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Farm Forward: Challenge assumptions and grow opportunities

Date & Time: February 4, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Location: Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309

Overview

We invite farmers and industry alike to look at the beliefs, systems and habits that have guided American agriculture for decades. From trade and transportation to innovation, we’ll explore how asking better questions can lead to better outcomes for farmers, rural communities and consumers alike.

2026 Farm Forward will feature keynote speaker, Ray Starling, and expert panels that push boundaries and reimagine what’s possible for U.S. agriculture in an interconnected world.

Agenda

9:30 a.m. - Registration

10 a.m. - Welcome

Tom Adam, ISA President and Soybean Farmer

10:05 a.m. - Tremors in the Heartland

Ray Starling

We all see and feel it. We know today's times are different. America is in the midst of a great cultural shake-up — and agriculture is feeling the tremors. In this timely and thought-provoking keynote, Ray Starling explores how today’s moment of social and political unrest, unease and upheaval is reshaping the future of agricultural policy.

Drawing connections between past cycles of disruption and the moment we’re living through now, Ray offers a candid look at what’s changing, what’s at stake and how we should think about navigating these odd times. Insightful, relevant and refreshingly honest, this session will challenge ag leaders to think differently about how the next chapter of American agriculture will be written.

11:15 a.m. - Trade Truths — Rethinking Global Markets

Moderator: Ray Starling

Dr. Scott Gerlt, Chief Economist, American Soybean Association

Dr. Sandro Steinbach, Director for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies, North Dakota State University

Lyndsey Erb, Director of Industry Affairs, U.S. Soybean Export Council

For decades, farmers have been told that trade is the key to growth. But in an era of tariffs, shifting alliances, and emerging competitors, what does “free and fair trade” really look like? Hear from economists and export strategists who are challenging old assumptions about how — and where — U.S. soy wins abroad.

12 p.m. - Lunch

1 p.m. - Transportation Through Turmoil

Moderator: Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director, Soy Transportation Coalition

Allison Rivera, Vice President, Government and Legislative Affairs, National Grain and Feed Association

Craig Pietig, Vice President of Ag Products, Ag Processing Inc.

Every bushel depends on reliable infrastructure. Yet, aging systems, global bottlenecks, and rising costs are testing agriculture’s supply chain. This panel will confront the realities — and opportunities — of modernizing how we move soybeans.

2 p.m. -Break

2:15 p.m. - Innovation and Demand

Moderator: Matt Herman, Chief Officer, Demand and Advocacy, Iowa Soybean Association 

This panel brings together innovators and industry leaders who are reimagining the way we grow, market, and trade soy. From new cropping systems to bold partnerships, we’ll explore what it takes to keep Iowa ag products ahead of the curve.

3:15 p.m. - Policy Issues in 2026

Moderator: Katie Hall, Senior Director of Advocacy, Iowa Soybean Association 

Gain insights on state and federal policies to watch in 2026. Experts will break down the latest policy issues and their potential impacts on Iowa agriculture.

4 p.m. - ISA Issue Briefing for Legislative Reception

4:15 p.m. - Adjourn

6:30 p.m. - Legislative Reception

Join state lawmakers and fellow farmers for ISA’s annual Legislative Reception to be held at The River Center (340 SW 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309). 
Ray Starling - Keynote Speaker
Ray Starling grew up on a Century Family Farm in southeastern North Carolina and credits that experience as having more to do with his career path than any other influence or opportunity. His parents continue to farm, as does his eldest brother. He served as a National FFA Officer and is a former 4-H member. Today, he serves as the General Counsel of the North Carolina Chamber and the President of its Legal Institute. He leads the most robust agricultural policy portfolio of any statewide Chamber anywhere in the United States.
 
Ray is a respected agricultural industry thought leader, particularly around issues involving ag policy, having previously served as the Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  He previously served as the principal agriculture advisor to the President of the United States at the White House, served as chief of staff and chief counsel for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, after serving as general counsel when Tillis was Speaker of the House in the North Carolina legislature, and worked as general counsel for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, interfacing daily with Commissioner Steve Troxler.
 
In the fall of 2022, Starling released his book Farmers Versus Foodies in which he shares some perspective on the question of who will call the shots for the future of the farming and food system in the United States and beyond. The book is an Amazon best seller and has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
 
In private practice for several years, Ray has taught numerous agricultural and food law courses. He has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from North Carolina State University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ray was elected to the Board of Smithfield Foods, Inc. as an Independent Director in early 2025, contributing governance expertise to one of the world’s leading food companies.

Sponsored by:

Nationwide and Chevron Logos

Reserve your spot

Registration will be opening soon. Registration closes on January 13, 2025. If you have any questions, e-mail Bre Wagner at bwagner@iasoybeans.com.

 

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