For Nesse Tuttle, a junior in animal science at Iowa State University, the path to her future in the livestock industry has been shaped by both deep roots and a willingness to try something new.
Originally from Marengo, Iowa, Nesse grew up on her family’s horse farm, where her parents breed, raise, and show between 20 and 30 horses. While horses were her first introduction to agriculture, a pivotal moment came in 2013 when she and her dad decided to step into the sheep show ring. That experience sparked something bigger.
When it came time to choose a college, Iowa State felt like the right fit from the beginning due to its proximity to home, but also the welcoming environment in the Animal Science Department that she experienced on her tours.
Nesse has made the most of that welcoming environment by diving into campus involvement. She is heavily engaged in Block and Bridle, where she currently serves as the Professional Development Co-Chair. Her leadership experience within the club is extensive, including roles as Sheep Interest Group President, Goat Interest Group Secretary, Social Chair, and Freshman-Transfer BBQ Chair. Outside of Block and Bridle, Nesse is also involved in CHAARG, a women’s fitness organization that focuses on building community through fun, weekly activities.
Her time at Iowa State has also been shaped by hands-on industry experience. Nesse’s first internship was with ABS Global, where she worked as a production intern caring for calves. That role sparked a growing interest in animal genetics. She later interned with The Maschhoffs as a production intern, where she was introduced to on-farm research, an experience that further expanded her interests and future goals.
Most recently, Nesse was selected as part of the prestigious Wentz-Griswold Scholars cohort at Iowa State. Through this opportunity, she will conduct undergraduate research in genetics at the sheep teaching farm under the guidance of Dr. Gustavo Gutiérrez. Her work will involve collecting samples, analyzing data, and ultimately presenting her findings at the conclusion of the program.
Looking ahead, Nesse plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in animal breeding and genetics, building on both her academic experiences and growing passion for research.
For students just starting their journey, she offers straightforward advice: “Get out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. Try new internships and clubs. That’s how you meet people and figure out what you like.”
With a strong foundation, diverse experiences, and a clear vision for the future, Nesse Tuttle is making her mark in animal science, one opportunity at a time.