Staff Spotlight

Charlie Hurburgh has spent his entire career helping the grain industry improve. In 46 years at Iowa State University – he’s seen a lot of change in the areas of grain handling capacity, increased automation and government regulation.

But his favorite part of his career is still the same: “Solving clients’ problems and being part of the thought process that leads to significant improvements.”

Along with managing the Grain Quality Initiative at Iowa State University, he serves on USDA’s Grain Inspection Advisory Committee, addressing grain export issues. He also owns a 1,400-acre farm in Calhoun County operated as a share-lease agreement.

He credits the late Wes Buchele, professor emeritus in agricultural engineering at Iowa State, for recruiting him to graduate school – which led to his lifetime career.

“At a university — you are basically an independent contractor," said Hurburgh. "You have a great deal of freedom in choosing what you do and with whom, and I chose the grain and grain processing industry."

One of his career highlights is the Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, which opened in 2023 and provides commercial milling, as well as educational opportunities for students.

ANR Staff Directory

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Brent Pringnitz

515-294-9487

bpring@iastate.edu

Communications

Alex Bartholomew 515-294-3537 abart@iastate.edu	Chris Kick ckick@iastate.edu	Traci Knight 515-294-4501 tknight@iastate.edu	Ron Nelson 515-294-3582 ronelson@iastate.edu
Micki Nelson 515-294-1651 micki@iastate.edu

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Jamie Benning

Jay Harmon

Julie Roberts

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Brent Pringnitz

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Alex Bartholomew

Chris Kick

Traci Knight

Ron Nelson

Micki Nelson

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