Iowa Farm Bureaus Economic Summit

The Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2026 Economic Summit, titled Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag, will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. This pivotal one-day conference is designed to address critical questions surrounding agricultural trade, which is currently at a crossroads due to shifting global markets, evolving tariffs, and ongoing geopolitical pressures. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for Iowa farmers and agribusiness leaders aiming to protect profitability and capitalize on new opportunities in a changing global marketplace.Hosted by Tyne Morgan from U.S. Farm Report, the summit will feature an array of internationally renowned economic experts and policy thinkers, alongside leaders from Iowa’s agribusiness sector. Notable speakers include a Trade Representative who will discuss fair trade policies and the implications of the Trump trade policy agenda, as well as a former Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the USTR, who will provide insights on future trade efforts and potential sources of demand for U.S. agricultural products. Additional presenters include a free trade economist from the American Institute for Economic Research, a beef and pork trade expert from the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and a grains market commentator from No Bull Agriculture. Furthermore, leaders from Iowa State University's Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) will share ongoing research related to agricultural trade, farm profitability, and financial conditions within the agricultural sector. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how global trade forces are shaping opportunities for Iowa agriculture, as well as hear directly from Iowa businesses that are actively engaged in exporting agricultural and related products. This will provide attendees with valuable insights into exporting strategies, challenges, and opportunities. The summit aims to blend policy insights with real-world experiences, helping farmers identify new avenues for success amidst an uncertain economic landscape.