International markets play a major role in farm profitability and rural economic growth, but today’s trade environment is anything but simple.

Farmers can get a clearer picture of what’s currently working well for U.S. agricultural trade, unfair trade practices that are holding U.S. products back and where future opportunities could emerge at Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2026 Economic Summit July 17. The one-day event, “Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag,” will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

Conference attendees will hear a candid conversation on the “good, bad and ugly” of meat and grain exports from Erin Borror, vice president of economic analysis for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and Susan Stroud, founder and CEO of No Bull Agriculture, during a morning panel discussion. 

Borror oversees USMEF’s red meat export forecasts along with global market and trade policy related analysis. Stroud is widely recognized for her analysis of grain markets and renewable fuels, with her commentary frequently featured in outlets such as Bloomberg and Barchart. 

PICTURED ABOVE: Borror and Stroud


“These are two of the leading voices in agriculture for meat and grain exports,” said Christopher Pudenz, Iowa Farm Bureau economics and research manager. “They are in tune with what’s happening in the ag trade space across the world. They’ll provide a frank look at how vitally important trade is for the commodities that we grow here in Iowa and the painful realities of dealing with protectionist countries.” 

Trade is a major driver of farm profitability and Iowa’s overall economy with agriculture exports totaling $13.7 billion in 2024, making Iowa the second largest ag exporting state in the U.S.

However, in addition to import tariffs and quotas, countries all over the world use non-tariff barriers to limit U.S. products entering their markets, Pudenz said. 


Economic Summit agenda

Former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Bob Lighthizer headlines the Economic Summit with a “fireside chat” with Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson, providing insight into the Trump administration’s approach to trade policy and tariffs. 

Lighthizer served as the USTR during the first Trump administration, leading the most consequential trade negotiations of the past decade with China, Canada and Mexico, among others. 

Additionally, Gregg Doud, CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation and former USTR chief ag negotiator, will discuss priority trade efforts and the growing global demand for animal protein. 

The summit also will feature trade historian Samuel Gregg on how political forces have shaped American trade policy and why free trade matters for the U.S. economy. 

In addition, economists from Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) will unveil a new study with farm-gate insights and analysis regarding the health of the Iowa agricultural economy, with an emphasis on trade.  

Attendees will also hear first-hand insights on how farmers can take exports into their own hands from small-business owners who export ag products today. 

Registration for the 2026 IFBF Economic Summit is $50 for Farm Bureau members and $400 for non-Farm Bureau members. 

For a complete agenda and registration information, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/news/economic-summit.