Plainfield Student Receives ISA’s Rising Star Award

January 25, 2021

Meet all the 2021 Recipients

Kollyn Lentz of Plainfield was presented the Rising Star Award by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) on Monday.

Sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America, this award and a $1,000 education stipend is presented to a high school senior or college student who takes an active role in promoting Iowa agriculture and has plans to remain involved through future personal or professional activities.

Lentz is currently pursuing a degree in ag business management at Hawkeye Community College and plans to transfer to Iowa State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in ag studies.

“I’m so honored to receive this award,” said Lentz. “I’m putting the money toward my education which is a good feeling.”

With plans to return to the family farm after graduation, Lentz attributes much of his passion for agriculture to his experiences in both FFA and 4H. He exhibits a wealth of knowledge about the soybean industry and the critical role the oilseed plays in crop rotations and fixating nitrogen.

No stranger to the importance of domestic markets for soybeans, Lentz urges the industry to advocate for greater availability and higher blends of biodiesel, referencing both its environmental benefits and support for farmers’ bottom line. The young ag enthusiast also exhibited soybeans at the county and state level and received the 2018 Iowa State Fair Reserve Champion Crop Display.

“Being able to grow up on a family farm, you see things others don’t,” said Lentz. “It’s a lot of fun but a lot of hard work. I’m looking forward to continuing that when I become farmer.”

Upon returning to the farm, Lentz plans to continue to embrace new and innovative conservation practices, including the use of cover crops and transitioning the operation to 100% no-till.

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