Celebrating agricultural excellence: 2025 Siehl Prize honors visionary leaders

Siehl Prize 2025

Current and former laureates at the Siehl Plaza

With the Forever Green Forum happening on the same day, laureates were invited on a Forever Green field tour.

Attendees had the chance to talk at the cocktail hour before the ceremony

Laureates received a granite and glass statue and a bronze pin to commemorate their induction as a Siehl Prize laureate

Blois Olson emceed the evening

Keynote by Commissioner Thom Petersen

Former Siehl Prize laureates returned to welcome the new inductees

2025 laureate Carmen Fernholz received a standing ovation after his acceptance speech and poem, "Stone Picking."

Michael and Geoff Graham receiving congratulations from Regent Doug Huebsch

Both Graham brothers noted that they wouldn't be where they are today without the support from their wives

Beverly Wyse accepted the award in place of her late husband, Dr. Donald L. Wyse. Her remarks brought tears to peoples' eyes and received a standing ovation.

The evening closed with a reception for the laureates and invited guests with a few remarks from the Executive Director of the Bell Holly Menninger and Regent Doug Huebsch

The 2025 laureates with Regent Huebsch and Dean Buhr

On the evening of May 28, the Bell Museum was aglow with celebration as the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) hosted the 2025 Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture ceremony. The event honored four extraordinary laureates whose work has transformed agriculture across Minnesota and the globe.

This year’s laureates included Carmen Fernholz (Production Agriculture), brothers Michael and Geoffrey Graham (Agribusiness), and the late Donald Wyse (Knowledge). Each was recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to sustainable farming, global plant breeding, and agricultural innovation.

Fernholz, a pioneer in organic farming since the 1970s, was celebrated for his lifelong commitment to soil health, water quality, and mentoring the next generation of farmers. The Graham brothers, leaders at Bayer Crop Science and Corteva Agriscience respectively, were honored for their global impact on plant genetics and breeding, helping farmers worldwide through science and innovation. Wyse, a beloved professor at the University of Minnesota, was recognized posthumously for his visionary work in sustainable agriculture and his leadership of the Forever Green Initiative.

The evening was emceed by Blois Olson, Founder and CEO of Fluence Media, who brought warmth and energy to the celebration. Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen delivered a heartfelt keynote address, emphasizing the importance of innovation and community in agriculture. CFANS Dean Brian Buhr and University of Minnesota Regent Doug Huebsch presented the awards.

A particularly moving moment came when Beverly Wyse, wife of the late Don Wyse, accepted the award on his behalf. Her touching stories of Don’s passion for his work and his deep love for his colleagues and students brought both laughter and tears to the audience. Her remarks received a standing ovation, a testament to the profound impact Don had on the agricultural community.

The Siehl Prize, established through the generosity of philanthropist Eldon Siehl, continues to shine a light on those who feed the world and foster sustainable futures. The 2025 ceremony was not only a celebration of achievement but also a reminder of the power of dedication, innovation, and heart in shaping the future of agriculture.