News

Ankeny, Iowa – The North Central Poultry Association (NCPA) honored Jo Manhart of Missouri and Scott Waldner of Minnesota as recipients of the 2025 Honorary Member Award on September 23 at the NCPA Fall Festival and Annual Meeting awards banquet in Altoona, Iowa. The Honorary Member Award is given annually in appreciation of service to the poultry and egg industry.

Jo Manhart
Jo Manhart dedicated more than 35 years to the Missouri Egg Council, where she championed egg education and outreach across the state. She introduced the “egg lady” concept from Iowa, expanded the program to 13 independent contractors, and brought egg promotion into schools, chef programs, state fairs, food shows, radio, and television. Her efforts ensured that producers’ dollars were used effectively to connect with consumers and build trust in eggs.

Scott Waldner
Scott Waldner has been a longtime advocate for poultry and egg producers in Minnesota, serving in leadership roles with the Chicken and Egg Association of Minnesota and leading the merger with the Iowa Poultry Association to form NCPA. Known for his commitment to collaboration, he has worked to strengthen partnerships between producers, researchers, and veterinarians to advance flock health, biosecurity, and consumer education.
“I’ve enjoyed my career in the poultry [industry] and met lots of people along the way,” Waldner said. “I wouldn’t change much, because it has been rewarding and I have met a lot of great people. You take the business and make it into a friendship.”