Speakers

Kristiana Coutu, ISU Beginning Farmer Center
Kristiana is the director of the Beginning Farmer Center and counsel for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University. Kristiana brings her passion for agriculture and experience in agricultural law and tax to provide legal analysis and educational materials for producers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Kristiana has focused her career on meeting the changing needs of agriculture, and her experience includes lending for the farm credit system, practicing as a certified public accountant, practicing law, and engaging in policy work. Kristiana is a fourth-generation farmer and understands firsthand the challenges family farms face.

Kiley Fleming, Iowa Mediation Service

 In 2015, Iowa Mediation Service hired Kiley to serve as the Executive Director. With a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, Master of Science degree in Human Resource Development, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Kiley has the expertise to design impactful conflict management and communication training. She is also well-equipped to conduct conflict resolution and mediation sessions, as she has done for the majority of her Human Resources and consulting career.

Brian Gossling, Farm Service Agency

 Brian serves as the Director for the Farm Loan Programs of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Iowa. Brian grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in northeast Iowa. He graduated from Central College with a BA in Business Management in 1991 and has over 30 years of ag lending experience.

Jennifer Harrington, ISU Center for Ag Law & Tax

 Jennifer is a Staff Attorney at ISU’s Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation. She focuses on transition planning, specifically in the areas of business entity transitions and estate planning. Prior to joining CALT, Jennifer was a partner at Buchanan, Bibler, Gabor & Meis, LLP, a county-seat practice in Kossuth County.

Dr. Chad Hart

 Chad Hart was born and raised in southwest Missouri and his parents raised a few cattle and operated a small meat locker. Chad received a B.S. in economics with minors in mathematics, history, and astronomy from Southwest Missouri State University in 1991. He received a Ph.D. in economics and statistics in 1999 from Iowa State University. His main research areas are in agricultural marketing and risk management.

Tom Halat

 Tom Halat’s passion for farming began at just 10 years old in Bartlett, Illinois, where he grew up on a small “farmette” and joined the local 4-H club. Through 4-H, he learned essential skills like leadership, public speaking, and business management while raising livestock and selling produce. Determined to turn his dream into reality, Tom rented land throughout high school to grow vegetables, corn, and soybeans, using the profits to fund his education. He earned a degree in Plant and Soil Science from Southern Illinois University in 1967, the same year he married his wife, Cheryl. In 1976, Tom and Cheryl purchased farmland in Huntley, Illinois, transforming it from a grain operation into a thriving vegetable farm and eventually into Tom’s Farm Market and Greenhouses. Over the decades, the business has flourished, expanding to include a bakery, garden center, and seasonal attractions such as the popular Fall Festival. Today, the farm is a beloved destination, celebrated for its fresh produce, community spirit, and family-centered values. Tom credits much of the farm’s success to Cheryl’s vision and dedication, even naming a memorial drive in her honor after her passing. A devoted community leader, Tom is known for his charitable contributions, supporting local organizations with donations of produce, plants, and baked goods. His commitment to quality, hard work, and giving back reflects the heart and soul of the family business he built. Now, nearly 50 years later, Tom’s Farm Market stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to farming and his community, inspiring future generations to embrace agriculture with passion and purpose.

Mitchell Halat

 Mitchell is a Program Specialist at ISU’s Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation. Mitchell grew up on his family grain farm in northern Illinois, where his family grows corn and soybeans. Growing up, he and his two sisters showed pigs on a competitive show circuit throughout Illinois, at the state fair, and national shows throughout the United States. He also was a part of FFA throughout high school. Serving as president of his chapter helped guide him to grow his confidence, build his network, and gain valuable leadership skills. In the fall of 2021, he graduated from Iowa State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications. Prior to joining CALT, Mitchell worked for Andretti Autosport, an IndyCar team, pursuing his passion for racing.

Ann Johanns, ISU Extension and Outreach

 Ann Johanns serves Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as a program specialist. She coordinates the extensive library of materials available on the Ag Decision Maker website and conducts research on emerging agricultural issues. Ann and her husband operate a grain and livestock farm in Mitchell County, Iowa.

Tammy Nebola, Iowa Finance Authority

 Tammy Nebola is a Program Specialist for the Iowa Agricultural Development Division of the Iowa Finance Authority. She started with the Division in 2008 and
manages the two loan programs, the Beginning Farmer Loan Program (Aggie Bond Program) and the Loan
Participation Program. Iowa continues to have the most active Aggie Bond program in the nation. Tammy has assisted many other states with best practices when creating or enhancing their Aggie Bond programs.
Tammy serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for the National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs.
They are an association of public and private agricultural financing entities working passionately for the promotion and financing of agricultural development.
Kristine Tidgren, ISU Center for Ag Law & Tax Kristine is an adjunct associate professor in the Agricultural Education & Studies Department and the director for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation. Kristine’s work focuses on studying and interpreting laws impacting the agricultural industry. In particular, she focuses on agricultural taxation.