tyrone Larson, 1993

Wisconsin-River Falls

David Cassellius, 1969

Carl Duley, 1978

Q&AGR

Jason Wetzler

Brother Wetzler started his own business as a Leadership Consultant. His time in AGR helped shape his future and now he shares with others how they can do the same.

What is Top Leaders Institute?

Brother Jason Wetzler of Pi Chapter at Oklahoma State Universit is no stranger to guiding others on their journey to cultivating success. Recently, he was a facilitator for Alpha Gamma Rho’s Top Leaders Institute, a prestigious educational program designed to empower chapter leadership to develop personalized plans for sustained success. Comprised of Alumni Association Representatives, Chapter Advisers, Housemothers/House Directors, and incoming Chapter Officers, the teams undergo training to enhance their skills, professionalize their fraternity experience, and create intentional strategies for achieving the highest level of local chapter excellence and personal growth. The program consisted of eight nationwide institutes, all of which are free to attend, thanks to the generous support of the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign.

What Does a Top Leaders Institute Facilitator Do?

Reflecting on his involvement, Wetzler shared, “A member of the Home Office staff reached out and asked me if I would facilitate one of the four events during the second year of the Institute,” Wetzler said.

“That single facilitation expanded this year, and together with Brother Shea Booster, of Alpha Gamma

Chapter at University of Florida; and Brother Nathan Laudan of Alpha Zeta Chapter at Kansas State University; we facilitated eight events across the country this year.”

Wetzler emphasized the facilitator’s role in keeping the sessions dynamic, featuring officer-training breakouts and large group reunions for sharing insights. In the large group setting, attendees explored general leadership practices and delved into the concept of leaving a legacy.

with vigor. They were also challenged to develop a strategic plan by the end of the first quarter, with the overarching goal of setting up the next officer team and building a legacy.

“[Jason Wetzler] believes that appreciating people and recognizing the significance of today contribute to shaping a positive mindset for tomorrow.”

What are the key take aways for participants?

Themes that emerged among the chapters included holding chapter members accountable, being active on campus and in the community while minimizing risk, gaining senior buy-in, and implementing the AGR Standards of Chapter Excellence.

Wetzler's aspiration was for attendees to depart with officer-specific plans, ready to take on their roles

Wetzler aimed for members to feel well-prepared for their roles and ready to contribute. For the chapters, he desired preparedness and a clear understanding of the necessary changes for their initial steps, coupled with an actionable plan.

How did AGR Cultivate his future?

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, he was a member of Pi Chapter and served as Noble Ruler. Wetzler's journey to OSU was influenced by its Agriculture Leadership program, and an invitation to dinner from Brother Riley Pagett. Convinced it was the right place for him, Wetzler quickly felt at home, citing the camaraderie and shared experiences among brothers as memorable highlights. In addition to his involvement with AGR, Wetzler started his own business, Jason Wetzler

Leadership, where he engages in keynotes, training, and curriculum development.

Recalling a favorite memory from a conference with the American Hop Growers Association, Wetzler mentioned it was the first time he was encouraged to open a beer on stage during a keynote. Another significant experience was his time with the Salem Oregon Police Department, where he rode along to gain firsthand insights into their community contributions. As Wetzler contemplates cultivating futures, he emphasizes the importance of balancing the consequences of current actions on future circumstances. He believes that appreciating people and recognizing the significance of today contribute to shaping a positive mindset for tomorrow.

To learn more about Jason or sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.jasonwetzler.com.

And So It Begins ...

reaches you, all of our leadership/ educational training for this academic year will have concluded. AGR had the largest offering in the history of our Fraternity. In fact, it is one of the largest in the fraternity/sorority world. It included eight Top Leaders Institutes, four Leadership Seminars, and two Recruitment schools — all accomplished over nine weekends! Oh, by the way,

I am especially proud of our Top Leaders Institutes. It has taken six years from the general concept, refinement, fundraising and then nationwide implementation. I strongly believe it will make a big difference in our drive toward Local Chapter Excellence. Every chapter, every officer, alumni leader and Housemother/ Director should attend next year. If you did not get a chance to attend, please talk to someone who did. I think they will tell you it was worth their time. I believe the future of our Fraternity and

chapters will be shaped by Local Chapter Excellence. We have to gain new skills and learn to work together if we are going to grow and strengthen our chapters nationwide. It isn’t just about your

“The tools are in place. Will you use them? What do you plan on doing differently at your chapter this semester or next fall? How can we help you achieve greatness?”

since my initiation into our brotherhood of Alpha Gamma Rho. There have been many changes in my life during those 38 years. There have also been many changes in the past 6 years. We still have a lot to do for AGR to be its very best. It starts with each chapter and each brother striving for excellence.

chapter, but it is about all of our chapters. We learn from each other and from that we become stronger. What happens in one chapter or even to one brother can have ramifications for all chapters and brothers.

In February, I celebrated 6 years as your CEO and 38 years

One more leadership opportunity to mention is our upcoming National Convention in Sacramento, California. There will be breakout sessions, great networking opportunities and we will conduct the business of our Fraternity. We will be bringing California agriculture, which grows over 400 commodities, to you. It should be a great time to learn and share brotherhood. I hope to see you there.

Thank you to our National Leaders, Alumni Volunteers and especially our Home Office Staff for making these events happen! Now let’s see what we can do with these new ideas and skills. And so, it begins ...

Popping Through the Snack Aisle

“You’ll like it better or my name isn’t Orville Redenbacher.”

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE popcorn snack, Orville Redenbacher isn’t far from people’s minds. The quiet, broad smiling gentlemen and thick glasses all attributed to the larger personality that made Redenbacher the household name he remains today. A container of popping corn kernels and an iconic red popcorn-themed bow tie represent the lifetime work of Brother Orville Redenbacher.

An alumnus of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, Brother Redenbacher was initiated into the Delta Chapter in 1925 where he served as its Noble Ruler, before graduating in 1928. Brother Redenbacher never forgot his passion and interest in growing his own popping corn. According to the Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn website, by 1944 Orville began growing popcorn for the consumer and supermarket shelves. Along with a business partner, Redenbacher created the light and fluffy popcorn product we still enjoy today.

Because of Brother Redenbacher’s innovation, his gourmet popcorn remains the number one brand of microwavable popcorn in the United States. Recognized for his contributions to the agricultural industry, and the science and technology behind the hybrid product that still carries his name, Brother Redenbacher was inducted into the Fraternity’s Hall of Fame in 1988. So raise a bowl of Orville Redenbacher’s popping corn to our brother; popcorn that’s good to the last popped kernel.