Growing up on her family pork farm in Stanhope, Amanda Ostrem’s roots run deep in the soil – or in her case, mud.
Amanda’s childhood spent raising and showing pigs through the local 4-H club made her a natural advocate for agriculture, but it wasn’t until she became part of the Iowa Pork Producers Youth Leadership Team that she fully recognized how powerful her voice could be.
Amanda, who will graduate from DMACC’s Agribusiness Program in Spring 2025, was encouraged by a DMACC professor to compete in the Iowa Pork Congress. Winning the title involved navigating a gauntlet of tasks: personal interviews, staged media appearances, and even an extemporaneous speech.
In other words, Amanda had to prove she could think on her feet and talk passionately about pigs at a moment’s notice.
She's learned that being Pork Queen isn’t just ceremonial; it's an active, educational leadership position.
Amanda’s reign has since taken her across the state (one recent weekend, for example, she traveled from the far northwest corner of Iowa all the way to Iowa City) promoting agriculture literacy. Sometimes that looks like representing the Iowa Pork Producer's Association at a county fair booth, sometimes it's visiting elementary schools to read a book about pigs and craft with students.
"It’s about sharing stories, breaking down stereotypes, and educating people about where their food comes from,” Amanda said.
She’ll spend 100 hours of volunteer service promoting agriculture this year. But for Amanda, it’s not about clocking hours; it’s about sharing stories of farmers like her family, bridging the gap between producers and the community. All while juggling school, a part-time hosting at a restaurant in Ankeny, and being involved in other student activities like DMACC's Professional Agricultural Student organization.
In Fall 2025, Amanda will transfer to Iowa State University (with a $4,000 scholarship from the Iowa Pork Congress in tow) to study agricultural communications and international agriculture. She’s confidently entering her junior year, in pursuit of a bachelor's degree, feeling leagues ahead of her peers personally and academically, thanks to her time at DMACC.
“The professors are amazing,” Amanda said. “Everyone cares about everyone so much, and I really credit it to my advisors and my professors for being so supportive through everything.”
The learning opportunities at DMACC are never ending, Amanda added. She encourages anyone interested in studying agriculture to visit the campus, get a feel for the environment and atmosphere. For her, that first tour was the deciding factor.”
“I didn’t know DMACC has an ag program either, prior to looking into it,” Amanda said. “There’s really something for everyone here.”
Bear Trails highlights unique journeys of DMACC students, alumni, faculty, and staff, celebrating their diverse experiences and inspiring paths. Have a story idea? Contact Savannah Eadens, Public Relations & Communications Specialist, at sjeadens@dmacc.edu or 515-675-3275.