Iowa State University Extension Farm Food and Enterprise Development

10/14/2026

2026 ISU Local Food Festival is here!!

Whether you're passionate about supporting local producers, learning about sustainable practices, or simply looking for a fun community event, there's something for everyone.

📅 Wednesday, October 14, 2026
⏰ 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
📍 NEW LOCATION: Memorial Union West Loop

Come connect, learn, and celebrate the power of local food with us. We look forward to seeing you there!

07/23/2026

📣Calling all high school teachers!
Do you want to help your students better understand where their food comes from and how the food system works? 🌱
Join the Youth Local Food Leader Program and bring engaging, real-world learning into your classroom! Plus, stipends are available for participating teachers
👉 Learn more and sign up here:
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/youth-local-food-leader

07/17/2026

Following the 2018 tornado, the 2020 derecho, and the impacts of COVID-19, Marshall County's partners, volunteers, and residents came together to strengthen local food access and build a more resilient food system.
Watch the video and learn more: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/new-video-highlights-marshall-countys-food-systems-response-compounding-disasters

07/15/2026

Want to help students explore where their food comes from, how local food systems work, and the exciting careers connected to them?
⏰ Don't miss your chance to join the Youth Local Food Leader Cohort! This unique opportunity provides educators with resources, support, and a network to help bring food systems learning into the classroom.
💰 Stipends are available!
📅 Applications and all required materials must be submitted by August 1, 2026, at 9 p.m. CT.
🔗 Learn more and apply today: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/youth-local-food-leader

Youth Local Food LeaderThe Food Systems Team and partner Next Step Adventure are currently piloting a Youth Local Food Leader (LFL) Educator Cohort, offering comprehensive food system education for high school educators to deliver to their students.  Project Summary This project is designed to prov...

07/13/2026

Courtney Long, Food Systems Program Manager with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, recently joined KCRG's Expert of the Day to share how Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team helps supports food entrepreneurs, producers, and businesses.

🎥 Watch the interview: https://www.kcrg.com/video/2026/07/07/expert-day-supporting-food-businesses/

Courtney Long, Food Systems program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach, shares resources for food businesses to improve and grow. Food Systems main page: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/food-systems | Iowa Independent Grocer Network: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/iowa-independen...

07/06/2026

🚨Educators: Don’t Miss Out! 🚨
Time is running out to sign up for the Youth Local Food Leader Program!
🗓 Deadline: August 1 at 9 PM CT
💡 Spots are limited for this paid professional development opportunity — don’t wait!
Empower youth, explore local food systems, and grow your leadership impact.
👉 Apply now: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/youth-local-food-leader

07/03/2026

We will be closed today in observance of the 4th of July.
Please visit our website for info on our programs and services 👉https://shorturl.at/Qf3lO

06/30/2026

Educators, time is running out to sign up for the Youth Local Food Leader program! Please have all materials submitted by August 1st at 9 PM CT. Limited spots are available for this paid development opportunity! https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/youth-local-food-leader

06/24/2026

Interested in bringing local food systems into your classroom? Join the Youth Local Food Leader Educator Cohort — a paid professional development opportunity designed for high school educators.
⚡ Limited spots available — don’t wait!
👉 Apply now: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/youth-local-food-leader

06/18/2026

Thank you for joining us at the 2026 Iowa Farm & Food Conference!

Over two days, nearly 150 attendees from across Iowa and beyond came together to explore the theme Futuring Our Food System through field tours, networking, learning, and conversations about the future of food and farming in Iowa.

We are grateful to our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, tour hosts, volunteers, planning committee members, and every attendee who helped make this our largest conference yet.

📸 Conference photos are now available and attendees are welcome to download and use them. A special thank you to photographer Joe Crimmings for capturing the people, places, and moments that made this year's event so memorable.
Photo gallery: https://joecrimmingscreativemedia.pixieset.com/2026iowaf.../

Thank you for being part of the conversation—and the work—of building Iowa's food future.