Agricultural Marketing Resource Center

06/08/2026

🌽 Join the Iowa Local Food Challenge! 🌽

Did you know Iowans spend billions on food each year, much of it outside our state? By choosing more Iowa-grown food, we can support local farmers, strengthen our communities, and keep more food dollars working right here in Iowa.

Set a goal that works for you, whether it's one local meal a week or a portion of your grocery budget and make a difference one purchase at a time.

Learn more and sign up at iowafoodsystemcoalition.org/challenge

04/24/2026

🌱 Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Iowa Farm & Food Conference! 🌱

Join us June 11–12 in Waterloo for two days of learning, connection, and inspiration centered around “Futuring our Food System.” This annual event brings together farmers, food businesses, and community leaders to explore the future of Iowa’s food system, local food, and cross-sector collaboration.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, share ideas, and be part of shaping what’s next!

🔗 Register and learn more here: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/cfs-annual-event

04/02/2026

🚨 Don’t Miss Out — VAPG Deadline is Almost Here! 🚨

Time is running out to apply for the USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)! If you’ve been thinking about expanding or enhancing your agricultural business, now’s the time to act.

⏳ Deadline: April 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET
(The application window is closing fast!)

The VAPG program through USDA Rural Development provides funding to help producers create and grow value-added products — whether that’s developing a business plan or scaling up processing and marketing efforts.

💡 Who can apply:
• Independent agricultural producers
• Producer groups
• Farmer & rancher cooperatives

💰 What the grant can support:
• Planning activities — feasibility studies, business plans, marketing strategies
• Working capital — processing, packaging, labeling, promotion, and more

If you’ve been considering applying, don’t wait — deadlines come up quickly, and submissions must be in on time to be considered.

🔗 Start your application:
https://vapg.rd.usda.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F

📘 Learn more about eligibility & details:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants

This is a great chance to take your value-added ag business to the next level — make sure you get your application in before time runs out!

🚨 USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Now Open! 🚨

The 2026 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) application window is officially open! This program from USDA Rural Development helps agricultural producers, producer groups, cooperatives, and producer-based businesses fund projects that add value to agricultural products — from business planning and feasibility studies to processing, marketing, and more.

📆 Application Window: January 15 – April 15, 2026
🕐 Deadline: 1:00 p.m. ET on April 15, 2026

💡 Who can apply:
• Agricultural producers
• Agricultural producer groups
• Farmer/rancher cooperatives

💰 What’s supported:
• Planning grants (e.g., feasibility studies, business & marketing plans)
• Working capital grants (e.g., processing, packaging, labeling, advertising)
Total funding and specific award caps vary each year and are announced in the official notice.

✅ Start your application here:
👉 VAPG Application Portal: https://vapg.rd.usda.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F

📘 More info & eligibility details:
👉 USDA VAPG program page: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants

This is a great opportunity to grow your value-added ag business — don’t miss the deadline! 🚜💡

02/25/2026

🚨 Call for Presenters! 🚨

The 2026 Farm & Food Conference is now accepting proposals! We’re inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations across all sectors of the food system to share their work, research, and community initiatives. This is your chance to highlight innovative approaches that strengthen Iowa’s food networks.

Session Options:

*Bite-Sized (15 min): Share a successful program, project, or research study.

*Breakout (1 hr): Engage participants in a deeper discussion about a project, initiative, or research.

Collaborative proposals are encouraged, and multiple submissions are welcome!

📅 Learn more about the conference: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/cfs-annual-event

📝 Submit your proposal here: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b8vevvQkviySINo

Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting gathering of Iowa's food community! 🌱

02/19/2026

⏰ Reminder: Don’t Miss the VAPG Deadline!

The 2026 USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) application window is open now — but time is ticking!

If you’re an agricultural producer, producer group, or cooperative looking to fund business planning, processing, marketing, or other value-added projects, now is the time to apply.

🚨 USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Now Open! 🚨

The 2026 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) application window is officially open! This program from USDA Rural Development helps agricultural producers, producer groups, cooperatives, and producer-based businesses fund projects that add value to agricultural products — from business planning and feasibility studies to processing, marketing, and more.

📆 Application Window: January 15 – April 15, 2026
🕐 Deadline: 1:00 p.m. ET on April 15, 2026

💡 Who can apply:
• Agricultural producers
• Agricultural producer groups
• Farmer/rancher cooperatives

💰 What’s supported:
• Planning grants (e.g., feasibility studies, business & marketing plans)
• Working capital grants (e.g., processing, packaging, labeling, advertising)
Total funding and specific award caps vary each year and are announced in the official notice.

✅ Start your application here:
👉 VAPG Application Portal: https://vapg.rd.usda.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F

📘 More info & eligibility details:
👉 USDA VAPG program page: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants

This is a great opportunity to grow your value-added ag business — don’t miss the deadline! 🚜💡

01/28/2026

🚨 USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Now Open! 🚨

The 2026 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) application window is officially open! This program from USDA Rural Development helps agricultural producers, producer groups, cooperatives, and producer-based businesses fund projects that add value to agricultural products — from business planning and feasibility studies to processing, marketing, and more.

📆 Application Window: January 15 – April 15, 2026
🕐 Deadline: 1:00 p.m. ET on April 15, 2026

💡 Who can apply:
• Agricultural producers
• Agricultural producer groups
• Farmer/rancher cooperatives

💰 What’s supported:
• Planning grants (e.g., feasibility studies, business & marketing plans)
• Working capital grants (e.g., processing, packaging, labeling, advertising)
Total funding and specific award caps vary each year and are announced in the official notice.

✅ Start your application here:
👉 VAPG Application Portal: https://vapg.rd.usda.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F

📘 More info & eligibility details:
👉 USDA VAPG program page: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants

This is a great opportunity to grow your value-added ag business — don’t miss the deadline! 🚜💡

01/28/2026

📍 AgMRC is at the Everything Local Conference!
We’re at the BOS Center in Springfield, Illinois today and tomorrow—come see us! 👋
Stop by to connect with our team, learn more about what we do, and chat all things local food & agriculture.

Hope to see you there!

10/30/2025

🌾 Final Call: 2025 National Agriculture Marketing Summit

The countdown is on! This is the final week for Ag Summit early registration and hotel lodging.
https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/

🎟️ Early registration extended through November 1
Secure your spot for just $300, with special rates available for students, veterans, and farmers.
Registration Link: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/register/

🏨 Lodging deadline approaching
Reserve your room at the Hilton Indianapolis by November 1 to access the special conference rate.
Lodging Link: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/register/ #:~:text=Lodging%3A%C2%A0%0ABooking%20for%20the%20room%20block%20has%20been%20extended%20until%20November%201%2C%202025.%0ABooking%20link%20for%20our%20hotel%20room%20block%3A%20https%3A//book.passkey.com/e/51064730

📅 Join us in Indianapolis, November 12–14
Be part of a high-impact gathering that celebrates the future of agricultural marketing.

Questions? Contact Courtney Long at [email protected].

Registration is now open! Registration Fees (on or before November 1, 2025)Participant Registration – $300Student Registration – $200Farmer/Veteran – $250Presenter – $250 Registration Fees (after November 1, 2025)Participant Registration – $375Student Registration – $275Farmer/Veteran .....

10/23/2025

🌾 Summit Update: 2025 National Agriculture Marketing Summit

It’s getting close — the countdown is on! ⏰
The full Summit schedule is now live, featuring dynamic plenaries and concurrent sessions that highlight innovation, marketing success stories, and collaboration across U.S. agriculture.

👉 Check out the updated program here: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/schedule/

✨ Early registration extended through November 1!
Secure your spot for just $300, with special rates available for students, veterans, and farmers.
Register here: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/register/

💡 Scholarship applications open
Need support to attend? Registration waiver applications are still open — apply now: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/scholarships/

🏨 Lodging deadline approaching
Reserve your room at the Hilton Indianapolis by November 1 to access the special conference rate: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/ #:~:text=Lodging%3A%C2%A0%0ABooking%20for%20the%20room%20block%20has%20been%20extended%20until%20November%201%2C%202025.%0ABooking%20link%20for%20our%20hotel%20room%20block%3A%20https%3A//book.passkey.com/e/51064730

📅 Join us in Indianapolis, November 12–14, for a high-impact gathering that celebrates the future of agricultural marketing.

Questions? Contact Courtney Long at [email protected]

November 12-14, 2025Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & SuitesIndianapolis, Indiana The AgSummit provides a unique networking opportunity for agricultural marketing practitioners to form new partnerships and learn new business strategies to improve the performance of their farms and businesses. The Summit...

10/08/2025

🌾 Get Ready for the 2025 National Agriculture Marketing Summit! 🌾

The Summit schedule is LIVE!
Check out the latest lineup of plenaries and sessions showcasing innovation, marketing success stories, and collaboration across U.S. agriculture.
👉https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/wp-content/uploads/sites/119/2025/10/2025-AgSummit-Conference-Agenda.pdf

💡 Good news — early registration has been extended!
Register by November 1 to secure your spot for just $300.
Special discounts are available for students, veterans, and farmers.
👉 https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/register/

🎓 Need a little support to attend?
The scholarship application for registration waivers is open until October 17 — don’t miss your chance to apply!
👉 https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agsummit/scholarships/

🏨 Book your stay early!
Reserve your room at the Hilton Indianapolis to receive the special conference rate before November 1.
👉 https://book.passkey.com/event/51064730/owner/1824/home

📅 Join us November 12–14 in Indianapolis for an inspiring and collaborative event celebrating the future of agricultural marketing!

Questions? Contact Courtney Long at 📧 [email protected]

🌱 We can’t wait to see you there!