Iowa Farm Bureau county presidents explore how Vermont farmers mirror their conservation and innovation goals on tours of orchards, dairies and maple syrup farms.

For Iowa farmers, touring Vermont’s diverse agricultural landscape — orchards, dairies and the sugarbush where maple syrup is tapped — was more than just a change of scenery.

It was a reminder that no matter where you farm, success often comes down to the same core principles: family, faith, sustainability, innovation, resilience, community and stewardship.

Though nearly 1,000 miles apart and shaped by very different terrain, farmers in Iowa and Vermont share a common mission — to preserve soil and water quality, adopt technology to improve productivity, care for animals and leave the land better for the next generation.

County Farm Bureau presidents saw that shared commitment firsthand during the 2025 Iowa Farm Bureau Presidents Incentive Trip to Vermont July 13–18. And while there were clear differences in crops, climate and topography, the challenges and solutions facing Vermont agriculture often mirrored those back home in Iowa.

“Absolutely beautiful setting here in Vermont,” said Iowa Farm Bureau District 4 Director...