Discounted early bird registration open for 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit

Former U.S. Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer to Keynote; New ISU Research Featuring Latest Market Insight Unveiled

Discounted early bird registration opened today for the 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit: Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag, slated for July 17 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. With U.S. trade policy at a pivotal moment, IFBF's Economic Summit will provide farmers with a clearer picture of how global trade forces affect Iowa agriculture, a broader view of where future demand for U.S. ag products may emerge and actionable insight for farms and ag business.

"U.S. trade policy is at a crossroads, and the decisions being made today will shape agriculture for years to come," says IFBF President Brent Johnson. "Global markets are shifting; tariffs are evolving; and geopolitical pressures continue to reshape demand for U.S. commodities. Understanding where we've been and where we're headed with trade is essential to protecting profitability and uncovering new opportunities in a rapidly changing global marketplace."

Former U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Bob Lighthizer headlines the 2026 IFBF Economic Summit with a "fireside chat" with IFBF President Brent Johnson. Lighthizer served as the 18^th U.S. Trade Representative from 2017 to 2021 and spearheaded the most consequential trade negotiations of the past decade. He will provide insight into U.S. trade policy priorities, tariffs and fair trade, and the Trump administration's trade policy approach.

New ISU Research to be Unveiled

Iowa State University (ISU) researchers with the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) will also unveil a new joint study in partnership with the Iowa Bankers Association and IFBF regarding what the latest economic indicators reveal about Iowa agriculture today and what that means for future farm profitability and ag financial considerations.

Participants will also hear real-world examples from Iowa companies that are directly exporting agricultural products. "With ongoing uncertainty in global trade, some Iowa companies have taken a more direct approach. We're excited to share their experiences that may work for some Iowa farmers," said IFBF Economics & Research Manager Dr. Christopher Pudenz.

Additionally, Gregg Doud of the National Milk Producers Federation will discuss priority U.S. trade efforts, along with leading economists and trade experts covering meat, dairy and grain exports, including Dr. Sam Gregg of the American Institute of Economic Research, Erin Borror of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and Susan Stroud of No Bull Agenda.

IFBF's Economic Summit: Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag kicks off with an evening networking reception for attendees Thursday, July 16, followed by a full day of presentations and panels Friday, July 17 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

Summit registration includes access to the reception on July 16 and all presentations and lunch on July 17 and is $25 for Farm Bureau members and $200 for non-members through May 31. After May 31, regular price registration is $50 for Farm Bureau members and $400 for non-members. Registration is limited, so interested parties are encouraged to secure a spot today. For a complete agenda, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/News/Economic-Summit or contact Stacy Stevens (515-225-5633; [email protected]) for more information.

Media credentials can be obtained from Andrew Wheeler at [email protected].