2026 Speakers
Dr. Matt Brewer
Matt Brewer DVM, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology) is an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. At ISU, he leads the diagnostic service that identifies parasites in specimens submitted by veterinarians. He also heads a basic research laboratory which is focused on treatment and prevention of parasitic diseases.
Matt Spangler
Matt Spangler grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Kansas. He received degrees from Kansas State University (BS), Iowa State University (MS), and the University of Georgia (PhD) and is currently a Professor of Animal Genetics and Extension Beef Genetics Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). His research work focuses on quantitative genetics and genomics in livestock. As part of this effort he works closely with livestock industries, in particular beef, to implement improved genetic selection tools and methods.
Cassandra D Fish
Ms. Fish is a leading consultant and market intelligence provider to the beef packing and cattle feeding industry. Ms. Fish also co-owns the on-line wholesale beef pricing analytics company, Boxed Beef 4-Ward LLC, that serves the packing industry. Ms. Fish’s career in the beef industry spans almost four decades, including six years with Tyson Fresh Meats as Senior Director of Risk Management. Ms. Fish was at Tyson during the most challenging period in packing industry history as capacity significantly out stripped supply which resulted in plant closings. She is considered an authority on the economic dynamics in the packing, feeding and overall beef industry, specifically relating to key issues like industry capacity utilization, margins, cattle procurement, cattle and beef contracting and production forecasts.
Rob Wonderlich
Rob was a former dairy farmer for 33 years and served 12 years as an officer on the DFA corporate board. He has also been active with the National Council of Farm Cooperatives Government Committee, Keokuk County Expo Board, and Iowa State Dairy Board of Directors. Rob operates Hillview Farm; a century farm located in southeast Iowa. He specializes in raising Rubia Gallega cattle, a Spanish beef breed known for its rich and complex flavor. Rob is dedicated to developing a purebred Rubia Gallega herd and also cross-breeds them with other cattle to produce high-quality beef. His focus is on providing farm-to-table meat and educating the public about this unique breed.
In addition to his work with cattle, Rob is also a row crop farmer, growing corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. His commitment to sustainable farming practices and high-quality meat production is evident in his dedication to both livestock and crops. Rob's passion for agriculture and education makes Hillview Farm a standout in the community.
Doug Ruth
Country Roads Meat Market is a leading butcher shop located in Centerville, IA, and serving Appanoose County and the surrounding areas. Established in 2023, we specialize in providing high-quality local fresh meats, including brats, hamburgers, meat sticks, organic chicken, steaks, summer sausages, and more. Our butcher shop offers top-notch services such as cow processing, deer processing, lamb processing, pig processing, and meat processing. You can trust us for all your meat needs, whether it's for everyday enjoyment or special occasions. Visit our official Meat Locker for a wide selection of premium meats, or bring in your deer for expert processing. Country Roads Meat Market—your trusted destination for delicious meat products and exceptional service.
Paul Martin
Paul Martin is a native of Wapello county. After high school he migrated to eastern Iowa and then to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, earning degrees in Farm Management and Agribusiness Economics. After more than three decades as a professor of agriculture at Muscatine Community College and early retirement, he fulfilled a promise made in the 1990’s and entered retail ag as an agronomist. Joining ISU Extension in August 2024, Martin is the Southeast Iowa Farm and Agribusiness Management specialist for a 12-county area. While at MCC he was instrumental in placing students on beef operations from Florida to Idaho, the majority in the Sandhills of Nebraska.