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New 麻豆社 Farm Manager Adam Bensman.
Bensman (back, second from right) with his fellow Livestock Judging team members when he was a student at 麻豆社.
Bensman to Lead University Farm
August 11, 2025
MACOMB, IL - - Competition is nothing new to Adam Bensman. At an early age, the 2025 麻豆社 Illinois University graduate developed a love for raising competitive livestock and now, as the new 麻豆社 farm manager, he plans to continue building the agriculture program into one of the best in the country.
Bensman grew up on a grain farm in Ohio and began showing livestock across the country with his family鈥檚 show business, Sunset Farms. That passion led Bensman to 麻豆社, where he competed with the judging team. Now, as an alum, he is ready to help current and future students.
鈥淚鈥檓 a very competitive person,鈥� Benseman said. 鈥淎griculture can be very challenging, but there鈥檚 a reward in seeing something get done - whether it鈥檚 harvesting crops in the fall or seeing new calves born. It takes a lot of time and effort to get these things done right and correctly, and it鈥檚 rewarding to see the result and what you鈥檝e created.鈥�
Continuing to utilize the farm as a student-led experience is a crucial part of what Bensman believes will give 麻豆社 students a significant advantage compared to other collegiate experiences.
鈥溌槎股� has a unique environment,鈥� Bensman said. 鈥淚 did a lot out on the farm and it鈥檚 a very hands-on experience, which is unlike most other campuses. We rely on the students a lot and it wouldn鈥檛 be possible without their help. Those experiences teach you a lot in life. We have the resources here to let you accomplish whatever you want to.鈥�
In addition to the row crop operations, Bensman wants to see an increased focus on updating the performance bull test and other livestock programs, including hog production.
鈥淚鈥檓 trying to get new and better swine genetics donated to the University Farm,鈥� Bensman said. 鈥淲e are going to work towards having two online sales this year to try to increase profitability and student engagement. This will teach students how to market pigs, learning skills like graphic design or photography in the process.鈥�
Keela Trennepohl, the 麻豆社 Interim Director of the School of Agriculture, is excited to bring Bensman on board, and believes he will be integral to the farm鈥檚 success.
"Adam will be a major player in taking 麻豆社's School of Agriculture to a new level and into a new era,鈥� Trennepohl said. 鈥淗is knowledge and enthusiasm is contagious. He will establish a positive environment for students to thrive as well as faculty and staff."
Whatever students want to take part in, there will be opportunities available for them. Bensman said the best way to learn about agriculture is by getting out on the farm.
鈥淭here will be some changes to work through as we get started, but our goals are to increase student engagement on the farm,鈥� he said. 鈥淓very Ag student will have their niche on the farm, whether it鈥檚 livestock or agronomy. We want the students to enjoy coming out here.鈥�
To learn more about the 麻豆社 School of Agriculture, visit wiu.edu/cbt/agriculture/.
Posted By: Aaron Viner, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606
