Recognizing the need for women-centered educational programs for farm women, Lori Mannel has spent nearly a decade offering programs of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at the local level.
Mannel, the county extension director in Greene County, was awarded the “County Professional Excellence” honor during the annual ANR professional development conference Oct. 11-12 in Ames.
The award recognizes a county professional for ANR programs and agricultural teaching, as well as outstanding Extension efforts related to the needs of agricultural clients.
Mannel was the driving force behind local offerings of women-centered programs such as “Managing for Today and Tomorrow,” “Annie’s Project” and “Women Marketing Grain.”
The programs focused on important topics women landowners are interested in, including estate planning and farm succession, business planning and retirement.
Mannel also hosts monthly Ag Coffee meetings during the winter, where the latest topics in agriculture are covered, including carbon credits, dicamba, cover crops and gardening. These events are free and well-attended.
“It’s an honor to recognize Lori Mannel for her excellence and creativity in ensuring timely agriculture and natural resources research-based programs are available for residents of Greene County” said Jamie Benning, assistant director for Agriculture and Natural Resources with ISU Extension and Outreach.
Pam Olerich, Greene County Extension council treasurer, said she appreciates Mannel’s ability to improve lives in and around the county.
“Lori is a real people person, and she has a magnetic personality,” said Olerich. “She remembers names and she brings people together with positivity; she’s a class act and we are very lucky to have her.”
Additional recipients of the County Professional Excellence Award were Ray Kruse, food systems program coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach in Dubuque County; and Sarah DeBour, director of ISU Extension and Outreach in Cerro Gordo County.
