Agriculture
The latest in innovation, problem solving and emerging practices for one of Iowa’s primary economic drivers. (New in 2025!)-
SESSION 1
Artificial Intelligence in Farming
While improving yields has long been a goal of farmers, advancements in AI now make crop genetics, pest and disease detection, automation and improvements to resilience are expected to further reduce operational costs, increase productivity and help farmers in decision making in the field. We’ll talk about what AI in agriculture looks like and how AI is being woven into agriculture in Iowa and beyond.
October 02, 2025 at 9:35AM
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SESSION 2
Agricultural Exports
Iowa’s ag export markets have been in the spotlight throughout 2025 as there have been major changes in some trade agreements and relationships between countries. We’ll look at the state’s major exports, but also talk about how long it takes to build emerging markets and new agreements.
October 02, 2025 at 10:40AM
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SESSION 3
Beginning Farmers
Even if you’re born into a farm family, the road as a young farmer can be filled with risk, challenges and uncertainty of access to affordable land and capital or markets. We’ll talk to some young Iowa farmers about their roads, as well as talk about programs that are trying to help assist young farmers work the land.
October 02, 2025 at 11:45AM
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SESSION 4
Protecting the health of Farmers
The health and safety of farmers goes far beyond physical demands in fields. What’s being done to make farming safer while also addressing less obvious health challenges like the mental health needs of farmers? We’ll talk to an array of farm safety training experts, farmers and mental health workers who specialize in ag.
October 02, 2025 at 1:55PM
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SESSION 5
Biosecurity and Food Production
Biosecurity is a crucial piece of Iowa’s food production system. In an age of bird flu and other threats, what’s being done to help protect animals, detect threats, create manageable response plans maintaining economic stability in the ag operations. We’ll talk about what’s being done and what’s on the mind of researchers working to find solutions.
October 02, 2025 at 3:00PM
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SESSION 6
Alternative Crops
While Iowa is certainly known for its corn and soybeans, let’s look at some of the lesser-known crops like microgreens, oilseed crops like canola and sorghum and fruits and vegetables. We’ll talk about some of the challenges like market development and infrastructure that keep these diversified crops from widerspread adoption.
October 03, 2025 at 9:40AM
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SESSION 7
The state of K-12 Agriculture Education
While Iowa’s economy is dominated by agriculture, what does the education programming look like for students across the state? We’ll be talking about the ag curriculum and take a deeper look into how schools are linking ag to the curriculum. We’ll also talk about programs like FFA, which has seen membership grow across the state.
October 03, 2025 at 11:50AM
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