Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized one individual and two organizations for their contributions to Iowa agriculture at the 14th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held on March 30 in Ankeny, according to a Mar. 31 announcement. The Ag Leader Awards were presented to Governor 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 awards highlight the ongoing importance of leadership, innovation, and service in maintaining Iowa’s position as a leader in agriculture. As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, this year’s dinner focused on the role of agriculture throughout U.S. history and its future significance.
“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.”
Governor Reynolds was honored for her support of agricultural policies including water quality initiatives and biofuel access standards during her time in office. The Great Outdoors Foundation was recognized as one of nearly 450 partners working with the department on projects such as wetlands development and grade stabilization structures aimed at improving soil health and water quality through private investment partnerships.
America Needs Farmers (ANF), established during the farm crisis of the 1980s by displaying its logo on University of Iowa football helmets, continues after forty years to connect consumers with farming communities by highlighting how agriculture affects daily life.
The event included a keynote address from Lindsay Graham—a public historian known for his storytelling about American history—and concluded Iowa Ag Week celebrations organized by Secretary Naig with support from the Iowa Economic Development Foundation.
According to the official website, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides financial support through no-interest loans and grants for conservation practices statewide while also promoting social growth by enhancing rural areas. The department aims to champion farmers while safeguarding consumers and natural resources through policy efforts like nutrient reduction strategies targeting runoff into waterways. Its operations extend across all regions supporting both environmental protection programs as well as economic development initiatives within an industry where Iowa leads nationally in pork, corn, eggs, ethanol, and biodiesel production.
