Aimee Wertz Lutz Leads Iowa Beef Center

By Andi Anderson

Dr. Aimee Wertz-Lutz has returned to Iowa State University to serve as the new Director of the Iowa Beef Center and Extension Feedlot Specialist. With experience in both academia and the beef industry, she is ready to support Iowa cattle producers through research, outreach, and innovation.

Wertz-Lutz previously worked at South Dakota State University and held leadership roles at ADM Animal Nutrition and Devenish Nutrition. Despite not originally planning a long-term return to Iowa State, she is enthusiastic about the opportunity.

“I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for Iowa State University and the heritage of Iowa cattle production,” she said.

With a focus on ruminant nutrition, she is especially interested in how early-life nutrition affects cattle growth and performance, and how to best align genetics and nutrition to improve feedlot efficiency and carcass quality.

She also emphasizes the importance of long-term sustainability—fiscal, resource-based, and generational. “We need to support students entering animal science without a farming background and find practical, efficient ways to manage inputs and waste,” she explained.

Wertz-Lutz believes the Iowa Beef Center plays a critical role in converting vast amounts of industry data into tools that benefit producers. “We are lucky to have the land-grant system. Our role is to find solutions, share them with farmers, and demonstrate impact to consumers and policymakers,” she said.

This summer, she plans to travel across Iowa to meet cattle producers, learn from their experiences, and offer her support. “I have as much to learn as I have to offer,” she added.

Producers can contact her via email at aimeewl@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-1058.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university