Iowa Farm Bureau's Economic Summit Agenda

7:00 AM: Buffet Breakfast and Coffee

8:00 AM: Welcome and Introduction

Brent Johnson / President / Iowa Farm Bureau - View Bio
Tyne Morgan / Host / U.S. Farm Report - View Bio

8:15 AM: Why Free Trade Matters for America’s Future

Dr. Sam Gregg / President and Friedrich Hayek Chair in Economics History / American Institute for Economic Research - View Bio

This session examines how political forces have shaped American trade policy over time, have they helped or hurt, and what those choices have meant for the U.S. economy today. Session will be followed up with an audience Q&A, led by host Tyne Morgan.

9:30 AM: Break

9:45 AM: Ag Trade: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Moderator: Tyne Morgan / Host / U.S. Farm Report - View Bio

Erin Borror / Vice President, Economic Analysis / U.S. Meat Export Federation - View Bio
Susan Stroud / Founder and CEO / No Bull Agriculture - View Bio

Agricultural trade is a massive driver of Iowa's economy, with exports totaling $13.7 billion in 2024.  Iowa is the second-largest state for ag exports in the U.S., and the ripple effects reach every farmer and rural community.  This lively panel will break down where meat and grain exports stand today, what global market shifts mean for ag, and which trade barriers and unfair practices are holding U.S. products back.  Find out what's working, what isn't and where new opportunities could emerge for Iowa ag.

10:45 AM: Break

11:00 AM: MORNING KEYNOTE

Inside the Negotiation Room: A Candid Conversation About America's Tariff Playbook

Brent Johnson / President / Iowa Farm Bureau - View Bio
Ambassador Bob Lighthizer   / Former U.S. Trade Representative - View Bio 

Robert E. Lighthizer served as the 18th United States Trade Representative (USTR) from 2017 to 2021 and was in the room for the most consequential trade negotiations of the past decade.  As America's top trade official, Ambassador Lighthizer led U.S. efforts for negotiation of the U.S. - Mexico - Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the U.S. - China Phase One Economics Trade Agreement.  Hear directly from one of the key architects of the administration's approach to trade.

12:00 PM: Lunch and Networking

1:00 PM: Inside Iowa's Ag Economy: What the New Iowa Ag Economics Report Reveals

Moderator: Dr. Christopher Pudenz / Economist / Iowa Farm Bureau - View Bio

Dr. Chad Hart / Professor of Economics / Iowa State University - View Bio
Dr. John Crespi / Director / Center for Agricultural and Rural Development - View Bio

Be among the first to hear findings from a new, data-driven joint study by Iowa State University's Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD), Iowa Farm Bureau, and the Iowa Bankers Association.  Led by IFBF economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz, this panel explores what the latest economic indicators reveal about Iowa agriculture today - and what they may signal for the future. 

1:45 PM: Break 

2:00 PM: Taking Exports into Your Own Hands:  Is it Possible - and Profitable?

Moderator: Tyne Morgan / Host / U.S. Farm Report 

Panelists: Information to Follow Shortly

This session examines what it takes for Iowa farmers to export products internationally - and whether global buyers can source Iowa-grown commodities directly.  Iowa agribusinesses with real-world export experience will share key challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and what opportunities exist for farmers interested in expanding into global markets. Session will be followed up with an audience Q&A, led by host Tyne Morgan.

3:00 PM: Break

3:15 PM: AFTERNOON KEYNOTE

The Future of U.S. Agriculture and Trade 

Gregg Doud / President and Chief Executive Officer / National Milk Producers Federation - View Bio

This session provides a forward-looking view of U.S. agriculture and global markets, highlighting the growing worldwide demand for animal protein and other commodities - and how the United States is well-positioned to meet that demand.  We'll explore the essential role American farmers play in feeding the world, key agricultural trade dynamics, and emerging opportunities, while also addressing the challenges posed by global political developments. Session will be followed up with an audience Q&A, led by host Tyne Morgan.

4:15 PM: Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Dr. Christopher Pudenz / Economist / Iowa Farm Bureau - View Bio