Young farmers from across the state got a firsthand look at value-added production during the 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Ag Insights Tour, featuring visits with meat processors, a distillery and a cattle breeder.

“This (tour) gave us a chance to see other businesses as we work to be more well-rounded,” said Warren County Farm Bureau member Jimmy Berry, who attended the tour with his wife, Haylee.

The couple recently opened their farm business, Berry Ridge Family Farm, located near Carlisle. They grow strawberries, blackberries, honeyberries, shiitake mushrooms, microgreens, elderberries and seasonal produce, offering U-pick opportunities to the public.

“We wanted to...