Gooders receive ISU Horticulture Award

CRESCO - Mike and Rachel Gooder, owners of Plantpeddler Inc. of Cresco, Iowa, received the 2023 “Iowa State University Outstanding Horticulture Alumni of the Year” award, during the Annual Alumni banquet held on Thursday evening, April 6, 2023. 

The Gooder’s were honored to accept the award and sincerely appreciated the recognition from their alma mater, ISU. 

Mike’s first words to the team at Plantpeddler were, “Pretty humbling, thanks to all of you, to help us live this dream.” That is how they roll, always grateful and not just for their employees, but everyone who has helped them build the business and life in Horticulture. 

 A few special co-horts from ISU had these words to say, “Mike and Rachel serve as shining examples of people who got their start at ISU and, from those roots, they’ve grown and nurtured an amazing family business. Successful businesspeople, strong supporters of our industry and now are giving back . . . helping others do the same. 

“All of us are called upon to help the next generation, and Mike and Rachel embody that spirit of giving back. We proudly point to them as foundational members of the greater ISU Horticulture family.” Dr. Jeffery K. Iles, Professor and Chair, Department of Horticulture.

Dr. Christopher J. Currey, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture said, “I couldn’t imagine two more worthy recipients of our Outstanding Alumni award. They are not simply champions of greenhouse horticulture — the industry they have found great success in. They are champions of the whole horticulture industry, not just at Iowa State University, but across the state of Iowa and beyond. It was a sincere pleasure to present this award to Mike and Rachel in recognition of their achievements as Cyclone Horticulturists.” 

“I have known Mike and Rachel Gooder for over 25 years. They are champions in the industry. The Gooders are instrumental in training our students on internships at Plantpeddler. They give back to our students by donating plant material to the horticulture club for projects and sales. 

“Mike and Rachel are also passionate about helping our agriculture educators around the state teach young people about plants in their school greenhouses. I can’t think of two better people who could be recognized as Outstanding Department of Horticulture Alumni. We are proud they are in our Horticulture Family!,” said Barb Clawson, Student Services Specialist and Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Horticulture.

For more information, contact Plantpeddler at info@plantpeddler.com.