2024 TopSoil® Summit Speakers & Panelists

Meet the Ethanol & Beyond Panel

Astri Martin, focuses on renewable energy, transportation, and scale up. She serves as the Senior Manager of Strategy and Operations for Southwest Airlines Renewable Ventures (SARV), a corporate investment fund focused on scaling low carbon fuels for the transportation sector, and SAFFiRE Renewables, a start-up focused on enabling efficient production of renewable ethanol from agricultural residue that can be converted to SAF. Astri previously worked on the Corporate Strategy Team at Southwest Airlines where she helped align business objectives with strategic initiatives. Prior to that, Astri was a Consultant at Deloitte Consulting where she developed and implemented growth strategies for diverse clientele. Astri holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Texas.

Tom Edwards, Grain Origination Specialist at Siouxland Energy Cooperative, has deep roots in the agriculture industry, originating from Northwest Iowa. Tom started working at his family’s grain elevator, a business he continues to manage with his brothers. After college, he advanced his career in Albert City, Iowa, focusing on grain origination and marketing. Since 2017, Tom has been with Siouxland Energy Cooperative, where he oversees corn origination for the 60 million-gallon ethanol plant. His efforts have been pivotal in implementing a Cogeneration system and integrating White Fox technology, with a strong emphasis on achieving low carbon intensity scores for Siouxland Energy.

Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), has dedicated 25 years to advancing the biofuels industry. Leading IRFA since 2005, Monte oversees management, policy, political agenda, and trade efforts, working alongside a dedicated team to foster the growth of renewable fuels.

Prior to this role, Monte was the Director of Communications for the Renewable Fuels Association in Washington, DC. His career began in political campaigns and official offices, supporting figures such as Steve Forbes, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, and U.S. Senator Charles Grassley. Raised on a corn and soybean farm near Shenandoah, Iowa, Monte continues to assist with the family harvest. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Simpson College.

Meet Paul Nees

Paul Nees, VP of Global Supply and Trading at Chevron Renewable Energy Group, brings over 20 years of expertise in commodity trading and logistics. Paul oversees teams responsible for international renewable feedstock origination and trading, as well as biodiesel and renewable diesel trading and risk management. His team also manages terminal infrastructure and logistics to support the business unit.

Before his current role, Paul held various positions in feedstock trading, chemicals purchasing, co-product trading, and supply chain optimization within the company. Prior to joining Chevron Renewable Energy Group, he worked for CHS Inc., AGP, and West Central Cooperative in commodity trading and risk management roles.

Paul serves on the board of directors for the American Fats and Oils Association and the Executive Committee of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. He is also a member of the Iowa State University Executive MBA Advisory Council. His past roles include Chairperson of the City of Gilbert Parks & Rec Commission and board member of United Way of Story County. Paul holds a BS in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University.

Meet the 45Z Value Partner Panel

Dana Jackson, a tax partner at RSM with over 17 years of experience, serves as the National Leader for the Federal Credits and Incentives practice. Her expertise lies in advising on a range of issues stemming from the research and development (R&D) tax credit, energy credits, and other related tax incentives, including those within the Inflation Reduction Act. Dana specializes in performing tax credit studies for industries such as manufacturing, food processing, energy, and renewable fuels. Noteworthy is her role in pioneering the availability and maximization of various federal tax credits for renewable fuel producers.

Dane Braun, the VP of Product at Bushel Farm, is dedicated to expanding the platform’s footprint and providing farmers with real-time profitability insights. With a master’s degree in agribusiness and applied economics from North Dakota State University, Dane brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Previously serving as an Agricultural Strategist for North Dakota Farmers Union, Dane collaborated with state policymakers and cooperatives to drive positive change within the agriculture industry.

Paige Hilbrands, CPA, Head of Business Development, originates from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Dordt University. With three years of experience in public accounting before joining Mickelson & Company, Paige focuses on supporting the monetization of renewable energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Her expertise spans Section 48 Investment Tax Credits and Section 45 Production Tax Credits, including 45Z.

Mark Heckman, Strategic Development Director at U.S. Biofuels within EcoEngineers, brings 32 years of experience to his multifaceted roles. Managing the family farm partnership alongside his strategic endeavors, Mark’s focus on sustainability yields single-digit a Carbon Intensity Score for his farm. Actively engaged with state and federal trade and policy associations, including his role as Treasurer for the Global Farmer Network, Mark advocates sustainable farming practices on a global scale.

Meet the Farmer Panel

Ryan Oberman, based in eastern Iowa, MTM Carriers, a fifth-generation family enterprise founded in 1989, manages 1,200 acres of row crops and operates three sow farms, totaling 3,900 sows. Specializing in corn and soybeans, the farm implements sustainable practices such as utilizing hog manure, cover crops, and no-till farming techniques. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 30 employees, their vertical integration with Triumph Foods in St. Joseph, MO, has been pivotal to their success in the packing industry.

Brandon Hunnicutt, representing District 3 for the Nebraska Corn Board, is a fifth-generation farmer from Giltner Nebraska. With a degree in agricultural business from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Brandon integrates cutting-edge technologies into his operation, striving for sustainable farming practices. As a leader in various agricultural organizations, including the National Corn Growers Association and Field to Market, he works to secure future opportunities for generations to come.

Kevin Reed, a sixth-generation farmer based in Washington, Iowa, was one of the first pioneers of sustainable agriculture practices like no-till farming with over 60 years of experience on their current farm alongside his dad and brothers. Their rich history of success includes winning the Iowa Corn Grower’s first-year no-till 1982 yield contest, embodying a commitment to soil health and family legacy while advocating for sustainable farming practices.

Kelly Garrett, a farmer from Arion, Iowa, leads a renowned no-tillage operation spanning 7,000 acres in western Iowa. Recognized for top-yield honors and environmental stewardship, he co-founded XtremeAg to foster innovation and promote regenerative agriculture nationwide.