CORRIDOR NEWS | AUGUST 2026

 
 

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS COMPLETE 
FIRST CULTIVATE 360 COHORT

The fourth and final session of the Cultivate 360 program was held this week at the Iowa State Digital Ag Innovation Lab in Ames. Forty agriculture and food industry professionals completed the program featuring focused, immersive learning opportunities and networking.


Thank you to presenting sponsor Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, program sponsor ISG and hosts Sukup Manufacturing, Corteva, KENT WORLDWIDE and ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab.

 
 

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS:

PARTNERSHIPS FUEL COLLABORATION, GROWTH

Strong partnerships have always been one of Iowa's competitive advantages. Across our food and agriculture ecosystem, progress happens when people from different backgrounds come together with a shared purpose. We've seen this in Cultivate 360 and other programs.

 
 

WHY IOWA? 
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH TROY SHOEN

For Troy Shoen, his role as Business Consultant at Chevron is an opportunity to come full circle. This month's Why Iowa? highlights his roles at well-known Iowa companies and a look at opportunities for renewable fuels.

APPLY FOR NEXT CULTIVO COHORT TODAY!

Applications for our Cultivo Virtual Academy India Cohort close on Aug. 14. The six-week program is a unique opportunity for startup and scaleup companies preparing for their entry into the U.S. ag, food or bioscience markets.

IOWA-LED COALITION AWARDED NSF FUNDING

A coalition led by Iowa State University secured a $15 million National Science Foundation award to launch the RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine. More than 70 public and private partners across Iowa and Nebraska will work together to create new markets, strengthen rural communities and position the region as an advanced biomanufacturing hub.

 
 

FARM PROGRESS SHOW

The nation's largest outdoor farm show will kick off September 1 in Boone, Iowa. Visitors from around the world will see the latest in ag technology, equipment and innovative products.

 
 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

  • The Iowa Economic Development Authority board approved a variety of tax credits and assistance for manufacturers, small businesses and startups, including Webster City Meats, SoilSerdem LLC, Skroot Laboratory, Inc. and SwineTech Inc.
  • Greater Des Moines Partnership was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
  • Iowa State University attracted an increase in external research funding support from industry and corporate sponsors fiscal year 2026. 
  • Registration is now open for the 2026 Borlaug Dialogues during the World Food Prize events in October.
  • Sabanto Ag closed a Series B funding round.
 
 
 

For more information call:

 (515) 864-0732

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