Dan Schmitt inducted into NICC Hall of Fame October 3

Livestock ration nutrition and agricultural careers focusing on customer service and the needs of local farmers are a tradition in the Schmitt family.

Dan Schmitt’s interest in livestock ration nutrition was fueled at an early age by observing his father, Fidelis Schmitt, and his pioneering work in mixed feed science for Union Produce. Schmitt’s career goals led him to the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Calmar campus, where he graduated from the Agri-Business program in 1979. The alumnus is now a professional beef consultant for Innovative AG Services and has devoted his knowledge, customer service and consultation to beef industry clients for more than 35 years.

To celebrate and recognize his many honors, volunteer service and community achievements, NICC inducted Schmitt, who grew up in Ossian and moved to Waukon in 1985,  into the College’s Alumni Hall of Fame October 3.

“My dad worked in the feed department as a grain and feed milling manager, making recommendations and mixing custom animal feed for farmers. He was a real pioneer in this field, and it was an awesome experience learning from him,” recalled Schmitt. “I was amazed how you could formulate the right mix for animal rations, and the College was local and an opportunity for me to start my own career. After starting with feed for swine, and then dairy, I am now working extensively in the beef industry.”

At Innovative AG Services, Schmitt’s clientele is made up of cow/calf operators and feed lot managers. During long days that begin shortly after dawn and stretch into the evening, Schmitt makes prospect calls, checks on customers to address any needs they have, does ration formulation mixes with computers and conducts walk-throughs of feed lots for clients.

“As a prospective Agri-Business student, it was the on-the-job training and internships that brought me to the College and built the foundation for my future career,” explained Schmitt, whose internships included working at Art’s Milling, Monona Coop and Union Produce. “These were great learning experiences, and the employers really wanted to help us learn as students. I developed my skills and knowledge of animal feed formulation and nutrition.”

Schmitt takes an active role in the beef industry to support producers and lend his advocacy for the profession, including 20 years as a member and officer for the Allamakee Cattlemen’s Association. The alumnus is also one of the founding members of the NICC Beef Science Technology Advisory Board that provided insight into curriculum development and design for the new Beef Education Facility. He believes the future of the farming industry relies on the education, training and encouragement of younger generations to begin careers in agriculture.

“I’m a huge beef advocate, and I am a driver of the industry. We need young people in the industry, and we need to keep their interest. This takes a team of people - colleges, agribusinesses and leaders - and not every year is going to be a good year. It’s important to create a good environment for young people and to give them the tools they need to prepare them for their careers,” Schmitt expressed.

Schmitt is the son of the late Fidelis Schmitt and Pearl Schmitt of Ossian, and he has two sisters, Carol Lutkenhaus of Decorah and Connie Landa of Little Turkey. Schmitt and his wife, Brenda, have two sons, Cody and Dylan; and he also has one stepson and one stepdaughter, Reggie and Robin; six grandchildren and one great-stepgrandchild. During summers, the family enjoys horseback riding, city league baseball and bull riding events.

For more information on the College’s Foundation and ways to contribute to NICC, contact Julie Wurtzel, executive director of Advancement, at 800-728-2256, ext. 218; Barbara O’Hea, director of the Foundation at 800-728-7367, ext. 284; or visit www.nicc.edu/foundation.