The Northern Research and Demonstration Farm in Kanawha, Iowa, Iowa State’s oldest research farm, has a new superintendent, ISU alumnus Micah Smidt.

Smidt, who graduated with a degree in agronomy in 2010, grew up near the research farm.

“I am excited to be part of the oldest outlying research farm Iowa State has,” Smidt said. “I grew up on a farm outside of Kanawha and am excited to be working so close to home and doing something I am passionate about.”

Kanawha’s research farm, which also hosts visitors annually, was first opened in 1931. Smidt is the sixth superintendent since the farm’s opening.

Smidt took over the position when the former superintendent David Rueber retired. Smidt met Rueber the summer following his senior year of high school when he first worked on the research farm before starting college in the fall.

“Trying to fill [Rueber’s] shoes won’t be an easy task, but I am confident that I will be able to jump right in and do a good job here,” Smidt said. “[Rueber] ran this farm with great accuracy and knew this farm like the back of his hand, and I am hoping, in time, I will be able to do the same. There will be some learning curves, but I am looking forward to the future.”

Smidt will have crucial responsibilities to fulfill on the farm, as well.

“My responsibilities are to manage the research farm as a farmer would manage their farm,” Smidt said. “Along with making sure the crops get planted and harvested, I will be working with researchers managing their trials. I will be overseeing all activities at the Northern Research Farm and employees, setting up field days and maintaining the farm.”

To acquire the position, Smidt interviewed through Iowa State. The skills he gained while working as a crop consultant trainee at an agriculture retail business in north central Iowa helped him get the position.

“[Smidt] has excellent current skills for today’s rapidly changing agriculture,” said Mark Honeyman, director of Iowa Research and Demonstration Farms.

Smidt also worked as an Ag Specialist at the Kanawha research farm before becoming superintendent. He began that position in February 2012, working at the farm and with farmers doing on-site research.

The on-site research with farmers is a program called Farmer Assisted Research and Management, which Smidt will be continuing with while being superintendent. He will be overseeing approximately 30 on-site research projects related to corn and soybean management.

As superintendent of the Kanawha research farm, Smidt hopes to advance the work already being done at the farm. He said he also wants to take on more important agricultural issues facing farmers in northern Iowa today.

“I think it is best to get as much good information out to the area farmers to help them make better management decisions,” Smidt said.

Overall, Smidt said he is excited to work with researchers and working with them to solve important agricultural issues.

“Life at a research farm is never boring,” Smidt said. “Every day there is something different. I always look forward to coming to work and seeing what sort of tasks there will be.”