A LOOK INSIDE:
MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Fostering Global Dialogue with the World Food Prize
EDUCATION
The Hummingbirds: Hyper-Local, High Impact RESEARCH
Iowa Corn & the Textile Industry: Q &A with Dr. Alex Buck
FARMER FEATURE Local Leader: Darin Proffit
ICPB DIRECTOR ELECTIONS
ICPB SPECIAL EDITION
March 2025
Since the early 2000s, Iowa Corn has been an active and engaged partner with the World Food Prize. This partnership has enabled Iowa Corn to network with individuals across the global agriculture industry while sharing our state’s corn farmers’ priorities and stories.
The World Food Prize (WFP) has brought together the best and brightest in the global agriculture industry since 1986. After receiving his Nobel Peace Prize for his work in food security and international agriculture, Dr. Norman Borlaug set out to create a prize that would honor those making real changes in our world’s food supply. Since then, award winners have come from across the ag industry in plant, animal and soil science; food science and technology; nutrition; rural development; public advocacy and more. Each fall these top individuals are honored at the Laureate Award Ceremony, along with other WFP events in Des Moines drawing hundreds of participants from more than 60 countries.
Participation in the WFP allows Iowa Corn an opportunity to network with global agribusinesses and non-governmental organizations while sharing the Iowa corn farmers’ story about modern farming practices that help meet the needs of a growing world. Iowa Corn is able to be a resource to answer questions, host delegations, meet with Laureate winners and network with peers from across the world.
“Throughout the twenty-five years of partnership, Iowa Corn has found great value in having a seat at the table with the WFP participants,” shared Craig Floss, Iowa Corn Chief Executive Officer. “Each year staff and farmer leaders participate in the WFP Symposium and Borlaug Dialogue by supporting a farmer panel featuring key issues important to Iowa corn farmers. Farmer leaders also have the opportunity to sit down with the WFP Laureate recipients and advocate on corn issues to important global players.”
This fall, Iowa Corn farmer leaders and staff had the honor of meeting with WFP Laureates, Dr. Geoffrey Hawtin and Dr. Cary Fowler. These leaders were recognized for their lifelong dedication to seed conservation and crop biodiversity. Iowa farmers shared about their sustainable farming practices and
had an open dialogue with these award recipients to pave the way for the future of farming.
Iowa Corn also had the opportunity to host a delegation from Sierra Leone. During this meeting, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Stu Swanson and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) President Ralph Lents, were able to have a sit-down meeting with the President of Sierra Leon, Julius Maada Bio, and learn about his interest in Iowa agriculture and share about their own farms.
During his visit to Iowa, President Maada Bio traveled to Knoxville and visited Steve Kuiper, ICGA District 8 Director. Steve shared with the President and his delegation about the progress of harvest, sustainable practices and the importance of biotechnology on his farm. President Maada Bio then had the opportunity to ride along in the combine with Steve’s son, to see corn harvest firsthand.
After his ride along, President Maada Bio shared how he enjoyed his experience learning more about Iowa agriculture and was curious to learn more about the benefits of biotechnology.
Following that visit, Iowa Corn staff met with Dr. Henry Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for Sierra Leone, to discuss their country’s needs as they look to expand their agriculture production, particularly feed mill operations for poultry production. Iowa Corn has connected representatives from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) to see where opportunities might exist to extend current USGC programming into Sierra Leone.
Currently, there is no corn-trade that happens with Sierra Leone. Iowa Corn will continue to work with our partners and the relationships created during this week to build future trade partnerships.
Iowa Corn looks forward to continuing to partner with the World Food Prize to build relationships and foster dialogue to explore new opportunities for global collaboration in the agricultural industry.
Corn impacts Iowa in so many ways. It’s a big deal in our state – for the people growing it and the people consuming it. That’s why one of the main priorities of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) is educating growers, consumers and everyone in between about corn. In today’s fastpaced world of social media, it can be more difficult than ever to get in front of the right audience. This makes meeting consumers where they already are and finding new ways to influence their existing online communities so important.
One tactic is utilizing micro-influencers or everyday individuals who already have a local and engaged audience. These microinfluencers not only have an established audience but also help to drive greater trust and authenticity compared to other influencers or ads, these are real people with real experiences.
Iowa Corn began working with the Hummingbirds in 2023 to reach our target markets and share the positive benefits of fueling up with Unleaded 88. The Hummingbirds are a network of individuals that share a brand’s message through word-ofmouth marketing in targeted city markets through their social media platforms. These localized individuals are more than content creators; they’re trusted friends and neighbors with localized influence. Iowa Corn has found that partnering with these micro-influencers can create more personal and relatable connections with the target audience and better ROI when sharing key messages about Unleaded 88.
Throughout the last two years, the Hummingbirds have been a key part in promoting Unleaded 88 as the cleaner, cheaper and
home-grown fuel choice. Hummingbirds were selected within the key markets of Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities.
“The Hummingbirds have been a great partner to share with consumers the benefits of fueling up with Unleaded 88,” shared Ralph Lents, ICPB President and farmer from Menlo. “The Hummingbirds are able to share our messages in an authentic way, by sharing their personal experience with Unleaded 88 and what they learn as they fuel up. The influencers are trusted by their followers and add to Iowa Corn’s sharing of information to ultimately drive consumers to choose Unleaded 88 and create demand for our corn ethanol.”
In 2024, over 360 birds shared Iowa Corn’s message about Unleaded 88 across Facebook and Instagram. This content reached over 564,000 individuals and had over 8,100 likes, comments or shares. These posts shared everything from the positive environmental impact and cost savings to the benefits of fueling up with a product created right here in Iowa. These messages, each shared from the unique perspective of the Hummingbirds, continue to influence driver behavior and change habits of fueling up with Unleaded 88.
The partnership between the Hummingbirds and Iowa Corn has been a powerful tool to not only drive awareness of Unleaded 88 but to also meet consumers where they are on social media. We look forward to continuing to utilize this approach to showcase Unleaded 88 as the cheaper, cleaner and home-grown fuel option to consumers across the state.
What has Iowa Corn been up to in the new uses space related to textiles?
Iowa Corn has been busy doing several things in the textile space and building many relationships to find new uses and value-added markets for corn farmers. Like corn replacing oil in fuel, corn could replace oil currently used to create fabrics and textiles. In addition to the research needed to make this transition to corn-based textiles, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) is dedicated to educating and bringing people together to build relationships along the way. Last year, Iowa Corn supported Qore, HELM and the Lycra Company to host a number of companies in Iowa. In April 2024 and later in the summer lululemon came to Iowa to visit the Cargill-Eddyville plant and visited with Steve Kuiper, Iowa Corn Growers Association District 8 Director and farmer from Knoxville. Steve currently delivers his corn to Cargill-Eddyville where the Qore technology will be available.
The textile industry is very interested in understanding their supply chain whether that is cotton, wool or other natural fibers, and the best way they have been able to do this is to go out and visit directly with farmers. Iowa Corn wanted to give them the same experience with corn since corn will be utilized as a biosynthetic feedstock in spandex. These on-farm visits have given the textile industry a firsthand look at the on-farm practices Iowa’s corn farmers utilize to help the textile industry showcase the scale and process of corn farming with their consumers.
We have been actively engaged with the Textile Exchange as well. The Textile Exchange serves as one of the entities in the textile world that sets and enforces standards for product labels such as sustainable or organic cotton, wool or other natural fibers. Stan Nelson, ICPB Chair and farmer from Middletown, has participated in the Textile Exchange Conference for the last two years. At this conference, he shared his farming story on a producer panel and was a resource for textile industry professionals to ask questions related to corn production. Iowa Corn then hosted the Textile Exchange in Iowa. We wanted them to understand the differences that corn would go through to become a textile vs other products, to ensure that standards were a win-win for both corn farmers and the textile industry. We are also engaged in their biosynthetic roundtable, which is a volunteer community of those interested in biosynthetic, and we give corn a voice as a feedstock. We want to make it as easy as possible for those in the textile industry to connect with us so we can answer all their questions with the goal of adopting corn as a feedstock.
How has Iowa Corn served as a resource to these companies?
As I mentioned, these companies want to see firsthand the sustainability and farming practices corn farmers are utilizing. Iowa Corn has served as a resource for why corn is a valuable and renewable feedstock for the textile industry. We have also answered their questions to help them understand how they could label and brand their products to showcase this to consumers. We wanted to show visitors that corn utilized for textiles would not compete with corn processed for food or fuel and that America’s corn farmers are a trusted source to consistently meet that demand.
What value does having a corn farmer at the table bring to these conversations?
The textile industry views farmers across the board as a trusted resource and finds value in engaging with farmers. The textile industry speaks a lot about the value of farmer insight. Organizations like Iowa Corn can help supply credible data and resources, but hearing farmers’ stories first-hand is irreplaceable. Our corn farmers are able to share the legacy of their family farms and how and why they care for their land, this passion cannot be replicated.
Why is Iowa Corn involved in the textile industry and what value does that bring back to Iowa’s corn farmers?
The textile industry is an industry that has limited penetration by corn as a feedstock but as we are looking to grow the use for corn in all directions, the textile industry just represents another avenue. If you are not wearing 100% cotton, silk, leather, cashmere or wool – you are wearing petroleum-based fabrics. 62% of global fibers are petroleumbased fibers. Our goal is to replace that petroleum with corn. This can help fashion and fabrics become more sustainable, a goal across the textile industry. We can help them meet their goals while also driving new corn demand. We need both low-value, high-volume markets like ethanol and highvalue, low-volume markets like chemicals for textiles.
Bonus Question: Can I buy corn leggings today?
Currently, you can buy Sorona textiles, which is a highquality high-performance polyester that is made with 36% corn. There are some textiles that use this technology. In terms of spandex or leggings, this is the year that consumers can hopefully buy some corn-based spandex.
Iowa Corn is built on a foundation of strong grassroots support, engagement and leadership. Across the state, local Iowa Corn Growers Association members are actively involved in planning several events, connecting with both consumers and farmers to share their stories and even stepping up to serve at the state and national levels. Iowa Corn would not be as strong of an organization as it is without each and every one of our grassroots members.
Each year, a leader who has gone above and beyond is recognized at the Iowa Corn Annual Grassroots Summit for their involvement with Iowa Corn at the local level and for creating real impact in their communities. This year’s recipient of the Local Leader Award was Darin Proffit.
Darin is a prime example of being a dedicated local leader for Iowa Corn, exemplifying leadership and commitment within the agricultural community. Through his involvement, Darin
has continually stepped up and said yes to getting involved, taking on numerous roles, including serving as the President of the Fremont/Page County Corn Growers and District 7 Committee Chair. Recently, he also joined the Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association’s Ag Committee. Darin has been instrumental in organizing district meetings, recruiting new members and engaging with local FFA youth through numerous activities.
After the passing of Jeff Thomsen, Darin stepped up to accept the role of District 7 Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director, dedicating his service to honor Jeff’s legacy. Darin, like Jeff, is a leader who has always been willing to jump in and support those around him.
Currently, Darin also serves on the Research and Business Development Committee and is a member of the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development Program Class 11. He is also always ready to step into the role of Captain Corn at various events.
Darin’s leadership and commitment continue to make a significant impact on both Iowa Corn and his local community. “You never know what piece of knowledge or wisdom you will pick up along the way,” shared Darin. “Getting to meet the next leaders, while also learning from all of the great ones before me has been a great opportunity!”
Thank you, Darin, for always stepping up and supporting others. Congratulations to Darin Proffit on being named the 2024 Iowa Corn Outstanding Local Leader in Honor of Jeff Thomsen.
This year, Iowa Corn lost a dedicated leader and dear friend, Jeff Thomsen.
Jeff was the embodiment of what it meant to be a local leader, starting on the local Cass County Corn Board, to being active on the District 7 Committee and for many years on the Grassroots Network, Membership and Checkoff Committee and then being elected to serve as the District 7 Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director in 2023, a position he was honored to achieve.
Jeff was a true champion for agriculture and Iowa Corn, dedicating his time and efforts to recruiting new members and strengthening connections within the farming community. His passion for the FFA and commitment to youth leadership showed throughout his work, as he encouraged the next generation of leaders. Jeff’s quiet yet powerful presence inspired many, and his legacy will continue to make an impact.
As we reflect on his life, let us celebrate the remarkable contributions he made to Iowa Corn and the agricultural community. Jeff’s impact will not be forgotten, and we were proud to present the 2024 Outstanding Individual Leadership Award in Honor of Jeff Thomsen to an individual who also encompassed this same spirit.
At Iowa Corn, we do many things. We develop and defend markets for corn across the globe. We fund research that unearths new uses for corn. And we spearhead education and promotional efforts to communicate the many benefits and uses of corn and corn products. Why do we do what we do? Because we believe in the corn growers of Iowa. What corn farmers do impacts people worldwide, and it’s our mission to support corn farmers’ interests. We’re here to work for the corn farmer. And we’re proud to do it.
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POTENTIAL OF CORN TO SUSTAINABLY MEET THE NEEDS OF A GROWING
ICPB di rector elections are quickly approaching. Crop reporting districts 2,5 and 7 are up for election. To request a petition or to learn more about the election process, please contact Iowa Corn: 5505 NW 88th Street, Johnston, Iowa 50131 or 515-225-9242. Visit iowacorn.org for further details and more information.
ICPB ELECTION TIMELINE:
March 27
April 8
April 2 2
May 21
June 16
July 15
Petitions will be available by request from the Iowa Corn office. Candidates who fill out petitions must also fill out the affidavit candidacy document.
D eadline for candidate names, district nominating committee forms and candidate bios are due to the Iowa Corn office.
A ll petitions for nominations are due to the Iowa Corn office by 4:30 pm.
Absentee ballots available for mailing.
D eadline for requesting absentee ballots.
E lections held at local county extension offices. Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before July 15.
Make Your Voice Heard With Your
If you’re passionate about agriculture and want to help protect the rights of Iowa corn farmers, it’s time to join us as an Iowa Corn Growers Association member! Together we shape legislation at the state and national level on ag issues that impact your farm. Plus, you receive endless connection opportunities, benefits and discounts.
Various levels of ICGA membership are available:
• $60 one year
• $140 three year
• $60 one year
• $140 three year COUPLE • $90 one year • $200 three year
• $20 one year
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) works to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn farmer profitability, and a seat at the table on issues that impact your farm and the broader agriculture community. Hear from a few ICGA members
“I became a member of Iowa Corn after Gary, my husband, was elected to the Iowa Corn Promotion Board in 2016. At that time Ringgold County had 6 members. So, Gary and I decided we needed to recruit some others. Eventually we formed a board, and I got elected as President for the county! What I enjoy most is being able to communicate all the great things that Iowa Corn does to improve the lives of not only corn farmers, but also livestock producers, businesses and just about everyone. It is a great organization to be involved with!”
“Being a member of Iowa Corn has given me a voice in places I never could have imagine. Everyday Iowa Corn is pursuing new and innovative pathways to strengthen the agriculture community, to continue to give opportunities and a stronger future for young farmers like me.”
“I find being a student member of Iowa Corn incredibly valuable. Participating in events like Iowa Corn Day on the Hill has deepened my understanding of policy advocacy, which is crucial for the future of farming in Iowa. Staying up to date on issues and policies pertaining to Iowa farmers has been easier by receiving updates from being a student member. I highly encourage students to get involved with Iowa Corn as the opportunities to network with and advocate for farmers is second to none.”
it all starts with you. Becoming an ICGA member gives you members about the value they find through their membership.
“To quote an old ad campaign, membership has its privileges. Members have access to educational events, discounts and being a part of statewide events like the Iowa State Fair, Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series and the Iowa Corn 350. Most importantly, you are joining other producers and agriculture business partners to have a voice in policies that impact your farm, family and community.”
Jerod Johnson, Shelby County
“Iowa Corn is a grassroots organization that supports all aspects of corn production marketing, and research. Iowa Corn supports our local communities and gives farmers a unified voice in our government.”
The foundation of Iowa Corn is built from the grassroots. Earn fantastic rewards for adding members to the Iowa Corn team! Contact your local district field manager or elected board members to find out how you can get involved at the county, district and state levels. We are stronger together!
1, 2024 – JULY 31, 2025
5 Members Recruited Iowa Corn hat or t-shirt (First 40 recruiters to qualify)
10 Members Recruited
2 tickets to the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series football game OR 2 tickets to the Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol (first 40 recruiters to qualify)
15 Members Recruited
2 tickets to the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series football game AND 2 tickets to the Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol (First 40 recruiters to qualify)
20 Members Recruited Cyclone/Hawkeye Sports Package** (First 5 recruiters to qualify) Iowa Corn Grizzly Tumbler
Top Two Recruiters (at least 40 recruits)
2 Iowa Corn tailgate chairs and an Iowa Corn cooler AND suite tickets to an ISU home football game
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** Two
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Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is singularly focused on supporting sound policy development and pro-farmer legislation to support long-term profitability for corn farmers. ICGA works to support state and federal policy on increasing blends and access to renewable fuels, decreasing regulatory burdens on Iowa’s livestock industry, improving Farm Bill programs, promoting trade policies and so much more.
As an ICGA member, you help form policy priorities. ICGA policy development is a three-step, member-driven process that contributes to the creation of the ICGA policy book for the approaching year.
MEMBER-WIDE SURVEY: Policy development starts with a full membership survey on issues impacting your farms. By gaining valuable insight, discussion goes to the Iowa Corn roundtables for the next phase of developing sound policy. Check your inboxes this spring and return your membership survey.
2025 REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS: Roundtable meetings allow ICGA members to come together, share a meal and discuss key issues impacting corn farmers. Policies brought forward and approved at roundtable meetings move onto the Grassroots Summit for ICGA delegates to debate.
June 16, 2025 @ 6:30 PM
• District 3: Single Speed Brewing Co., Waterloo
• District 8: Iron Horse, Osceola
• District 9: Airport Road Winery, Mt Pleasant
June 17, 2025 @ 6:30 PM
• District 1: Waterfront Grille & Event Center, Arnolds Park
• District 6: The Red Pin, Tipton
• District 7: Griswold Community Center, Griswold
June 18, 2025 @ 6:30 PM
• District 2: The Boulevard Bar & Grille, Clear Lake
• District 4: Deals Orchard, Jefferson
June 19, 2025 @ 12:00 PM
• District 5: Iowa Speedway, Newton
June 20, 2025 @ 12:00 PM
• Virtual Roundtable
Iowa Corn Grassroots Summit | September 3, 2025: As an ICGA member, the Annual Grassroots Summit is one of the many opportunities for you to get involved and make your voice heard. Attendees get an in-depth look at the issues facing the corn industry, debate key policies that impact your farm, help set the direction for the organization moving forward and get to know other corn growers from across the state.
Interested in getting involved? Reach out to your local district field manager or learn more at iowacorn.org/policy.
