Growing Beef Newsletter
July 2025, Volume 16, Issue 1
It's July and I'm here!
Aimee Wertz-Lutz, IBC director
We made it to the 4th of July! This date seemed so far in the future when I accepted the position as Director of the Iowa Beef Center in March, and now I have made it to my July 1 start date.
As a brief introduction, my name is Aimee Lutz. I grew up on a grain and livestock farm in central Illinois. I did my undergraduate training in agriculture and my graduate training in ruminant nutrition. Since completing my education, I've worked in a variety of roles in academia and industry, most recently as a ruminant nutritionist providing technical leadership and formulation services for a feed company.
My husband Trevor, daughter Karagin, and I are starting to settle into our new home in Huxley. Being back on the ISU campus after 20-plus years brought back a flood of good memories, and reconnecting with previous friends and mentors has been a highlight of my first week.
In addition to getting my keys, faculty ID and parking pass during my first week, I have had some fruitful discussions with other animal science faculty about applied research projects, short course programming for experienced producers and allied industry partners, and potential courses for graduate and undergraduate students to gain skills needed for success as they start their careers.
I am excited to get started in my new role. My plan this summer is to connect with the Beef Extension Specialists, Iowa Beef Center staff, ISU Extension leadership, and producers and allied industry partners in the state. My goal is to gain a greater understanding of the role each plays and the value they bring to the beef industry in Iowa.
In the remaining weeks of summer, my efforts will be directed to visiting different regions of the state to participate in ongoing Iowa Beef Center programs, learn about existing research facilities, and meet beef producers. With cattle markets continuously evolving and management practices changing to adapt to the market, changes in the genetic makeup of cattle entering the feedlots, and the next health challenge always on the horizon, there are plenty of opportunities to develop new technology to improve cattle production.
I am excited to work with a team of individuals that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table in a state with a strong heritage in the beef cattle industry. The path ahead will have some uphill parts, probably some obstacles, maybe even a pothole or two, but I am confident the diverse strengths of the Iowa Beef Center team will bring value and solutions to the Iowa beef industry which contributes so greatly to Iowa agriculture and food security. I genuinely look forward to this coming year and the exciting Extension, research and teaching opportunities that are to come.
This monthly newsletter is free and provides timely information on topics that matter most to Iowa beef producers. You’re welcome to use information and articles from the newsletter - simply credit Iowa Beef Center.
