Secretary Naig Presents 2026 Ag Leader Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Iowa Agriculture
DES MOINES, Iowa (Mar. 31, 2026) - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized one individual and two organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the continued success, resilience, and growth of Iowa agriculture during the 14th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held on March 30 in Ankeny. Secretary Naig presented the Ag Leader Awards to Gov. Kim Reynolds for Outstanding Service to Agriculture; the Great Outdoors Foundation for Leadership in Conservation; and America Needs Farmers (ANF) for Leadership in Community.
The annual Ag Leaders Dinner brings together farmers, agribusiness leaders, conservation partners, and community stakeholders from across the state to celebrate Iowa agriculture and the people and partnerships that continue to move it forward. As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, this year’s dinner carried a patriotic theme and recognized the enduring role of agriculture in the nation’s history and future.
“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of United States independence, we recognize that agriculture has helped sustain this nation for generations,” said Secretary Naig. “Governor Reynolds, the Great Outdoors Foundation, and America Needs Farmers are building on that legacy through leadership, innovation, and service. Their work supports farmers, advances conservation, and strengthens rural communities across our state. It also reflects the kind of forward-looking leadership that keeps Iowa agriculture competitive and growing in a rapidly changing world.”
The Ag Leaders Dinner included a keynote address from Lindsay Graham, an award-winning podcast host and public historian known for his storytelling on American history and the people and events that have shaped the nation. The dinner was the culminating event of Iowa Ag Week, celebrated March 23 through March 30. It is hosted by Secretary Naig, organized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and funded by the Iowa Economic Development Foundation.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized one individual and two organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the continued success, resilience, and growth of Iowa agriculture during the 14th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held on March 30 in Ankeny. Secretary Naig presented the Ag Leader Awards to Gov. Kim Reynolds for Outstanding Service to Agriculture; the Great Outdoors Foundation for Leadership in Conservation; and America Needs Farmers (ANF) for Leadership in Community.
The annual Ag Leaders Dinner brings together farmers, agribusiness leaders, conservation partners, and community stakeholders from across the state to celebrate Iowa agriculture and the people and partnerships that continue to move it forward. As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, this year’s dinner carried a patriotic theme and recognized the enduring role of agriculture in the nation’s history and future.
“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of United States independence, we recognize that agriculture has helped sustain this nation for generations,” said Secretary Naig. “Governor Reynolds, the Great Outdoors Foundation, and America Needs Farmers are building on that legacy through leadership, innovation, and service. Their work supports farmers, advances conservation, and strengthens rural communities across our state. It also reflects the kind of forward-looking leadership that keeps Iowa agriculture competitive and growing in a rapidly changing world.”
The Ag Leaders Dinner included a keynote address from Lindsay Graham, an award-winning podcast host and public historian known for his storytelling on American history and the people and events that have shaped the nation. The dinner was the culminating event of Iowa Ag Week, celebrated March 23 through March 30. It is hosted by Secretary Naig, organized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and funded by the Iowa Economic Development Foundation.
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Originally published by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in March 2026.