2025 Midwest Rally Draws Students from Five Schools
Sam Anhalt, University of Wisconsin–Madison
The ASABE Chapter at the University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomed 50 visiting Midwest university students to Madison for three days of networking, industry/on-campus tours, and professional development!
Thursday night a welcome social was held at 7 Iron, a sports simulation establishment where attendees tried their hand at virtual golf, hockey, and dodgeball while enjoying Ian’s Pizza.
Friday was a packed day that started with industry tours in the morning. There were four different industry tour options with focuses on machinery systems, natural resources/environmental engineering, food/bioprocessing, and biology. In the afternoon, students explored the Biological Systems Engineering lab with posters and demonstrations by the department as well as tours on the on-campus Dairy Cattle Center and Wisconsin Energy Institute. To wrap up Friday night, attendees enjoyed a formal banquet and dinner overlooking Lake Mendota while listening to the inspiring words of Farm Reporter Pam Jahnke and ASABE President Doug Otto. The night was not complete without delicious Babcock ice cream for dessert!
Saturday morning began with a career fair with twelve local industry professionals. Free headshots and information about graduate school were also available. To conclude the morning, attendees heard the stories and roles of UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean Glenda Gillaspy and Biological Systems Engineering Department Chair Dr. Anita Thompson.
ASABE YPC Executive Committee Member-At-Large Rebecca Kallal also presented about continuing involvement in ASABE and licensure. At the end of the business meeting awards and the Midwest Regional Rally 2026 Host were voted on and announced among raffle winners, who participated in a fun bingo card throughout the event! For bringing the most people the furthest distance, the University of Kentucky ASABE Chapter received the Person-Mile Award. The Most Deserving Chapter was earned by the University of Kentucky ASABE Chapter for their community involvement and professional development opportunities.
In 2026, the Midwest Regional Rally will be hosted by Purdue University! We are looking forward to an amazing event next year!
A big thank you goes out to all of the individuals who worked hard to make this event possible! Thank you to the MRR Co-Chairs Ashley Butkus, Brigid Heller, and Riley O’Flanagan as well as the ASABE, UW-Madison Chapter President Sam Anhalt. Outgoing and incoming Chapter advisors Dr. Brian Luck and Dr. Matthew Digman also supported the team along the way! Thank you to all of the UW-Madison students who volunteered during the event. Without the support of sponsors we would not have been able to hold as amazing of an event, so thank you to the Knapp Bequest Committee, ASABE KEYS Fund, CNH, UW-Madison College and Agricultural and Life Sciences, FlowOne, Dungarees, LMNT, BUBBL’R, and GJE Art. Lastly, thank you to all of the visiting students, Wisconsin Section Members, BSE faculty/staff, speakers, and industry professionals for your attendance and enthusiasm!
In addition to host UW–Madison, schools participating in this year's rally were Iowa State University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, and Purdue University.