Alumni Spotlight: Malcolm DeKryger

Malcolm DeKryger is President and co-owner of Belstra Milling Company, an independent livestock feed manufacturer based in DeMotte, Indiana. He is also a part-owner and the lead developer of all Belstra Group swine farms, which work closely with Belstra Milling Company.

Originally from western Michigan, DeKryger earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Calvin University in 1981. During his time at Calvin, he initially pursued a pre-med track before discovering his passion for agriculture while working on his uncle's pig farm. 

“I was miserable in pre-med, and I didn’t like it,” DeKryger said. “I started working for my dad’s brother on a pig farm, and I really fell in love with that.”

This newfound interest led him to pursue graduate studies in animal sciences at Purdue University, where he earned his master's degree in 1983, focusing on swine nutrition.

DeKryger began his career as an extension swine specialist at Purdue, a role that overlapped with his graduate studies before he transitioned into industry positions.

In 1991, DeKryger joined Belstra Milling and later became president and co-owner in 2013. Under his leadership, Belstra Milling has grown into a premier independent feed manufacturer, producing over 210,000 tons of feed annually.

Throughout his career, DeKryger has been actively involved in the swine industry, serving on the Indiana Pork Producers board and receiving accolades such as the Environmental Stewardship Award from the National Pork Board in 2010, and in 2013, he was recognized as a "Master of the Pork Industry" by National Hog Farmer magazine. Additionally, he was honored by the Purdue Animal Sciences Department in 2008 with the Animal Sciences Distinguished Alumni Mid-Career Award and by the Purdue College of Agriculture in 2012 with the College of Agriculture Distinguished Alum Award.

DeKryger has remained closely connected to Purdue University, serving as a member of the College of Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Council. In 2016, he was appointed to Purdue’s Board of Trustees, where he currently serves as chair of the Compensation Committee. His responsibilities include overseeing major university initiatives and approving faculty and leadership contracts.

Faith has been a guiding force throughout DeKryger’s life and career. 

“I was born in faith, and my parents and grandparents were godly people,” DeKryger said. “Generations back, my faith has been powerful to me.” 

He believes in the providence of God’s leading and credits his journey—from working on a pig farm to leading a major agricultural business—to God. 

“How does that happen without God’s guidance?” he reflected.

Outside of his professional and university commitments, DeKryger is passionate about mentoring students, helping them navigate their career paths and encouraging them to think critically about their future. He frequently engages with Purdue students and hosts Belstra’s interns at his home, offering them insights and advice. 

“I love listening to students,” DeKryger said. “I love hearing them dream. I love hearing them struggle, and I love to be a participant in trying to find the next step.”

DeKryger shared advice he had for students and emphasized the importance of adaptability and setting priorities. 

“Your first job is really just a tour of duty for about three years,” DeKryger said. “Within that time, you’ll either get promoted, find new opportunities, or experience major changes in your life.” 

He encourages students to think about their priorities—whether it be career growth, location or relationships—when making decisions. 

“It’s important to take a step back and evaluate what truly matters to you,” DeKryger said. “Don't stress too much about the first step because it’s just one of many.”

DeKryger and his wife, Donna, whom he met while attending church at Purdue, have three married children and eight grandchildren. They enjoy traveling, with recent trips including mission work in Africa and a visit to Asia with the Purdue President’s Council. He is also a snow skier, exercise enthusiast, and musician, playing the euphonium in his church.

Through his leadership at Belstra Milling, service on Purdue’s Board of Trustees and dedication to mentoring the next generation of agricultural leaders, DeKryger exemplifies a lifelong commitment to agriculture, education and faith.

The Purdue Animal Sciences Department is celebrating 125 years! As a part of the celebration, DeKryger was asked to upload a video congratulating the department.