America's Cultivation Corridor

06/11/2026

Our Cultivate 360 cohort gathered at Corteva Agriscience in Johnston yesterday! Beyond continued networking, we dove into topics including agricultural economic crossroads, the state's economic development landscape, startup founder perspectives and enjoyed a tour of Corteva's labs and greenhouses.

Thank you to our outstanding speakers and panelists:
▪ Bridget Anderson, Corteva Agriscience
▪ Jason Henderson, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
▪ Director Debi Durham, Iowa Economic Development Authority
▪ Dan Culhane, Ames Regional Economic Alliance
▪ Stacie LoVan, Greater Des Moines Partnership
▪ Bill Menner, Iowa Rural Development Council
▪ BJ Brugman, Distynct
▪ Jason Cope, PowerPollen
▪ Kyle McMahon, Tractor Zoom

We share our continued appreciation for our presenting partner Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, program partner ISG and today's location partner Corteva Agriscience for making this program possible.

06/10/2026

Tom Mangan brings a unique perspective in working with family-owned businesses in multiple industries to his role as president and CEO of Sukup Manufacturing Co. He shares his thoughts on rural Iowa, the pace of innovation and the quality of life in Iowa in our latest Q&A. ⤵️

Tom Mangan brings a unique perspective in working with family-owned businesses to his role at Sukup Manufacturing Co.

06/09/2026

🚨 New pitch opportunity alert! 🚨 Iowa Startup Week is bringing the Midwest's most ambitious founders to one stage to put their startup in front of investors, advocates and decision-makers for a chance to win a "life changing" non-dilutive purse prize.

Find competition details and submit a 90-second video pitch before July 6 to be in the running > https://www.iowastartupweek.com/best-of-the-midwest

06/08/2026

Innovation isn’t just about the next technology, it is about building the relationships that spark new ideas, test them and help them grow. 🌱💡

See examples of Iowa's "relationship advantage" in this recent blog from our Executive Director Billi Hunt.

Billi Hunt shares how relationships spark innovation across Iowa’s agriculture and bioscience ecosystem.

06/05/2026

Our June newsletter is out today! See the latest updates, innovation insights and momentum happening in the Corridor. Read now > https://conta.cc/4dOJnUk

06/04/2026

Attention, entrepreneurs and small business founders! U.S. Small Business Administration has launched a new $1M Patriot Pitch Competition and applications close June 10. Find eligibility and submission guidelines.⤵️

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth. Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool...

06/04/2026

We had so much fun welcoming international visitors to World Pork Expo! Thank you to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the opportunity to join Iowa agricultural leaders and farmers in showcasing why the world comes to Iowa for excellence in pork production, research and innovation.

06/03/2026

Registration is now open for the World Food Prize Foundation Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines! Held Oct. 20-22, the annual event convenes leaders, decision-makers and innovators from around the globe to share knowledge and chart solutions for the future of global food security.

See this year's agenda and register > https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/events/borlaug_dialogue/2026_borlaug_dialogue/

06/02/2026

Diverse feedstocks, new cropping systems and ground-breaking processing technologies are all elements of the work underway in Iowa to sustainably grow the supply of renewable fuels in the U.S. and around the world.

Hear from Chevron Global Book Lead, Renewable & Carbon, Paul Neese about the meaningful and connected opportunity ahead for driving renewable fuel production and demand.

06/01/2026

Congratulations to KENT WORLDWIDE for its recognition as a U.S. Best Managed Company Platinum Honoree. The Iowa-based company earned the distinct honor of being selected as a best managed company for seven or more years.

The program recognizes the company's demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and ex*****on, a commitment to their people and financial performance and governance.

🔗: https://kentww.com/news/kent-worldwide-recognized-as-a-us-best-managed-company-as-a-platinum-honoree