Leadership insights from Billi Hunt, executive director of America's Cultivation Corridor.
In agriculture and bioscience, we talk a lot about the technology, investment and research required to drive innovation. Those are critical, but relationships are often the spark that turns ideas into action.
There is an energy when innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, producers and business leaders come together to challenge assumptions and explore what is possible. That energy makes Iowa’s agricultural ecosystem unique.
The first session of Cultivate 360 hosted by America’s Cultivation Corridor brought together 42 food and agriculture professionals representing diverse sectors of the industry from animal health and seed to retail grocery and advanced manufacturing. Each brought different perspectives but they shared a commitment to moving agriculture forward.
The goal of the program is not just networking, it is to create opportunities for professionals to exchange ideas, build relationships and take new thinking back to their organizations. It was an energizing day and I’m looking forward to three more sessions this summer.
We see this dynamic play out every day across America’s Cultivation Corridor.
World Pork Expo returned to Des Moines this week, bringing thousands of pork producers and industry leaders to share ideas, learn and return to their operations with new ideas and enthusiasm. The announcement of Vylor locating its headquarters in Johnston reinforces what many of already know: proximity matters. Bringing leadership, researchers and decision-makers close to customers and partners in an agriculture-focused ecosystem creates unique advantages.
Innovation isn’t just about the next technology, it is about building the relationships that spark new ideas, test them and help them grow. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities in Iowa, I’d love to connect.
Published June 2026.