Madeline Schultz
Position
- Administrator
Madeline Schultz joined the Beginning Farmer Center in October 2026. She brings 23 years of extension experience to the position including her work with farm management programs for women in agriculture, leadership growth, value-added agriculture, cooperative development, beginning farmers, business and succession planning, and mental health first aid.
In her new role as the center's administrator, Madeline focuses on increasing Iowa’s economic, environmental, and social sustainability. She develops new programs for beginning farmers and expands valuable connections to resources and opportunities that improve farm business success and enhance the quality of life in Iowa.
Madeline earned a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Iowa State University in 2007. She completed Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics and Agricultural Business in 2003.
She is the recipient of the 2019 USDA Undersecretary’s Award in the Mission Area of Research, Education, and Economics; the 2023 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents; and the 2025 NC Outstanding Project award from USDA Extension Risk Management Education. Madeline is proud of the four generations of entrepreneurial men and women in her family who were recognized with the Generations of Women in Agriculture Across America farm family legacy award in 2026. She enjoys serving the agricultural community through non-profit boards of directors including National Annie’s Project–Education for Farm Women, and Iowa Women in Agriculture.
In her new role as the center's administrator, Madeline focuses on increasing Iowa’s economic, environmental, and social sustainability. She develops new programs for beginning farmers and expands valuable connections to resources and opportunities that improve farm business success and enhance the quality of life in Iowa.
Madeline earned a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Iowa State University in 2007. She completed Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics and Agricultural Business in 2003.
She is the recipient of the 2019 USDA Undersecretary’s Award in the Mission Area of Research, Education, and Economics; the 2023 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents; and the 2025 NC Outstanding Project award from USDA Extension Risk Management Education. Madeline is proud of the four generations of entrepreneurial men and women in her family who were recognized with the Generations of Women in Agriculture Across America farm family legacy award in 2026. She enjoys serving the agricultural community through non-profit boards of directors including National Annie’s Project–Education for Farm Women, and Iowa Women in Agriculture.
Education
- M.S. Business Administration, Iowa State University
- B.S. Economics/Agricultural Business, Iowa State University