By Andi Anderson
Agricultural leaders, farmers, students, and industry professionals will gather in December for the 10th Annual Ag Leadership Conference hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The event will focus on the theme “Local Roots. Global Perspectives.” and examine how leadership, innovation, and community action can create lasting impacts in agriculture and rural communities.
The conference is designed to help participants strengthen leadership abilities, build professional networks, and gain valuable insights into challenges and opportunities facing modern agriculture. The two-day event will encourage learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that can benefit both local communities and the global agricultural sector.
Madeline Schultz, extension agriculture specialist with the Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State, highlighted the purpose of the event, saying, “This conference will support attendees as they strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful relationships and explore ideas shaping agriculture locally and globally.”
The program will feature several distinguished speakers from across the agriculture industry. Mashal Husain, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, will deliver the opening keynote address and share perspectives on global food security and agricultural innovation. Her experience in advancing international agricultural development is expected to provide valuable insights into the future of food systems.
Participants will also hear from Tim Glenn, retired executive vice president of Corteva Agriscience, who will discuss lessons learned from a career that included work in more than 40 countries. His presentation will offer practical examples of leadership and global business experience.
Another highlight of the conference will be a presentation by award-winning author, filmmaker, and pie advocate Beth Howard. Following a screening of her documentary, attendees will explore the message behind “Pie Is Always the Answer” and learn how food and storytelling can bring people together and strengthen communities.
Technology and innovation will also be key conference topics. Arti Singh, associate professor of agronomy at Iowa State, and Karl Kerns, assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State, will discuss how artificial intelligence is helping solve complex agricultural challenges and creating new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
The conference will conclude with remarks from Courtney Knupp, chief executive officer of the United Soybean Board, who will share perspectives on leadership, industry change, and the future of agriculture.
In addition to educational sessions, attendees will participate in guided tours of Iowa State University facilities, including the Digital Ag Innovation Lab, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, Student Innovation Center, and Reiman Gardens. Sessions will also cover agricultural policy, communication, health and wellness, authentic storytelling, business succession planning, and local food system development.
The event will honor agricultural leaders Ann Leonard, Joanne Tupper, and Dave Wise through the annual Iowans Impacting Agriculture awards program, recognizing their contributions to leadership, agriculture, and community development.
Looking ahead to the impact of the event, Lisa Scarbrough, communications specialist with the Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State, said, “The true impact of this conference will be measured by what happens after participants return home. We hope the attendees leave inspired to start new conversations, build new partnerships and create positive change within agriculture and rural communities.”
By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the conference aims to inspire leadership, encourage innovation, and support the continued growth of agriculture and rural communities for the future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sisoje
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle