Tamara Deal was recognized for her impact on agriculture at the ninth annual Women in Ag Leadership Conference, which was held in Ames Dec. 3-4.
From the Iowa State University and Outreach | Special to the Times Vedette
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program recognized four Iowa agricultural leaders during the ninth annual Women in Ag Leadership Conference, which was held in Ames Dec. 3-4.
The “Women Impacting Agriculture” recognition honors and celebrates those who drive positive change in Iowa by enhancing economic resiliency and stability, conserving natural resources and serving as influential agricultural leaders, family members and community volunteers.
Nominated by coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members, honorees are selected from a competitive pool of submissions. This year’s recipients were chosen for their exceptional impact, leadership and unwavering commitment to Iowa agriculture.
“These honorees represent the strength and vision that drive Iowa agriculture forward,” said Madeline Schultz, Women in Ag program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Their leadership and commitment inspire others to innovate, collaborate and build resilient rural communities.”
The 2025 honorees include Tamara Deal, as well as Darcy Maulsby, Natalie Paino and Loretta Reimers.
Tamara Deal
Tamara Deal brings heart, heritage, and forward-thinking innovation to everything she does in Iowa agriculture. As president of Deal Family Farms LLC, Deal Inc., and Fair Deal Hog Farm, she carries on her family’s 135-year legacy of farming in Guthrie and Greene Counties while paving the way for a more resilient future. Managing more than 1,100 acres, Deal handles grain marketing, leasing and long-term farm strategy, working alongside a team of younger farmers and mentoring her nephew as he prepares to join the next generation of leadership.
Deal’s commitment to sustainability is deeply personal. On her land, she has implemented no-till, cover crops, and diverse crop rotations — combining traditional stewardship with modern science to protect Iowa’s soil and water. Her partnerships with Practical Farmers of Iowa, the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, and programs such as CRP andEQIP have helped expand her farm’s conservation footprint while improving profitability. She believes in leading by example and frequently opens doors for others — especially women landowners — by hosting conservation luncheons that bring people together to share ideas, build relationships, and drive collaborative action to strengthen the Raccoon River Watershed.
A graduate of Iowa State University with degrees in psychology and management information systems, Deal blends business sense with empathy and community insight. She collaborates with ISU researchers on sustainability and water quality projects funded by the Iowa Water Center and NOAA, turning research into real-world results. Recognized as a Sustainability Ambassador with the Women, Food, and Agriculture Network, she connects scientific progress with grassroots leadership.
Beyond her farm, Deal’s dedication extends deeply into her community. She leads the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Guthrie County, serves as president of the Guthrie County Community Foundation, and volunteers through her church and local nonprofits.
Deal embodies what it means to be a visionary in modern agriculture — grounded in tradition, guided by purpose, and driven by a genuine desire to make rural Iowa thrive for generations to come.