10 Years | America's Cultivation Corridor

Innovation leads to results. See for yourself.

Visit our 10-Year newsroom to meet the people, companies and technologies making a difference.

Protecting natural resources

Iowa’s food and agriculture producers are leaders in sustainability and stewardship, with a focus on preserving and improving the state’s soil, water, air and other natural resources while meeting the needs of a growing global population.

According to the USDA, land use for agriculture has decreased 28% in the last 70 years while land productivity grew nearly four times. This national trend is on display in Iowa, as growers adopt management practices and new technologies to preserve some of the most fertile soils in the world.

Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainability

John Deere and Iowa State University established an 80-acre demonstration site with eight different fields and processes that allow Deere to test sustainable solutions for large grain production systems in real-world scenarios.

Addressing Global Challenges

Sam Eathington, EVP and CTO at Corteva Agriscience, sees the opportunity for agriculture to lead the way in addressing climate change while providing an affordable, nutritious supply of food for a growing population.

Iowa Water Quality Initiative Makes Strides

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Iowa Water Quality Initiative improves water quality through a collaborative, research-based approach that is evaluated and reported by a team of independent researchers.

Iowa innovation drives sustainability

Renewable fuel use in 2022 decreased GHG emissions by an amount equivalent to taking 30 million cars off the road and Iowa is the No. 1 producer of ethanol and biodiesel.
Iowa is the No. 1 pork-producing state. From 1960 to 2015, U.S. pork production increased 84% while cutting land (76%), water (25%) and energy (7%) use and reducing global warming potential (8%).
One U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually and with more than 150,000 farmers, Iowa food producers are responsible for feeding about 25.5 million people.
In FY2023, more than $52 million in private and state cost-share dollars were invested to implement conservation practices across Iowa, more than double the investment 10 years ago.
Soil erosion in Iowa has decreased by roughly one-third since 1980 and national data show no-till is growing by more than 600,000 acres annually.
Corn growers have improved fertilizer efficiency by over 100% since 1980 and key practices for reducing nitrogen loss – like bioreactors, saturated buffers, and prairie strips – were invented in Iowa!

Producing more with less

Iowa’s farmers, researchers and leaders have a long history of working together to improve and protect the state’s resources. Groundbreaking innovations in crop genetics, crop production, soil science and animal health are pioneering new ways to raise crops, animals and build stronger communities.

Continuum Ag – a soil health data intelligence company using their proprietary tool to enable farmers to profit from improving their soil health.
Corteva Agriscience – global leader in seed, crop protection, biologicals and digital solutions for the world’s farmers.
Dryland Genetics - developing the latest varieties of proso millet to provide farmers with a crop that produces more grain with less water.
Gross-Wen Technologies – developing a sustainable algae-based wastewater treatment system that is effective, reliable, and economical.
Iowa Water Quality Alliance – focused on increasing the pace and scale of farmer-led efforts to improve water quality in Iowa.
John Deere – global equipment and digital solutions leader using technology to improve sustainability for farmers.

Leading in renewable energy and bioproducts

Building on leadership in the production of corn, soybeans and other commodities, Iowa researchers and innovators have found hundreds of new uses for these products that deliver benefits to consumers, communities and the environment alike. The state’s research and commercial infrastructure for bio-based and renewable businesses is second to none.

Leadership in action

Iowa leads the country in ethanol, biodiesel and wind energy production (as a percentage of total power output), with an established infrastructure to support new and growing bio-based ventures.

Renewable Fuel Leadership

Chevron Renewable Enenrgy Group President Kevin Lucke shares about the company's rich history of biofuel innovation, why Iowa has been a proving ground for renewable fuel success and the company's vision for continued low-carbon fuel leadership.

Investing in Wind Energy

MidAmerican Energy's wind development helps maintain affordable electricity rates and has made Iowa a wind energy leader. The company has nearly 7,700 megawatts of clean, renewable energy generated from more than 3,400 turbines across the state.

Biorenewable Research

The Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute was founded to advance the use of biorenewable resources for the production of fuels, chemicals and materials. The institute collaborates across the university and with federal agencies.

The facts add up

In 2014, less than 30% of Iowa’s energy production was from renewable sources but today, more than 65% of the state’s electricity production is derived from renewable energy – a 117% increase in the last 10 years.
Iowa ranks among the 10 states with the lowest average electricity price. Iowa’s energy affordability is particularly evident for the industrial sector, including food and agriculture production and processing, which benefits from electric rates that are 22% below the national average.
Iowa gets 64% of its energy from wind – the highest percentage of any state.
Iowa is the nation's largest fuel ethanol and biodiesel producer. It accounts for about 30% of U.S. fuel ethanol production capacity and 21% of biodiesel production capacity.
The renewable fuels industry supports nearly 52,000 jobs across Iowa and contributes more than $6.5 billion to our economy, which is about 3% of the state’s GDP.

And, Iowa offers the Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit to incentivize the production of 30 high-value chemicals derived from biomass feedstocks.

Companies driving renewable innovation

BioCentury Research Farm - first-in-the-nation integrated research and demonstration facility dedicated to biomass production and processing.
Chevron Renewable Energy Group – global leader in biodiesel research and production.
Corteva Agriscience – global leader in seed, crop protection, biologicals and digital solutions for the world’s farmers.
Iowa Corn Promotion Board - focused on market development, education and research and supporting the development of new uses for corn.
Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute - a campuswide effort, launched in 2002, to investigate the use of biorenewable resources as sustainable feedstocks for producing chemicals, fuels, materials, and energy.
MidAmericanEnergy Company - safely meeting the energy needs of more than 1.6 million customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota with increasingly clean, renewable energy.
Qore - joint venture between Cargill and HELM to produce and deliver a bio-based BDO.

Raising healthier animals

The combination of forward-thinking livestock producers, world-class researchers, innovative startups and global leaders in Iowa is delivering new products, technologies and practices to improve every aspect of animal health.

The epicenter for animal health

Iowa is a hub of animal health and vaccine development. Five global brands in the animal health sector have operations in the state, in addition to the cutting-edge research at Iowa State University, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and USDA’s National Animal Disease Center, National Veterinary Services Laboratory and the Center for Veterinary Biologics, all located in Ames.

Taking Action for Animal Health in Iowa

There are a lot of places in the world you can go and be innovative, but Iowa is a place where innovation happens. That was the resounding sentiment shared by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig during World Pork Expo.

Cutting-Edge Vaccine Technology

Genvax Technologies was founded in 2021 by vaccine industry veterans and serial entrepreneurs Joel Harris and Dr. Hank Harris to bring advances in self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccine production to animal health.

ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab

Iowa State University’s VDL furthers its commitment to providing state-of-the-art diagnostic services in support of Iowa’s $32.5 billion animal ag industry. It strengthens ISU as a leader in animal health, food safety and public health.

Next Generation of Animal Ag Leaders

With more than 1,000 students enrolled, the Iowa State University Department of Animal Science continues to be an international source of superlative talent for industry professionals and employers.

Global Brands Choose Iowa

Iowa is a hub of animal health and vaccine development. Five global brands in the animal health sector have operations in the state, in addition to cutting-edge research institutions in Ames.

Reinventing How Animal Vaccines are Delivered

Mazen Animal Health was founded in 2016 by Jenny Filbey, PhD to develop and commercialize oral vaccine technology for animals. The company’s novel vaccine platform uses corn as a biofactory for the production of recombinant vaccines.

Leading every step of the way

U.S. livestock producers are the envy of the world when it comes to access to technologies for ensuring animal health. Much of the innovation, including vaccines, biosecurity, software and barn alert systems that make these tools possible start in Iowa.

Boehringer Ingelheim – an animal health leader with vaccines, parasite-control products and pharmaceuticals to help protect pets and livestock from disease.
Distynct - a leading provider of remote monitoring solutions for production livestock.
Elanco - a global leader in farm animal and pet health solutions with manufacturing site in Fort Dodge.
FarrPro - an agtech company building new technologies to improve farrowing, animal welfare and agricultural sustainability.
Genvax Technologies - a startup applying cutting-edge technologies from human health care to develop vaccines to fight animal disease.
Iowa State University Department of Animal Science – one of the leading animal science degree programs in the world with unmatched opportunities for experiential learning at research farms.
Iowa State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab – full service laboratories that process more than 1.6 million tests a year to serve producers and livestock industry.
Kent Nutrition Group - a division of Kent Corporation and home of the Kent and Blue Seal quality animal nutrition brands.
Mazen Animal Health - a startup using the power of plants to produce orally delivered biologics.
Merck – a global animal health business dedicated to preserving and improving the health with a location in the ISU Research Park.
USDA National Centers for Animal Health – a 523-acre campus that houses three USDA centers focused on livestock research, foreign disease diagnostics and vaccine/biologic regulation.

Number one in pork production and egg production, and in the top 10 states for beef production and turkey production. Iowa’s livestock producers are supported by the strongest base of researchers and industry professionals to deliver new technologies and information to care for animals and improve sustainability and productivity. In fact, Iowa has the 2nd highest concentration of animal scientists in the country.

Providing a safer food supply

Iowa’s universities, global brands, regional leaders and startups are contributing to the next generation of technologies that make our food supply safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

Safer food from farm to table

The U.S. is recognized for having one of the safest food supplies in the world, thanks to improvements in crop and livestock production, such as genetic modifications and novel treatments that reduce disease, as well as food storage and processing (think, nanotechnology that returns faster safety test results) and more.

Iowa State KENT Feed Mill

The Iowa State University KENT Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex has already made a significant impact on students, faculty and collaborators across the university and will set a new course for the state’s feed and grain industry.

Food Safety from Farm to Table

It's no surprise that Iowa-based producers, researchers and companies are leading the way with new ideas and technologies to ensure an even safer food system in the future.

Improving Grain Storage

The design of Sukup Manufacturing grain storage, handling and drying equipment systems is influenced by a number of factors, starting with customers’ desire to constantly improve productivity, efficiency, quality and safety.

Meats Laboratory at Iowa State is Essential to Modern Food Safety

The lab and program have continued to innovate and evolve, building a reputation around the globe as a leader in research, technology and food safety.

Safe, Nutritious Pork

Producing safe, nutritious food is the foundation of what farmers Kevin and Lisa Rasmussen do, and it revolves around healthy, well-cared for animals. They enjoy embracing their responsibility to provide pigs with a safe, healthy environment.

Every step in the food system

Delivering a nutritious supply of food to Americans’ tables three times a day is a complex and multi-faceted process. New technologies, practices and innovations at every step of that process help to ensure that food is higher quality, better tasting and safer than ever before.

Iowa Corn - comprised of the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), Iowa Corn works to unlock the potential of corn in a sustainable manner to meet the global need for food and energy.
Iowa Pork Producers Association - representing Iowa's pork industry providing information and services to producers and consumers.
ISG - a leading architecture, engineering, environmental and planning firm.
Kent Precision Foods Group - providing high-quality branded and custom products for customers in the food service (domestic and international) industrial and consumer products businesses.
Scoular - a leading provider of agricultural supply chain solutions across key industries including grains, food ingredients, animal feed ingredients and more.
Sukup Manufacturing Co. - the world's largest family-owned and operated manufacturer of grain storage, drying and handling equipment.

From border to border, some of the biggest names in grain and meat processing have Iowa facilities, with 29 of the largest 100 food manufacturers and processors having a location in the state. This expertise combined with cutting-edge research at every phase of crop, animal and food production continues to raise the bar on food safety to benefit Iowans and the world.

Iowa innovation makes the world better every day

Leading the world in agricultural innovation goes beyond research labs and startup companies, it drives efficiency and productivity for farmers, grows economic and career opportunities in communities of all sizes, and delivers a safe and affordable food supply for consumers.

Healthy Communities

Building vibrant communities

New ways of thinking about community partnerships and economic development provide career, education and quality of life opportunities in communities of all sizes in every corner of Iowa.

Innovative solutions drive growth

In a state where agriculture drives the economy (contributing $13.1 billion in wages) and technology drives agriculture, it’s no surprise that innovation takes many forms in Iowa communities.

Unique approaches developed by community leaders, businesses and residents provide quality of life, arts and culture, and outdoor activities across the state. In fact, Iowa boasts more than 1,800 miles of surfaced bike trails, 250 golf courses and 53,000 acres of state park land – waiting to be explored.

Economic Development

Creating economic opportunities

Iowa is home to a rapidly growing ecosystem for entrepreneurs, researchers and startup companies with resources to help bring the next generation of innovations to reality.

The world grows here

Entrepreneurs and founders benefit from the resources, mentoring, support and venture funding from agribusiness leaders and innovative farmers and livestock producers, as well as an established infrastructure of global leaders and regional innovators.

The number of Iowa-based businesses in the food and agriculture industry has increased more than 40% in 10 years and nominal wages earned by Iowa-based employees in the food and agriculture industry increased 89% in 10 years to total approximately $7.3 billion in 2022.

And, whether it’s building costs or ongoing operations and maintenance, a dollar just goes further in Iowa. In combination with one of the country’s best regulatory environments, it’s easy to see why Iowa is recognized as one of the most business-friendly states

Labor Solutions

Improving the way we work

Exciting new products and technologies are changing the way work is done on farms, in processing and manufacturing plants and more. Iowa’s researchers and entrepreneurs are developing safer, more efficient ways to accomplish critical tasks.

Robotics, automation and more

According to the USDA, the nation’s agriculture labor productivity rate has improved 10% in the last 70 years. That is thanks to help from the advanced robotics, automation and predictive analytics that are powering the future for farmers and the entire food chain – many of which start in Iowa.

Iowa’s business leaders are also taking new and unique approaches to attracting talent to rural communities and providing resources and amenities to boost productivity and quality of life.

Career Opportunities

Providing diverse career opportunities

If you want to be a game-changer in any field related to food, agriculture and biosciences, those opportunities exist in Iowa now and will continue in the future.

New skills in demand for a changing world

Feeding and fueling a growing world population in a sustainable way will take the talents of a more diverse group of professionals than ever before. As agricultural companies increasingly consider themselves technology companies, it opens a range of opportunities for talent that didn’t grow up on a farm but have critical skills in programming, IT and engineering to offer to the industry.

Productive Crops

Growing more productive crops

It’s no surprise that having some of the most fertile soil in the world has led to some of the most groundbreaking innovations in crop genetics, plant science and soil science being developed in Iowa.

Our roots run deep

From George Washington Carver’s studies at Iowa State University to Henry Wallace’s pioneering work with hybrid corn, our crop genetic roots run deep.

Today, some of the most cutting-edge research in the world is happening at global leaders, startups and university labs across Iowa. In fact, Iowa has the third most plant and soil scientists at work of any state, and leads the way in research, development and commercialization of bioproducts made from plants, ranging from plastics to fibers and more.

Food Security

Ensuring a more secure food supply

With an eye on the growing world population and the need to protect natural resources, Iowa’s farmers, leaders and policymakers are always focused on making more with less and ensuring that the food produced is distributed to those who need it.

A legacy of feeding the world

Iowa is only the 26th state in size and 31st in population, but one-fourteenth of the nation’s food supply is raised here. That’s due in part to the agriculture industry’s focus on increasing production of food, fiber and fuel in a sustainable way.

Building on the legacy of Norman Borlaug, the World Food Prize - which is held in Des Moines - annually convenes global experts to develop the policies and partnerships to ensure a food secure world.

Sources

Overall statistics: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages; U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; Iowa Bioscience Strategy report, prepared by TEConomy for the Iowa Economic Development Authority, June 2023

Renewable energy statistics: Iowa Energy Plan, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; U.S. Energy Information Administration; U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Celebrating 10 years of collaboration, innovation

America’s Cultivation Corridor marks 10 years of building momentum, elevating innovation and connecting business to leading research, capital and talent resources in Iowa.

Real-world innovation, real results

Addressing the world's most difficult challenges

“Innovation is thriving in Iowa and in our agriculture. New ideas, new collaborations are driving increased productivity and sustainability in our farms, communities and industries, and, most important, we’re seeing new solutions for some of the world’s most difficult challenges."

- Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig

10 ways Iowa innovation makes the world better

Join us in celebrating 10 years of the Corridor with stories of the people, products and ideas that are making a difference in our state and around the world.