It's the 7th year the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture has hosted the Ag Leaders Dinner:
It's a tradition Mike Naig is carrying on after he became Iowa's Secretary of Ag one year ago following Bill Northey's swearing in for the USDA position a year ago at this event:
People from all across the spectrum in the Ag industry gather to socialize, share a meal and honor our leaders:
Governor Kim Reynolds was on hand to deliver remarks and four awards were handed out. Winning the 'Leadership in Community" Award was the Des Moines Farmers Market:
"Leadership in Advocacy" award winner was Fareway, and the "Leadership in Innovation" honor went to the Foundation in Analytical Laboratory:
Finally, the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation picked up the "Leadership in Education" award and then Land O'Lakes CEO Beth Ford took the stage for the Keynote Address:
Her presentation was incredible, starting with the difficulty and disruption going on in the industry:
She also described some data which shows the absolute necessity of rural broadband when it comes to production:
She finished with the importance of striking up conversations, even if they are uncomfortable because they are different, with our consumers:
Powerful message, to say the least.