Leadership insights from Todd Frazier, board chair of America's Cultivation Corridor.
If there’s one word that captures the past year at America’s Cultivation Corridor, it’s momentum.
We’ve seen it in groundbreakings, partnership announcements and project launches across the state. These public announcements are made possible by focused efforts to build a strong foundation and fill the gaps in Iowa’s innovation and agriculture ecosystem. Physical infrastructure, research leadership, capital resources, mentors, program development and a spirit of collaboration are just a few of the building blocks that are critical to success.
Iowa’s strength in agriculture has never been about a single crop, company, or technology. What sets us apart is the breadth of our leadership across the entire value chain from plant and food science to animal health, ag technologies, precision tools and advanced manufacturing. Few places in the world — if any — can bring all of these disciplines together in one connected ecosystem, and that gives Iowa a real edge.
That diversity also fuels collaboration, speeds up problem-solving and positions Iowa as a global leader in feeding and fueling the world in a sustainable way.
At the heart of it all are people. Innovators, entrepreneurs, farmers and industry leaders across the state show up every day with ideas, experience and a willingness to work together. At the Corridor, our role is simple but powerful: make connections that matter and help ideas move forward.
Programs like Cultivo Virtual Academy reflect that commitment. We’re intentionally building relationships that strengthen the ecosystem and support growth across all sectors of agriculture. When trust is high and connections are strong, progress follows.
As I begin my term as chair of America’s Cultivation Corridor board, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and even more excited about what’s ahead. Thank you to Kevin Rasmussen for his leadership as chair for the past two years. His steady guidance helped build the momentum we’re experiencing today, and we’re grateful for his continued involvement.
Momentum is on our side. Now is the time to share ideas, build partnerships and help shape what comes next for Iowa agriculture.
Published January 2026