Farm to fork lunch highlights soy's power in food and industry

October 8, 2026 | Bethany Baratta

Those who work in agribusiness do not necessarily have a direct connection to the farm, but everyone has a connection to food.

Iowa consistently ranks first or second in the nation in corn, pork and soybean production, and fourth in beef production. John Deere, meanwhile, manufactures everything from tractors to planters and balers to Gators.

Thus, an idea was planted: How can John Deere connect its employees with those who have a direct connection to farmers?

Earlier this week, John Deere hosted its second Farm to Fork lunch — its first in Iowa. Employees at the company's Johnston office experienced Iowa agriculture through those top agricultural products.

“Events like these give the Iowa Soybean Association a chance to meet and engage with consumers who have a vested interest in the agriculture industry,” says Lydia Zerby, consumer insights and engagement manager for the association.

At ISA’s booth, hungry lunchgoers learned about soy’s versatility as a complete plant protein. Highlighting soy as a versatile plant protein, the menu offered creative, flavor-forward dishes—featuring silken tofu as the star of a creamy cheesecake, edamame in potstickers with a roasted miso puree, and su chee bringing a unique chew to a plant-based BLT.

Beyond the plate, employees gained a broader perspective on how Iowa crops connect to everyday life, powering everything from sustainable food products to soy-derived machinery lubricants and bio-based hand soaps. Interactive trivia, cookbooks and issues of ISA’s Iowa Soybean Review and Fresh Pickings magazines gave attendees a deeper look into the industry, sparking conversations about how local crops support the food on their tables and the products in their workplace.

This was the first opportunity to connect the Johnston office to the industry through the Farm to Fork event for Darius Lane, industry relations manager for John Deere. Last year’s inaugural lunch was held at the company’s World Headquarters in Moline, Illinois.

Reflecting on the mission of the event, Lane emphasizes that the goal extends far beyond a corporate gathering with a free lunch.

“Regardless of who the audience is, we like to make sure that we bring folks from every different corner of the business in, because what John Deere recognizes and represents is ... an umbrella [for the broader agricultural industry],” says Lane, who coordinated the event. “We're trying to bring everyone underneath it to show the vital parts that we all play. It's not just a John Deere story. It's an ag story.”

It was a new experience for Lane, who quipped that the closest he had been to agriculture before taking his role in the Midwest was the oak, cherry and maple trees that dot Central Park in his native New York.

Working for John Deere stretches him to think about how deeply agriculture is interwoven into the food and products he and his family enjoy.

“Is there something additional that I can appreciate about what agriculture means to this country?” Lane asks. “We're at a critical time right now for farming. So, I think it's helpful that we all continue to educate ourselves and support our customers. And this is an opportunity to do that.”

Written by Bethany Baratta.

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