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New WIU Farm Manager Adam Bensman.
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Bensman (back, second from right) with his fellow Livestock Judging team members when he was a student at WIU.
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Bensman to Lead University Farm

August 11, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - Competition is nothing new to Adam Bensman. At an early age, the 2025 Western Illinois University School of Agriculture graduate developed a love for raising competitive livestock and now, as the new WIU farm manager, he plans to continue building the agriculture program into one of the best in the country.

Bensman grew up on a grain farm in Ohio and began showing livestock across the country with his family's show business, Sunset Farms. That passion led Bensman to WIU, where he competed with the judging team. Now, as an alum, he is ready to help current and future students.

"I'm a very competitive person," Benseman said. "Agriculture can be very challenging, but there's a reward in seeing something get done - whether it's harvesting crops in the fall or seeing new calves born. It takes a lot of time and effort to get these things done right and correctly, and it's rewarding to see the result and what you've created."

Continuing to utilize the farm as a student-led experience is a crucial part of what Bensman believes will give WIU students a significant advantage compared to other collegiate experiences.

"Western has a unique environment," Bensman said. "I did a lot out on the farm and it's a very hands-on experience, which is unlike most other campuses. We rely on the students a lot and it wouldn't be possible without their help. Those experiences teach you a lot in life. We have the resources here to let you accomplish whatever you want to."

In addition to the row crop operations, Bensman wants to see an increased focus on updating the performance bull test and other livestock programs, including hog production.

"I'm trying to get new and better swine genetics donated to the University Farm," Bensman said. "We are going to work towards having two online sales this year to try to increase profitability and student engagement. This will teach students how to market pigs, learning skills like graphic design or photography in the process."

Keela Trennepohl, the WIU Interim Director of the School of Agriculture, is excited to bring Bensman on board, and believes he will be integral to the farm's success.

"Adam will be a major player in taking WIU's School of Agriculture to a new level and into a new era," Trennepohl said. "His knowledge and enthusiasm is contagious. He will establish a positive environment for students to thrive as well as faculty and staff."

Whatever students want to take part in, there will be opportunities available for them. Bensman said the best way to learn about agriculture is by getting out on the farm.

"There will be some changes to work through as we get started, but our goals are to increase student engagement on the farm," he said. "Every Ag student will have their niche on the farm, whether it's livestock or agronomy. We want the students to enjoy coming out here."

To learn more about the WIU School of Agriculture, visit wiu.edu/cbt/agriculture/.

Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing