Equine Science and Management Alumna Receives International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) Young Leaders Under 30 Award

Pauline Lutz ’15, an equine science and management alumna and agribusiness specialist at Mountaire Farms, was recently named to the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) Young Leaders Under 30.

The International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) is the world’s largest annual poultry, meat, and animal food industry event of its kind. A wide range of international decision-makers attend this annual event to network and become informed on the latest technological developments and issues facing the industry. The goal of the IPPE’s Young Leaders Under 30 Program is to invest in and engage young professionals who work for companies directly involved in the production and processing of poultry and meat or the production of animal food and pet food products.

Lutz graduated during the transition of Delaware Valley College to Delaware Valley University and is a second-generation DelVal student. While a student at DelVal, Lutz worked at DelVal’s breeding center and took an internship with the prestigious Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center. These experiences helped her to translate classroom knowledge into industry knowledge. As a result, when she went to apply for the management training program at Mountaire Farms, she was selected for the job because the company recognized her passion for animal care and previous employers praised her work ethic.

Now, when Lutz gives presentations to colleagues and directors, she thinks back to her speech class at DelVal, which helped give her confidence to speak in front of groups.

“I think DelVal students do great after graduation because of their well-rounded education and unique, hands-on experiences in the field. This combined with drive and determination provides a strong foundation to be successful in agriculture,” said Lutz.

As Senior Grain Merchandising Manager – Pricing & Risk, Lutz manages the price risk associated with the physical positions of several commodities. She is responsible for hedge effectiveness of all physical positions, creating structured financial products for farmer contracts, creating models for projecting cost out forward for corn and soybean meal, and communicating grain and soybean complex fundamental analysis to Agri-Business and Mountaire leadership.

In her “Young Leaders under 30” interview, she answered the question, “Where do you think the industry is going in five years and what's an issue that we might be facing?”

In Lutz’s answer, she explained that trade schools are something that we need to invest in to give people beneficial experience in working in facilities. Electricians, plumbers, and facility workers are important in her field, and the skills associated with these roles are highly coveted.

Lutz pokes fun at the fact that she majored in Equine Science and now works in the poultry industry, but also alludes that DelVal graduates are multifaceted and can apply their knowledge and skills to any position in any industry.

“My career began with grueling barn work and delivering horses. Fast forward seven years and now I work with vice presidents and directors who recognize the assets I bring to the table,” said Lutz. “Everything that the DelVal education offered me has helped me to progress in my career and I will always be grateful for that.”

Congratulations to Pauline on such a huge accomplishment! We wish you the best on all of your future endeavors.