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During the CAFES Prexy Council Ag Week Banquet April 15 at �ձ�av��Ƶ, students, faculty, staff, alums and friends of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences were honored with awards recognizing their hard work and dedication to the agriculture industry.

“On behalf of Prexy Council, we are grateful for all of the students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters who made this year’s Ag Week Banquet such a success,” said Gabi Joos, the 2026 CAFES Prexy Council Ag Week chair. “It was incredible to see our community gathered together, celebrating the traditions, connections and future of agriculture.”

The annual event has long recognized students and faculty, but new this year were awards for alumni, a friend of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, along with the addition of a long-standing staff award generally presented in the fall. Nominations for each award were collected by the CAFES Prexy Council, a group made up of representatives from other student organizations within the college, earlier this spring. Each award had its own committee comprised of students, faculty and staff who evaluated all nominations based on criteria specific to each award.

Lisa Roker – Walt McCarty Advising Award

Lisa Roker, an advisor from the Department of Animal Science, is this year’s winner of the Walt McCarty Advising Award in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Described by her nominator as someone who “makes a lasting difference, invests in students not only as advisees, but as individuals and is dedicated to their department,” Roker’s professionalism, integrity and friendly demeanor were also noted in her nomination.

This prestigious award is given to recognize outstanding undergraduate academic advisors in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. It is made possible by David B. Anderson as a tribute to his former academic advisor, J. Walters McCarty, an �ձ�av��Ƶ professor of animal and range sciences for more than 40 years. This award has long been given in the fall of each year, and this is the first time it is being awarded as part of the Ag Week Banquet.

Distinguished Alumni Award

This is a new award developed to recognize college alumni who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in their professional careers in the agriculture, food or environmental science fields. The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to alumni who have graduated more than 15 years ago. This year, two alums received this inaugural honor.

Joel DeRouchey, Ph.D.

Joel DeRouchey received his bachelor’s degree from the Department of Animal and Range Sciences before going on to complete master’s and doctoral degrees at Kansas State University. He is currently a full professor and state animal science Extension program leader at Kansas State, along with being the co-founder and co-owner of Primo Feeds. He is an internationally recognized leader in the swine industry and was integral to the development of the swine program at �ձ�av��Ƶ. While he was on campus, he was part of the reserve national champion Livestock Judging Team and Little “I” manager, among other activities.

Lloyd Metzger, Ph.D.

Lloyd Metzger received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Department of Dairy and Food Science before completing his Ph.D. at Cornell University. He returned to the department as a faculty member, serving in roles such as the Alfred Chair of Dairy Education, director of the Midwest Dairy Food Research Committee and coach of the Dairy Products Judging Team. Metzger is currently the vice president of quality and technical services at Valley Queen Cheese and remains involved with the department.

Valley Queen Cheese – Friend of CAFES

A new award in 2026, the Friend of CAFES Award, is given to a non-alumnus who has provided exceptional support to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The recipient can be an individual, business, organization, stakeholder or group of stakeholders. The inaugural winner of Friend of CAFES was Valley Queen Cheese, a fitting first “friend” of the college given that Alfred Dairy Science Hall is named for Valley Queen’s two founders, Alfred Nef and Alfred Gonzenbach.

An annual staple at the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Career Fair, Valley Queen hires a number of the college’s graduates, plays an integral role at the annual Dairy Drive football game and supports student scholarships and clubs, faculty research and facility improvements.

Phil Urso – Teacher of the Year

Phil Urso, assistant professor in bison studies in the Department of Animal Science, was named the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Teacher of the Year. Urso was described as someone who “consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to student success and challenges us to think critically and push ourselves academically.” Another student said, “I wholeheartedly believe there is no other professor as dedicated to their profession.”

For this annual award, students and student organizations within the college are invited to nominate a professor they feel has gone above and beyond their duties as an educator. A committee of students and faculty then review the nominations before making their selection.

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow – Club of the Year

Each club in the college is invited to submit an award for Club of the Year. The recipient of the annual award has exhibited outstanding leadership, membership development and community service. This year’s winner, the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, attended Ag Day at the Capitol, hosted an industry professional panel, participated in national professional development events and led local community service efforts in addition to many other club activities. The club has also increased their membership by 300% in the last year. Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow is advised by Karen D. Stuck Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communication Erica Summerfield.

Bev Cassady – Club Adviser of the Year

Bev Cassady, is this year’s winner of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences' Club Adviser of the Year award for her work with the Pre Vet Club, “consistently prioritizes student involvement ... while bringing enthusiasm and encouragement to every interaction.” Cassady, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, creates a number of hands-on learning and career development opportunities for students, is regarded as a supportive mentor, advocate and inspiring leader to students in the club.

This award is given annually to a student organization adviser that goes above and beyond in their adviser role in regard to the quality of the club’s activities, contributions to students’ personal and professional development and their professionalism.

Outstanding Student Awards

Previously only given to Outstanding Seniors, this year the CAFES Prexy Council awarded Outstanding Student Awards to students in every class who excelled both in the classroom and through their extra-curricular involvement.

Outstanding Seniors

Hayley Daubert

Hayley Daubert, originally from Dayton, Virginia, will graduate in May with a degree in dairy manufacturing and minors in biology, food safety and health science. Daubert’s campus involvement has included holding multiple positions within the Dairy Club, competing on the Dairy Products Judging Team and coaching the Dairy Quiz Bowl Team, among many other activities.

Abigail Morse

Abigail Morse, originally from Madison, will graduate in May with a degree in animal science and minors in agriculture business and agribusiness marketing while graduating with honors distinction from the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College. Morse’s campus involvement includes being the current president of Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club, multiple positions within Little International, Swine Club, Alpha Zeta, Animal Science Ambassadors and participating in undergraduate research.

Emma Bilka – Outstanding Junior

Emma Bilka, originally from Crofton, Nebraska is pursuing a degree in agricultural education. Her campus involvement includes Collegiate FFA/Ag Ed Club secretary, Collegiate Farmer’s Union, Horticulture Club, Choralia Women’s Choir and being a CAFES Ambassador. She is also the assistant career development events coordinator for South Dakota FFA in addition to being an FFA American Degree holder.

Bryce Haubenschild – Outstanding Sophomore

Bryce Haubenschild, originally from Princetown, Minnesota, is pursuing a double major in agricultural systems technology and precision agriculture. His current campus involvement includes Prexy Council treasurer, Alpha Gamma Rho finance chair, Ducks Unlimited secretary, Little International equipment superintendent, CAFES Ambassadors and being a member of State A Thon.

Cortney Copeland – Outstanding Freshman

Cortney Copeland, originally from Lewiston, Ohio, is pursuing a degree in agricultural education with minors in animal science and digital and social media. Her campus involvement includes the Ag Ed Club, being a Teach Ag Ambassador, Little International, Sigma Alpha and the �ձ�av��Ƶ Wool Judging Team.

Kylie Mockler – CAFES Advocate

The CAFES Advocate is the only position voted on by the entire student body on the Prexy Council. Student organizations can nominate candidates who are then voted on during the Students’ Association general election. They then serve a one-year term, playing an important role in representing and advocating for both College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences students and the college as a whole. 

The CAFES Advocate for the coming year is Kylie Mockler, originally from Beresford and nominated by Little International. Mockler is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, communication and leadership with specializations in communication and leadership and a minor in animal science. During her term, she hopes to improve student engagement with industry professionals and empower students to take on leadership roles.

More information about the and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences can be found on their respective websites.