Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference Celebrates 20 Years on August 6
“Resilience, Innovation, and Heart in Every Field” is the theme of the 2026 Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference set for August 6 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.
A powerhouse combo of keynote sessions and concurrent workshops led by a select cadre of speakers will address ag challenges, offering timely advice about:
- Commodity market scenarios
- Soil and water quality initiatives
- Lender’s outlook on credit challenges
- Prospects for a new farm bill, tariffs, and taxes
- Latest on land values and transition planning tips
- Dynamic role of women in the ag industry
The Conference kicks off at 8:15 a.m., and concludes at 4:30 p.m.
Opening Keynote Panel: An energetic and insightful team of ag legislative and business experts will jump-start the conference with What You Need to Know: State and Federal Legislation, Land Values, and Taxes: Kelli Klink, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association director of government relations and public policy; Carrie Seidel and Chloe Van Etten, Hertz Farm Management real estate sales and Erin Herbold-Swalwell, legal counsel at Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Bureau Financial Services.
Chad Hart, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach economist, will deliver the current wisdom on commodity markets and global trade, as well as agricultural policies. After two decades Hart, also a long-time advocate for women in agriculture, will be stepping down from his official role.
Have you heard the Good News? Agriculture’s Sweet Spots will tap the collective experience of:
- Erin Good, Iowa Beef Industry Council, who will share good news about spiking consumer demand for protein and dairy;
- Shea-Lynn Ramthun, Land Stewardship Project soil organizer and Cannon Falls, Minnesota sixth-generation farmer, who will discuss the potential of food grade oats and the opening of farmer-owned Green Acres Milling in Albert Lea; and
- Aimee Bissell, Iowa Soybean Association director from Bedford, who will spread the good news about biofuels and biodiesel, high oleic soybeans for dairy herd rations, and other new uses for soy, including fire-fighting foam and concrete.
During the luncheon, Iowa Women in Agriculture will shine a spotlight on the recipients of the 2026 IWIA Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture and Winds of Change Up and Comer Awards, and celebrate IWIA’s 20th anniversary year, as well as the United Nations International Year of Farm Woman.
The afternoon’s choice of breakout sessions will feature:
Alex Slagle, Iowa Soybean Association conservation agronomist will share progress underway on the North Raccoon Farm to River Project, and moderate a panel with hands-on highlights from beginning farmer Paige Gunn near Scranton, as well as seasoned landowner Chris Henning, near Jefferson.
Angie Treptow, Farm Credit Services of America will offer her experienced financial perspective, including interest rate trends and the current business climate, as well as key risk-management strategies for borrowers.
Erin Herbold-Swalwell and Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation farm business manager, will team up to present From One Generation to the Next: Transition Planning for Success.
Finally, prepare to be challenged and entertained by capstone speaker Tyler Schuster. The Texas native is a multi-generation rancher who enjoys leveraging her talents as a storyteller, professional, and advocate to create opportunities for others while building a life uniquely her own.
This year’s Welcome & Networking event features a luncheon in lieu of an evening reception. It begins Wednesday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m. with a tour of the historic Wallace House at 756 16th Street in Des Moines where participants will learn about Nancy Wallace, the accomplished wife of Henry Wallace and author of the Hearts and Homes column for Wallaces Farmer. The luncheon follows at HoQ Restaurant, where local foods are combined to create global flavors. There we’ll enjoy a private event with guest speaker, Shae-Lynn Ramthun, a sixth generation livestock producer from Cannon Falls. The pre-conference tour continues to The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates at 100 Locust Street with a focus on the global contributions of women in agriculture, followed by a tailor-made tour of the Iowa State Capitol, including a trip to the top of the Golden Dome!
Route maps will be provided to help participants locate tour sites. The tour will include a $40 fee.
Early bird registration will be $75 until August 3, and $100 following that date and at the door. Registration will include the conference, continental breakfast and lunch, and snacks.
Registration opens soon online on the IWIA web site, by mail, or from 7:15 a.m.- 8:00 a.m. on the day of the conference. A room block for August 5 has been set up at the Courtyard at Marriott-Ankeny, 2405 SE Creekview Drive; register by July 13, 2026 for the conference rate.
Early bird registration is required for those attending the Pre-Conference Tour and luncheon. For questions about the tour, contact Madeline Schultz at 515-294-0588.
For conference information, contact IWIA president Cheryl Tevis at 515-240-1785 or visit www.iowawomeninag.org for a full Conference agenda and registration details–coming soon!
The premier sponsor of the 2026 Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference is Farm Credit Services of America. Additional key sponsors include: Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Heartland Cooperative, Iowa Soybean Association, and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
