There are few topics more important for farmer profitability than agricultural trade. For this reason, the 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit is focused entirely on that topic. 

Our theme, Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag, reflects how our country is in a place where the decisions we make about trade today will directly impact farmers’ bottom lines for generations to come. Iowa farmers won’t want to miss this Economic Summit for three reasons. 

First, the information shared during the Economic Summit will help you make decisions on your farm. 

At 1 p.m., two Iowa State University ag economists will go “Inside Iowa’s Ag Economy” as they unveil a joint study about the current ag economic downturn. Part of this study will focus on farm-level financial conditions, allowing you to benchmark against other farms in the state. 

Right after that, at 2 p.m., two agribusiness owners will talk about how they thought outside the box to export products themselves. Steve Nichol of Midwest Premier Foods and Bob Sinner of SB&B Foods have experience exporting their own products overseas to places like Japan, and they know how to help others figure it out, too. If you have ever thought about trying to export your own ag and food products, this event is for you. 


Insider insights

Second, the agenda features several of the most plugged-in ag trade leaders in the entire industry. The morning keynote is a fireside chat with Ambassador Bob Lighthizer, former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) during the first Trump administration. Regardless of how you feel about tariffs, Ambassador Lighthizer is as connected to ongoing policy conversations as they come, and since he’s no longer in government, he will speak his mind freely. 

The afternoon keynote presenter is Gregg Doud, former chief ag negotiator for the USTR. With Lighthizer, Doud was heavily involved in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and China Phase 1 negotiations, and they’ll both have stories to tell. Nowhere will you find an agenda with better insider intel about U.S. trade policy. 


Diverse viewpoints

Third, this Economic Summit will help you gain broader perspective about all the different views on trade. From free trade to tariffs, and from high level to farm gate, this agenda will give you a complete picture of what trade discussions are taking place. 

Do you want to hear about why America needs free trade to thrive in the future? Come hear Dr. Sam Gregg talk about the benefits of trade liberalization. 

Want to hear about how agriculture benefits greatly from rules-based trade, and yet there are countries that abuse the rules? Come and hear Erin Borror from the U.S. Meat Export Federation and Susan Stroud from No Bull Ag hit on what’s working (and what’s not) in ag trade right now. 

You won’t agree with everyone on the agenda, and that’s by design. But if you come with an open mind, you’ll leave with a fantastic education about what the future holds for ag trade, what that means for you as Iowa farmers and how you can begin to prepare for what lies ahead. 

As an Iowa Farm Bureau member benefit, the cost is only $50 per person. The agenda is comparable to conferences that cost $500 or more, so you’re getting an amazing deal. 

There are still spots remaining, but registration has been strong, so click here and sign up soon before it fills up.

You just never know, this Economic Summit could provide you with the key to unlock future profitability on your farm. 

PICTURED ABOVE: Pudenz


2026 Economic Summit agenda

7 a.m. Buffet breakfast

8 a.m. Welcome and introduction — Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau, and Tyne Morgan, U.S. Farm Report (host)

8:15 a.m. Why Free Trade Matters for America’s Future — Sam Gregg, American Institute for Economic Research

9:45 a.m. Ag Trade: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly — Erin Borror, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and Susan Stroud, No Bull Agriculture

11 a.m.  Morning keynote: Inside the Negotiation Room — Ambassador Bob Lighthizer, former U.S. Trade Representative

12 p.m.  Lunch and networking

1 p.m. Inside Iowa’s Ag Economy: New Iowa Ag Economics Report — Chad Hart and John Crespi, Iowa State University

2 p.m. Taking Exports into Your Own Hands — Steven Nichol, Midwest Premier Foods, and Bob Sinner, SB&B Foods

3:15 p.m. Afternoon keynote: The Future of U.S. Agriculture and Trade — Gregg Doud, National Milk Producers Federation

4:15 p.m. Final thoughts and conclusion — Christopher Pudenz, Iowa Farm Bureau