Leadership insights from Billi Hunt, executive director of America's Cultivation Corridor.
Iowa’s agriculture advantage goes beyond what we grow. It’s how we innovate and connect.
At the 2026 Farm Progress Show near Boone, Iowa, last week, thousands of farmers, agribusiness leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs came together to see what’s next. Earlier in the week, Ag Startup Engine and Ag Ventures Alliance hosted an Agtech Field Day at a nearby farm. Farmers, founders, investors and corporate leaders gathered in the field to see emerging technologies in action and talk about what it takes to move an idea from a startup idea to real-world product. And DSM Partnership’s Entrepreneur Field Day featured autonomy startup Sabanto.
These are just a few examples of Iowa’s innovation model at its best. A startup has a great idea and farmers provide insight on what is really needed in the field or barn. Businesses understand markets and scale. Researchers bring knowledge and data. Investors bring capital and connections.
Iowa combines a strong agricultural foundation, world-class research, established global companies and a growing startup ecosystem, all in close proximity. Our goal at America’s Cultivation Corridor is to spark conversations and connections that lead to new collaborations and partnerships. When everyone works together, good ideas get better and pathways are built to test, develop and scale new technologies.
Iowa isn’t just leading agriculture today; we’re shaping the future. Want to learn more? Connect today.
Published September 2026.