2026 Schedule
NEW: Now located at the top of the escalator on the Ballroom Level of the Convention Center – Room 401
Tuesday, February 3
10:00-10:45 a.m.
Grain Marketing 101
Shane Holtorf, Owner & Adam Friedrickson – Logic Ag Marketing
Sit down with Logic Livestock as they take a quick look at what is driving today’s grain markets and how producers can use simple hedging strategies to protect margins. This includes understanding seasonal trends, basis moves, and using tools like futures, options, and hedge to arrive contracts. The goal is to give you a clear view of current risks and practical ways to manage them with confidence.
11:00-11:45 a.m.
Changing Hands: Practical Steps for Farm Succession
Erin Herbold-Swalwell – Farm Bureau Financial Services
Transitioning the farm is a big decision, and planning ahead is key to making it successful. This session will equip farm families with practical tools and insights to start or advance their succession plan in 2026. You’ll learn about current estate laws, proven business succession strategies, and the latest legislative changes. The speaker will share actionable tips for transferring operations, ownership, and management smoothly – helping you avoid common pitfalls and set your farm up for long-term success. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Data-Driven Nitrogen Decision Making:
the Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Consultation Tool
Melissa Miller, Project Director – Iowa State University
The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, a public-private partnership between Iowa’s farmers and Iowa State University, conducts hundreds of on-farm nitrogen rate trials every year across the state. This data informs N-FACT, the Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Consultation Tool. This presentation will give an in-depth look at how to get the most out of N-FACT.
1:00-1:45 p.m.
Steps to Weather $4 Corn
Patrick Hatting, Farm Management Specialist – Iowa State University
The Steps to Weather $4 Corn program emphasizes efficient use of resources, soil-informed fertilization, variable cost control, and maximizing yield with a basic, economically sustainable program and a grain marketing plan which potentially maximizes price and meets your cash flow needs. These principles help farmers maintain profitability under low market prices and form the core of the operating under low commodity prices.
2:00-2:45 p.m.
Market Perspectives:
An IAE Signature Session
Chad Moyer Farm Broadcaster – Grain IQ
Kick off the week with a fast-paced look at today’s agricultural markets. Chad Moyer hosts Jeff Peterson with Heartland Farm Partners and Joe Kooima with Kooima Kooima & Varilek, bringing rapid-fire insights into both grain and livestock markets. Bring your questions and gain actionable analysis to navigate an ever-changing market.
Wednesday, February 4
10:00-10:45 a.m.
Family Farm Succession Planning: Be Remembered for the Planning You Did, Not the Planning That You Didn’t Do
Ryan Swalwell, CPA, RICP AIF – Heartland Financial Resource Group
Join the discussion on transitioning the family farm to the next generation and beyond. Learn about tax advantage planning to include current tax issues; capital gain tax issues and estate planning; wealth management; risk management; long term care concerns; pick a buyer versus forced sales; and farm corporation buy-sell process.
11:00-11:45 a.m.
Ag Market Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
Chad Hart, Professor of Economics and Extension Economist – Iowa State University Extension & Outreach
Listen as Chad explores the factors shaping ag markets over the next 12-18 months. He will investigate the impacts of the general economy (inflation, exchange rates, etc.) and international trade (tariffs and trade agreements) on livestock and crops, along with the potential for changes in government policy and the impacts from those changes. He’ll also discuss the potential for profitable marketing opportunities for the next couple of years.
12:00-12:45 p.m.
AgTech in Action: Lessons, Challenges, and Triumphs in Livestock Innovation
Panel Discussion: Featuring Bovi Jet, Ori Ag, and ScanIt ag technology companies with Chad Moyer as moderator
Join us for a dynamic panel featuring trailblazing AgTech startups, including Bovi Jet, Ori Ag, and ScanIt, as we dive into the journey of innovation in agriculture. Discover how these companies are reshaping the industry with cutting-edge technologies for livestock health, pathogen detection, and precision farming.
Panelists will share their successes, challenges, and lessons learned while developing and deploying their solutions. Gain insights into overcoming hurdles, collaborating with industry stakeholders, and delivering real value to farmers and ranchers. This interactive session offers a unique glimpse into the future of agriculture, with a focus on practical advice for technology adoption and implementation.
1:00-1:45 p.m.
Top 2025 Management Takeaways to Use
in 2026
Meaghan Anderson, Field Agronomist – Iowa State University
2025 brought a lot of crop management concerns –moisture, disease, weeds, and even some insect pressure. What can we learn from 2025 that we can use to better manage our 2026 crops? This discussion will hit on which concerns give us lasting takeaways and which are one-hit wonders (we hope) to leave in 2025.
2:00-2:45 p.m.
Market Perspectives: An Iowa Ag Expo Signature Session
Panel Discussion: Sue Martin, Ag & Investments and Zach Tindall, Producers Livestock; with Chad Moyer, moderator, GrainIQ/Farm Broadcaster
Midweek market insights with Chad Moyer, featuring Sue Martin with Ag & Investments and Zach Tindall with Producers Livestock. This session delivers clear, practical perspectives on current grain and livestock trends, market signals, and strategy. Rapid-fire discussion and audience questions ensure you leave ready to make informed decisions.
Thursday, February 5
10:00-10:45 a.m.
Family Farm Succession Planning: Be Remembered for the Planning You Did, Not the Planning That You Didn’t Do
Ryan Swalwell, CPA, RICP AI – Heartland Financial Resource Group
Join the discussion on transitioning the family farm to the next generation and beyond. Learn about tax advantage planning to include current tax issues; capital gain tax issues and estate planning; wealth management; risk management; long term care concerns; pick a buyer versus forced sales; and farm corporation buy-sell process.
11:00-11:45 a.m.
Growing season 2026: A Quick La Nina Winter to ENSO-Neutral Spring? Current conditions, climatological outlooks and implications on drought and wetness.
Dr. Justin Glisan, State Climatologist of Iowa – Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Meteorological winter started off with above-normal snowfall after a warm and dry fall. This talk will cover the potential impacts of a fast transition from a weak La Niña to neutral conditions on the early growing season. Current conditions, soil moisture, and drought conditions for Iowa and the Midwest will be discussed along with possible implications for agriculture.
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Strategic Grain Marketing in 2026: Managing Price Risk with Modern Market Tools
Jaxson Dian, Risk Management Consultant – StoneX Financial, Inc.
Join Jaxson Dian of StoneX for an insider look at what shaped the 2025 marketing year—and what you need to watch in 2026. Discover how proactive strategies using futures, options, and structured cash grain contracts (like accumulators) can help you manage risk and capture prices above the current market. Whether you’re marketing old or new crop corn and soybeans, Jaxson’s presentation will give you actionable ideas to strengthen your plan.
About the Iowa Ag Expo
The Iowa Ag Expo is February 3-5, 2026 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, IA. Hours are 9:00am-4:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 9:00am-3:00pm Thursday. Regular admission is $10 at the door. Visitors can register online and purchase tickets in advance to save $5 on admission. Registration information is used for demographic, sponsor, and marketing purposes. Student tickets are free with a valid student ID.
The Iowa Ag Expo is owned and managed by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA). The show is sponsored by: Diamond Sponsors – Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect; Platinum Sponsor – Stine Seed Company; Gold Sponsors – Premier Chevy Dealers and Sukup Manufacturing; Silver Sponsor – Spraytec.