Derek Balk in

Derek Balk

Collaborator · DISC type is
Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development at POET
📍 Ames, Iowa, United States

Derek Balk is the Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development at POET, where he leads the commercialization of innovative, sustainable proteins. His expertise is in developing alternative ingredients for animal and aquaculture feeds. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

His connection to the agricultural industry is long-standing, with roots in youth leadership organizations. Public records indicate an early involvement with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization in Iowa, highlighting a foundational passion for the sector.

He co-authors scientific papers and presents at international conferences on using corn-fermented protein in aquafeeds for species like European sea bass and shrimp.

Read the full overview →
Experience
18 Years
Current Role
Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development
Job Level
Mid-senior
Location
Ames, Iowa, United States
Personality Overview

How Derek shows up

Good Listener
Fair-minded
Example Driven

Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are. They are more likely to opt for solutions that are proven in the market. Scenarios where both sides can come out as winners appeal to them greatly.

Priorities

Topics Derek cares about

Aquafeed Innovation
He is a frequent speaker and published researcher on the use of novel corn-fermented proteins as a sustainable ingredient in diets for shrimp and fish.
Sustainable Ingredients
His work focuses on creating value with sustainable products derived from the grains and fermentation industry to address challenges in animal nutrition.
+5 more topics Login to view topics
Career

Work history

2-2022
Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development
POET
6-2021 - 2-2022
Business Development Manager
POET
5-2017 - 6-2021
Commercial Protein Manager
Flint Hills Resources
10-2013 - 5-2017
Senior Merchandiser
Ag Processing Inc
7-2011 - 10-2013
Rail Merchandiser
Ag Processing Inc
In the press

Media appearances

2024 Panel Discussion – Derek Balk, POET. Featured in Distillers Grains Council
See now
House Committee on Agriculture Hearing (includes testimony from Derek Balk, Director of Protein, Ingredients and Business Development, POET). Featured in U.S. House Committee on Agriculture
+1 more appearances Login to view media
Education
2004 - 2006
BS
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
2002 - 2004
Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS)
Kirkwood Community College
Social presence
in
Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

i

Influence (I)

Influence (I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, motivated by social recognition and building relationships.

Other POET Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals.

More profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Unlock the full playbookSee exactly how to sell to Derek. Free, 10 seconds.