Saturday, January 24, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Brent for an open and engaging conversation about the future of agriculture, leadership, and the role young farmers play in shaping it. This session offers a chance to hear firsthand insights, ask questions, and gain inspiration for your journey in farming and beyond.
As agriculture becomes increasingly digital, farms are more vulnerable to cyber threats than ever before. In this session, Doug Jacobson breaks down the basics of cybersecurity for farmers: what the risks are, why they matter, and how you can take simple steps to protect your data, equipment, and business.
Whether you're brand new to Canva or looking to explore more of what it can do, this adaptive session is designed to meet you where you are. Join Canva Verified Expert LaShonda Brown as she walks you through the essentials of creating eye-catching designs with ease.
Already familiar with the basics of drone use in ag? Join Kevin Butt from Ellsworth Community College for a deeper dive into operational best practices, regulatory updates, and strategies for scaling drone applications. This session is designed to help early adopters refine their approach and make informed decisions about expanding drone use on the farm.
Understanding your household expenses is key to building a sustainable farm business. In this session, two experienced loan officers will guide you through how to calculate your cost of living, identify spending patterns, and manage personal finances alongside farm income. Learn practical strategies to strengthen your financial foundation at home and on the farm.
Lakaya Tenley, Tenley Farms
Ashley Wenke, Pleasant Grove Homestead
Hear from a panel of innovative young farmers who are building direct-to-consumer businesses across Iowa. From meat, eggs, and milk to skin care products, these producers will share their experiences, challenges, and tips for connecting with customers and growing local markets.
In a world where agriculture is often misunderstood or overlooked, farm families face a unique challenge: raising confident, resilient kids who are proud of their roots and equipped to thrive beyond the farm gate. This session explores practical strategies for empowering farm kids to embrace their identity, advocate for agriculture, and navigate environments where their lifestyle may be unfamiliar or undervalued. Through stories, tools, and discussion, participants will leave with renewed confidence in how to support their children’s growth—whether they choose to stay in ag or forge new paths—with strong values, clear voices, and deep pride in where they come from.
Gain timely insights into Iowa’s evolving economic landscape, including key trends in employment, industry growth, and fiscal health. This session will explore the forces shaping the state’s economy and what they mean for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and farmers.
1. Ask the President: Insights and Inspiration for Young Farmers
Brent Johnson, President, Iowa Farm BureauJoin Brent for an open and engaging conversation about the future of agriculture, leadership, and the role young farmers play in shaping it. This session offers a chance to hear firsthand insights, ask questions, and gain inspiration for your journey in farming and beyond.
2. Cybersecurity 101 for Farmers: What You Need to Know
Dr. Doug Jacobson, Director, Center for Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach, Iowa State UniversityAs agriculture becomes increasingly digital, farms are more vulnerable to cyber threats than ever before. In this session, Doug Jacobson breaks down the basics of cybersecurity for farmers: what the risks are, why they matter, and how you can take simple steps to protect your data, equipment, and business.
3. Design with Confidence: A Beginner’s Guide to Canva
Lashonda Brown, Canva Verified Expert & Tech EducatorWhether you're brand new to Canva or looking to explore more of what it can do, this adaptive session is designed to meet you where you are. Join Canva Verified Expert LaShonda Brown as she walks you through the essentials of creating eye-catching designs with ease.
4. Drone Technology in Agriculture: Next Steps & Practical Guidance
Kevin Butt, Professor of Agriculture, Ellsworth Community CollegeAlready familiar with the basics of drone use in ag? Join Kevin Butt from Ellsworth Community College for a deeper dive into operational best practices, regulatory updates, and strategies for scaling drone applications. This session is designed to help early adopters refine their approach and make informed decisions about expanding drone use on the farm.
5. Farm Finances at Home: Determining and Managing the Cost of Living
Nate Gebel, Developing Markets Officer, Farm Credit Services of AmericaUnderstanding your household expenses is key to building a sustainable farm business. In this session, two experienced loan officers will guide you through how to calculate your cost of living, identify spending patterns, and manage personal finances alongside farm income. Learn practical strategies to strengthen your financial foundation at home and on the farm.
6. Selling Local: Young Farmers in Direct Marketing
Annie Palmer, H8er AcresLakaya Tenley, Tenley Farms
Ashley Wenke, Pleasant Grove Homestead
Hear from a panel of innovative young farmers who are building direct-to-consumer businesses across Iowa. From meat, eggs, and milk to skin care products, these producers will share their experiences, challenges, and tips for connecting with customers and growing local markets.
7. Strong Roots, Brave Wings: Empowering the Next Generation of Farm Kids
Sara Mohr, mother, farmer, educator, and rural community advocator, Cornfed Farms, LLCIn a world where agriculture is often misunderstood or overlooked, farm families face a unique challenge: raising confident, resilient kids who are proud of their roots and equipped to thrive beyond the farm gate. This session explores practical strategies for empowering farm kids to embrace their identity, advocate for agriculture, and navigate environments where their lifestyle may be unfamiliar or undervalued. Through stories, tools, and discussion, participants will leave with renewed confidence in how to support their children’s growth—whether they choose to stay in ag or forge new paths—with strong values, clear voices, and deep pride in where they come from.
8. The State of the State: Iowa’s Economic Outlook
Ben Murray, Director of Policy and Research, Common Sense InstituteGain timely insights into Iowa’s evolving economic landscape, including key trends in employment, industry growth, and fiscal health. This session will explore the forces shaping the state’s economy and what they mean for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and farmers.