Leadership insights from Kevin Rasmussen, Chair of America's Cultivation Corridor and member of Iowa Pork Producers Association
As a farmer, January is typically a month filled with numbers and planning. From wrapping up the financials from the previous year to putting together outlooks and budgets for the year ahead and analyzing harvest results to make a plan for the upcoming crop season, I rely on data from a variety of sources to make decisions for the productivity and profitability of my operation.
We’re taking the same approach at America’s Cultivation Corridor, and I’m especially excited for a new source of information with insights on Iowa’s agricultural leadership. In 2024, the Corridor commissioned a first-of-its-kind survey to measure how targeted stakeholders perceived key characteristics of Iowa’s food and agriculture industry. What did we find? The future is bright.
Not only did the majority of respondents believe the level of innovation in Iowa’s food and ag sector is stronger than other states and improving, they felt that business opportunities are on the rise, employment opportunities are steady and quality of life is top notch.
Most exciting to me was the finding that young professionals have the most positive outlook about opportunities in the state, both for career and innovation, as well as the quality of life for building their careers and families. See more results in the executive summary.
The survey also found opportunities to grow the Corridor’s programming in ways that are specific to our mission to elevate and advance the food and ag industry in our state. I’m excited about plans that the Corridor will be launching this year to address some of the unique needs identified. Stay tuned!
Watch for details in upcoming newsletters, our website or social media on LinkedIn, Facebook or X.
Published January 2025.