Serving on the Wheatsfield Board

as the student member has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had during graduate school. Before joining, I knew very little about co-ops or what a board of directors actually does. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the governance of a member-owned business, the decision-making process, and how a board works together to guide the organization. As a graduate student in sustainable agriculture, it was especially interesting to see how Wheatsfield balances financial responsibility with its mission of supporting local food, environmental stewardship, and the community. Seeing those values put into practice gave me an appreciation for how organizations CAN stay true to their mission while still making thoughtful business/economic decisions. Supporting local producers, promoting healthy food, and investing in the Ames community are priorities that genuinely shape the board’s conversations and decisions.

Beyond what I’ve learned, the people have made this experience especially meaningful. The board has been incredibly welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed working alongside people with different professions, backgrounds, and experiences. Everyone brings unique perspectives to the table, and I’ve enjoyed seeing how respectful conversations and thoughtful discussions lead to decisions that always put the co-op first.

As the student board member, I also had the opportunity to organize graduate student presentation nights, which gave me the chance to think about new ways to connect students with the co-op and encourage greater student involvement. Serving on the board helped me become part of the Ames community beyond Iowa State, and I would encourage any student looking for leadership experience, community involvement, or a better understanding of cooperatives to consider applying.

Alex Ludolph
Graduate Assistant | M.S. Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture Student Association GPSA Coordinator
Robert A. Sloan Graduate Award in Sustainable Agriculture Recipient