The Future of Agriculture at Iowa State University with President David Cook

September 22, 2026

What does a university president have in common with an Iowa farmer? Both are constantly thinking about what comes next. As harvest gets underway and a new semester begins, the conversation around education, agriculture and the future takes on new meaning. 

As the 2026 fall semester begins, Dr. David Cook returns to Iowa State University, this time as the university's 17th president. An Ames native and Iowa State alumnus, Cook joins The Bean Scene to talk about what it means to return home and where the university is headed. He shares how ISU is preparing students for an agriculture industry shaped by technology, data, entrepreneurship and changing workforce needs, along with why the land-grant mission still matters.

Cook also discusses Iowa State University's long-standing partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association, including the Iowa Soybean Research Center and the creation of soy-based asphalt. Learn how collaboration among farmers, researchers and industry leaders is helping shape the future of agriculture. 

This episode of The Bean Scene is brought to you by the Iowa Soybean Association and the soybean checkoff.

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