Iowa Cattlemen’s Association names new CEO
AMES (ICA) A Jackson County native is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. Matt Deppe, who grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm near La Motte, will join the ICA on Aug. 1. Deppe’s appointment was confirmed by the ICA Board of Directors at their July meeting.
“Matt will be a great addition to the ICA. He is an Iowa boy with deep ties to the beef industry,” said ICA President Ross Havens, Wiota. “He shows great leadership potential and the ICA Board looks forward to working with Matt.”
Deppe will work with members to set program and policy direction for ICA, which is a statewide, grassroots organization comprised of 97 active county cattlemen’s associations. He will also serve as the executive director of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation, Inc.
Deppe, 34, has an extensive background in cattle production and working with cattle producers and county organizations. Deppe will be leaving the Iowa Beef Industry Council where he was the Director of Industry Relations. In that position he was charged with producer information and training on Beef Quality Assurance. Prior to that, he had worked as a county and regional Extension education director in south central Iowa.
“I’m looking forward to meeting producers across the state as together we find ways to continually strengthen the opportunities in our industry for current and future generations,” Deppe said. “Not only is Iowa a leader in cattle production, but there’s definitely room to grow the industry on several levels.”
In addition to his professional experience, Deppe brings the knowledge he gained raising Angus seedstock on the family farm, as well as two animal science degrees. He has an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, and a MS from Western Kentucky University.
Deppe and his wife Sara live in Winterset with their three children.