Becca Hermann featured image

Dairy Science student brings love of fiber arts to college peers and community

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Becca devotes a majority of her time to coursework in the Dairy Science Technology program at the College. She also serves as president of Phi Theta Kappa Epsilon Honor Society, Phi Chapter, at the Calmar campus.

Becca Hermann news imageEven as a busy Dairy Science Technology student at Northeast Iowa Community College, Becca Hermann still makes time to teach others about wool making, knitting and her love of fiber arts. The student shared her knowledge in a presentation on fiber arts for Delaware County 4-H and also incorporated the presentation into a Public Speaking class at the College.

“I grew up with the hobby and was inspired by women in my Manchester hometown who were sitting, chatting and knitting. I became very passionate about it. I love being able to demonstrate the hobby to kids and adults, so they have a better appreciation of how clothing is made and how the process has changed throughout history,” Becca explains.

As Becca explores the fiber arts world, she works with mentors who provide guidance, and also meets hobbyists at fiber shows. She raises her own fiber-producing rabbits that grow fiber she combs, spins and knits into garments. Becca seeks out local fiber producers, yet finds most of the fiber material at festivals, such as the Iowa Sheep and Wool Festival and at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. 

“I’m learning and teaching about the process of creating a garment that lasts a lifetime. It is very rewarding to do, and to see others I have taught, now growing their own spin on fiber arts. I like to see the joy when people purchase a handmade item I have produced from my business. I find that knitting and spinning yarn is therapy; it is so relaxing for me when I dive into the project I am making and take a break from reality. Also, there are such supportive people in the fiber arts community and the sense of community is unbelievably amazing,” she said.

Becca devotes a majority of her time to coursework in the Dairy Science Technology program at the College. She also serves as president of Phi Theta Kappa Epsilon Honor Society, Phi Chapter, at the Calmar campus. Life and work growing up on her family farm influenced her decision to pursue agriculture.

“I’m the fourth generation of a family dairy farm, and I wanted to enroll at Northeast Iowa Community College first because it’s the only community college in the state of Iowa with a strong Dairy Science program. My family also has a personal seed business for selling our own brand of seed corn, as well as our own oat seed. We also sell alfalfa and grasses,” she expressed. “After graduation from the College, I plan to transfer to South Dakota State University to major in dairy manufacturing and possibly animal science to become an embryologist.”

Information about agriculture science programs at Northeast Iowa Community College can be found at www.nicc.edu.