John Niemann, ’93 agribusiness graduate, was 
named the College of Agriculture Outstanding Young Alumnus. As of July 2015, Niemann is the president of Cargill Turkey at Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. Prior to stepping up as president of Cargill Turkey, Neimann as the president of Cargill Food Distribution since 2013 in Wichita. As the president of Cargill Food Distribution, Neimann broke records as he revitalized the 30-year-old division of the company.
The College of Agriculture Ag Alumni Board of Directors established the annual Outstanding Young Alumnus Award to honor living alumni who personify the College’s tradition of excellence. To be eligible for the award, alumni must have an outstanding career accomplish and not just a single event or achievement.
Niemann is a great example of an alumnus who has worked hard in his or her chosen career path. He started his career in sales and marketing in 1994 at Elanco Animal Health, where he worked to expand training programs and boost marketing offers. Niemann’s attention turned to Cargill as he joined the team in 2001.
As he moved up the ladder at Cargill, Niemann served as the Sterling Silver Brand Manager (2001), Excel Brand and Business Manager (2005), Assistant Vice President and Beef Pricing/Business Manager (2006), Vice President of North America Sales and Marketing (2007), and Vice President and General Manager of Cargill Beef at the West Coast Regional Facility in Fresno (2010).
While working for Cargill, Niemann has encouraged his co-workers to volunteer. Cargill earned awards and recognition for participating in the community through Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Ronald McDonald House and Earth Day projects.
As president of Cargill, Niemann is very busy, but he still finds time to serve his community and help K-State grow. Niemann currently chairs the College of Agriculture/K-State Research and Extension Advisory Council and represents Cargill on the National FFA Foundation’s Sponsors Board. Niemann came back to his alma mater for the spring 2015 College of Agriculture commencement as the featured speaker to inspire and motivate the recent graduating class.
