Join us for the 2026 Young Farmer Conference taking place on Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24 at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Friday, January 23, 2026
12:30 p.m.
Industry Tour Check-In (Pre-Registration Required)
1:00 p.m.
Industry Tours Depart
1. Foundry Distilling Co. (21+ Only)
2. Iowa State Fairgrounds
3. Iowa State Vet Lab
4. M.H. Eby Trailers
5. Twisted Vine Brewery (21+ Only)
6. Winterset Cidery (21+ Only)
4:00 p.m.
Industry Tours Return
4:30 p.m.
Conference Check-In & Social Hour (Cashless Bar)
- Merchandise Fundraiser: Browse exclusive conference merchandise and support a meaningful cause – proceeds benefit the Kyle Porter Foundation, which provides scholarships and promotes youth agricultural education. Every purchase helps empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.
- Selfie-Silo Photobooth: Snap a pic, then instantly send your digital photo to yourself via text or email – perfect for sharing on social media or keeping as a conference memory.
- Grip Strength Competition: Test your grip strength and try to make the leaderboard throughout the conference! Finalists will compete on-stage Saturday evening during the dinner program for the ultimate showdown.
5:00 p.m.
All About Discussion Meet
Grab a drink and join this casual session to learn more about the competition’s structure and topics and even see a mock Discussion Meet. After this session, you’ll be ready to compete on Saturday!
6:00 p.m.
Dinner (Seating by District)
Welcome from Young Farmer Advisory Committee Chair, Michael McEnany. Enjoy connecting with fellow attendees from your district. It’s a great chance to build relationships and strengthen local connections.
7:00 p.m.
Evening Keynote: Secretary Mike Naig and President Brent Johnson
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson will share their perspectives on the current state of the agriculture industry, including key issues, emerging trends, and what the future may hold for Iowa farmers. The session will wrap up with a live Q&A, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and engage directly with both speakers.
8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Evening Entertainment: Illusionist Troy Peters, Caricatures, Yard Games & Door Prizes
Prepare to have your mind blown by Illusionist, Troy Peters, as he plays interactive mind games with the audience. Enjoy personalized caricatures, a variety of yard games, and exciting door prizes. It’s a night full of fun and games with your fellow young farmers you won’t want to miss!
Saturday, January 24, 2026
6:30 a.m.
Breakfast Buffet – Sponsored by Farm Bureau Financial Services
8:00 a.m.
Morning Welcome – Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau President
Welcome from Iowa Farm Bureau President, Brent Johnson, followed by recognition of the 2025 Young Farmer Leadership Award recipients. This inspiring start sets the tone for a day of connection, learning, and celebrating leadership in agriculture.
8:45 a.m.
District Gatherings facilitated by YFAC District Representatives
Connect with fellow young farmers from your area in these casual, district-based meetups facilitated by your Young Farmer Advisory Committee representatives. You’ll expand your personal network, hear about upcoming local events, and have a chance to share ideas and input that can shape future activities.
10:15 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
Breakout Sessions – Round 1
These sessions offer practical insights, fresh ideas, and useful tools you can apply in your work and everyday life.
11:30 a.m.
Break, Roundtable Room & Discussion Meet Participant Orientation
Following the Breakout Sessions you can connect with speakers in the Roundtable Room. This space is designed to facilitate meaningful one-on-one conversations between attendees and conference speakers. Bring any questions you didn’t get to ask during the sessions and engage in productive and insightful discussions!
12:30 p.m.
Lunch (Seating by Interests)
Connect with others who share your interests – whether it’s livestock, crops, ag tourism, conservation, technology, and more. During the meal, finalists will pitch their ideas for the Grow Your Future Award. You’ll get to hear their inspiring stories and cast your vote to help choose the winner!
1:45 p.m.
Breakout Sessions – Round 2
These sessions offer practical insights, fresh ideas, and useful tools you can apply in your work and everyday life
Discussion Meet – Round 1
Join others interested in today’s critical issues for a free-wheeling discussion that helps you build communication skills, develop an understanding of important ag issues, and explore how to pool knowledge to solve problems. Spectators are welcome and encouraged!
2:45 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions – Round 3
These sessions offer practical insights, fresh ideas, and useful tools you can apply in your work and everyday life
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Young Farmer Podcast Lounge: Live with SharkFarmer
Join Rob Sharkey for a live recording of the SharkFarmer Podcast in our new Young Farmer Podcast Lounge. This come-and-go session will feature interviews with Young Farmer award winners and attendees, sharing real stories from the farm and the conference. Stop by to listen in, catch behind-the-scenes moments, and maybe even be part of the conversation.
4:00 p.m.
Break, Roundtable Room, & Social Hour (Cashless Bar)
- Merchandise Fundraiser: Browse exclusive conference merchandise and support a meaningful cause – proceeds benefit the Kyle Porter Foundation, which provides scholarships and promotes youth agricultural education. Every purchase helps empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.
- Selfie-Silo Photobooth: Snap a pic, then instantly send your digital photo to yourself via text or email – perfect for sharing on social media or keeping as a conference memory.
- Grip Strength Competition: Test your grip strength and try to make the leaderboard throughout the conference! Finalists will compete on-stage Saturday evening during the dinner program for the ultimate showdown.
Discussion Meet – Round 2
Join others interested in today’s critical issues for a free-wheeling discussion that helps you build communication skills, develop an understanding of important ag issues, and explore how to pool knowledge to solve problems. Spectators are welcome and encouraged!
6:00 p.m.
Dinner
During dinner, we’ll announce the winners of the Discussion Meet and Grow Your Future Award, followed by exciting grand prize drawings. Celebrate the achievements of your peers and enjoy the energy of the evening!
7:00 p.m.
Evening Keynote: Dan Meers
Known as the “KC Wolf” mascot for the Kansas City Chiefs, Dan Meers brings a powerful story of resilience and purpose. After surviving a life-threatening accident in 2013, Dan shares meaningful insights on personal growth, community impact, and living each day with intention. Attendees will leave encouraged to reflect, invest in what matters most, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Evening Entertainment: Live Music by Cody Hicks, Yard Games & Card Games
Get on your best 90’s Country outfit and join us for an evening of live music by Cody Hicks. Also enjoy a variety of yard and card games. It’s a night of music, games, and great company that you won’t want to miss!
