University News

WIU Agriculture Students Earn National Honors at PAS Conference

April 14, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University School of Agriculture (Ag) celebrates the success of members of the WIU Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) organization who competed at the 2026 National PAS Conference, held March 9-12 at Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO.

The PAS is a student-led organization that helps members develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Through competitive events, members gain hands-on experience and are prepared for careers across the agriculture industry.

WIU students earned multiple top honors at the national level, including:

Laila Beck and Jayson Kuzniar were named National Cornhole Champions.
Adam Vail earned first place in Career Planning – Agricultural Education Systems and third place in Individual Prepared Speaking.
Laila Beck also placed third in Individual Agronomy Specialist.
Olivia Brodbeck earned second place in Individual Precision Agriculture.
Amanda Niemann earned first place in Career Progress – Agricultural Education Systems and third place in Agricultural Education.
Ben Wamsley placed third in Agricultural Marketing and Communication.
Jayson Kuzniar placed tenth in Individual Agronomy Specialist.
The Agronomy Team, consisting of Laila Beck, Jayson Kuzniar, and Adam Vail, placed fifth overall.
The College Bowl Team, consisting of Laila Beck, Jayson Kuzniar, Olivia Brodbeck, Adam Vail, and Ben Wamsley, placed among the top five teams.

Students representing WIU at the conference included Amanda Niemann, Olivia Brodbeck, Adam Vail, Jayson Kuzniar, Laila Beck and Ben Wamsley.

These accomplishments highlight the WIU's dedication to preparing future leaders for the agricultural industry.

To learn more about WIU's Ag programs, visit go.wiu.edu/3Qlt6g2

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