63 years ago, Eugene and Mary Sukup founded Sukup Manufacturing Co. after developing new Stirway technology to prevent spoilage in large grain bins. Today, their lifetime legacy of helping others has grown into the world's largest family-owned manufacturer of grain storage, drying, and handling equipment.

This remarkable achievement is tied to Sukup's core values of Faith, Family, and Innovation. Steve Sukup, CEO of Sukup Manufacturing Co., once shared that "Innovation is part of our identity at Sukup and for excellent customer service and continuous improvement."

In February, students in the Start Something CALS Change Maker Academy participated in Sukup Innovation during the 2026 Student Impact Project Competition. On February 12, the project kicked off in the Sukup Innovation Center, located near the Iowa State University Research Park. There, students listened to Renee Hansen, External Relations Manager, share the history and core values of Sukup Manufacturing Co. Following the presentation, the 12 students were divided into three teams. They were then challenged to develop a new innovative product idea for Sukup Manufacturing Co. using their existing steel materials. Teams were given exactly three weeks to brainstorm and prepare a presentation describing their innovative idea.

On March 3, teams gathered in the Launch Pad of the Student Innovation Center to pitch their product recommendation to a live judging panel. The judges on the panel included Renee Hansen, External Relations Manager at Sukup Manufacturing Co.; Nadine Wreghitt, Vice President of Operations at Ramco; David Sly, Director of Start Something in the College of Engineering; and Mike Upah, Director of Ames Seed Capital. 

Team 1, titled “Sukup Raised Garden Beds,” was the first to present their idea to the panel. They shared their strategy for using Sukup’s rust-resistant corrugated steel to create aesthetically pleasing raised flower or garden beds. Their target market would include agricultural fairs, residential areas, and public businesses. 

Team 2, titled “Steelin' the Show,” introduced a product called the “Sukup Shaker,” a more durable version of the existing plastic rattle paddle used for safe livestock handling. Based on prototype diagrams, the “Sukup Shaker” would primarily consist of Sukup’s scrap steel, thereby minimizing manufacturing costs. Their target market would include livestock producers, auction centers, or exhibitions.

Team 3, titled “Sukup Livestock” wrapped up the event with their presentation describing how Sukup Manufacturing Co. should diversify its product line into the livestock sector of the agricultural industry. Based on the key takeaways of an industry SWOT analysis, they shared that it would be most advantageous to manufacture high-quality equipment for storing or delivering feed to livestock. This could include bulk bins, creep feeders, or automatic feeding systems used in commercial livestock production. 

After careful deliberation, the judging panel awarded Team 2, “Steelin’ the Show,” first place award recognition for their product idea, the “Sukup Shaker.” In addition, each winning team member received a $250 scholarship provided by the Underwood Family Foundation. The 2026 Sukup Impact Project was an incredibly valuable experience for all the students who participated.  As “Steelin’ the Show” team member Chelsea Holland described, “ The Sukup Impact Project allowed me to expand my knowledge of the livestock industry, Sukup as a company, and strengthen my innovative mindset.”

The Start Something CALS program at Iowa State would like to express its sincere gratitude to Sukup Manufacturing Co. for its partnership to make this event possible. A special thank you to Renee Hansen for hosting students at the Sukup Innovation Center and for serving on the judging panel. Thank you to the fellow panelists Nadine Wreghitt, Dave Sly, and Mike Upah for their time and thoughtful evaluation. Events like this offer students tremendous opportunities to sharpen their brainstorming skills, strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset, and enhance their public speaking skills.