05/27/2026
FB’s Economic Summit Slated for July 17
Do you have questions about ag trade? We have answers.
The Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2026 Economic Summit – Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag, hosted by Tyne Morgan from U.S. Farm Report, will address key issues and more. This one-day conference will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. It will bring together internationally renowned economic experts, policy thinkers, and Iowa agribusiness leaders to unpack the full spectrum of perspectives on agricultural trade - from free trade to tariffs, and from the global scale down to the farm level.
U.S. ag trade is at a pivotal moment – and the decisions being made today will shape the future of agriculture for years to come. Global markets are shifting, tariffs are evolving, and geopolitical pressures continue to reshape demand for U.S. commodities. For Iowa farmers and agribusiness leaders, the stakes have never been higher. Understanding where we’ve been – and where ag trade is heading – is essential to protecting profitability and securing new opportunities in a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Bob Lighthizer, will discuss fair trade and the Trump trade policy agenda. Gregg Doud of National Milk Producers Federation and former Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the USTR, will look at where our trade efforts should be focused and what other sources of demand for U.S. ag products are coming down the pike.
Other presenters include free trade economist Dr. Sam Gregg of the American Institute for Economic Research; beef and pork trade expert Erin Borror with U.S. Meat Export Federation; and grains market commentator Susan Stroud of No Bull Agriculture. Leaders from ISU’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) will highlight ongoing research related to agricultural trade, farm profitability and agricultural financial conditions.
You’ll gain a clear, practical understanding of how global trade forces are shaping opportunities for Iowa agriculture. You’ll also hear directly from Iowa businesses actively exporting agricultural and ag related products offering practical insights into exporting strategies, challenges, and opportunities.
The summit blends policy insight with real world experience, identifying where global trade may open new doors for Iowa agriculture and how farmers can position themselves for success in an uncertain environment.
When trade is uncertain, knowledge is power. Save your spot today and save money!
For more information and to register, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/News/Economic-Summit.
Special Early Bird Pricing (Available now through May 31, 2026)
Farm Bureau Members: $25
Non-Farm Bureau Members*: $200
Regular Price: (After May 31, 2026)
Farm Bureau Members: $50
Non-Farm Bureau Members*: $400
Registration includes a complimentary July 16 evening welcome reception, sponsored by Farm Bureau Financial Services.
* For $60 or less, you can join Farm Bureau and enjoy the many benefits of membership including reduced admission to this conference and more.
Submitted by Darcy Maulsby
Farming today can be a challenge. Are you feeling stuck between fluctuating commodity prices, stubbornly high input costs and volatile international trade markets? What does the current state of the U.S. macroeconomy, generationally high interest rates and inflation mean for Iowa agriculture?
