Ag leaders from across Iowa gathered in Ankeny on March 12 to honor four Iowa-based organizations at the annual Agriculture Leaders Dinner, hosted by Iowa's secretary of agriculture.

This is the seventh year the Agriculture Leader Awards have been presented, highlighting the work of Iowa residents, companies and organizations that have made significant contributions to the state’s agriculture. Over 200 people attended this year’s event at the Iowa FFA Enrichment Center.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig told the crowd that National Ag Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the state's agriculture accomplishments. He also talked about the challenges of the future and addressed farmland stewardship.

LEADERSHIP IN ADVOCACY: Officials of Fareway Stores, headquartered in Boone, receive the award for leadership in agricultural advocacy, presented by Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig (center).

“This is a great occasion to bring folks together from all across Iowa agriculture, a diverse cross-section,” he said. “We celebrate Iowa’s agriculture and the great history we have, but we also look ahead and discuss the issues agriculture is facing today.”

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke at the event, providing an update on progress the state is making in dealing with ag-related issues. She congratulated this year’s four award winners. Keynote speaker was Beth Ford, president and CEO of a farmer-owned Fortune 500 company, Land O'Lakes, which produces dairy products.

Ford discussed the changes and disruptions confronting the food industry, and the need for agriculture to stand up and defend itself when attacked by untruthful accusations. She also talked about ways farmers and ag businesses can connect more closely with consumers.

2019 Ag Leadership Award winners

“Iowans understand the unique and important role agriculture plays in our state’s economy,” Naig said. “We are grateful to these organizations for advocating on behalf of our industry, fostering a sense of community, educating Iowans about our agricultural roots and pioneering advancements in testing technology. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and thank them for their continued leadership.”

Naig presented the awards to the four winners:

Leadership in Community. The Des Moines Farmers Market began in a small parking lot in 1976. It has since grown to host over 300 vendors and 25,000 people each Saturday morning. It is a staple of the Des Moines community and allows residents to gather each week to support local farmers.

LEADERSHIP IN COMMUNITY: Members of the Des Moines Farmers Market board of directors accept their award for leadership in helping support local farmers and locally produced food.

Leadership in Advocacy. Fareway Stores Inc. has deep Iowa roots dating back to 1938. The grocery chain operates more than 120 stores in Iowa and neighboring states. Fareway holds family values in the highest regard, supporting and partnering with local businesses, communities and farmers.

Leader in Innovation. Foundation Analytical Laboratory serves the feed, food and ethanol industries, ensuring that testing various products is done with the highest integrity. Iowa-native Diane Young saw an opportunity to elevate the level of customer service provided by corporate testing laboratories. In 2010, she founded a contract laboratory in her hometown of Cherokee in northwest Iowa. Nearly 10 years later, the company employs 20 people and is moving into a new building in the fall.

Leadership in Education. The Ag Literacy Foundation serves as a central resource for educators and volunteers to teach Iowa students about agriculture. The organization was founded in 2014 by industry, commodity groups and businesses that wanted a cohesive focus on agriculture literacy. Training and materials for teachers and volunteers are created with the goal of elevating ag education in every classroom in the state. It is estimated that one of the IALF publications now reaches over 92,000 students.