Southeast Iowa Agribusiness Summit

Presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions

The Southeast Iowa Agribusiness Summit brings together farmers, producers, agribusiness professionals, and industry leaders for a day focused on the future of agriculture in our region. Designed to inform, connect, and inspire, the Summit features timely discussions on emerging trends, market outlooks, technology, and practical strategies that impact today’s agricultural operations.

Attendees will hear from knowledgeable speakers, gain valuable insights they can apply to their own businesses, and connect with peers from across Southeast Iowa. Whether you’re directly involved in production agriculture or support the industry through services and innovation, the Southeast Iowa Agribusiness Summit offers meaningful takeaways and networking opportunities that strengthen our regional ag economy.

The 2026 Summit will take place at the Bridge View Center on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The venue provides a comfortable, professional setting for learning and collaboration, with ample space for presentations, networking, and conversation throughout the day.

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SPEAKER 1

Julie Kenney

From Policy to Profitability: The Real-World Impacts on Iowa Agriculture

This session examines the policy landscape shaping Iowa agriculture and its real-world impacts on producers, processors, and agribusinesses. From state and federal policy trends to emerging market opportunities, the session will explore challenges facing the industry and opportunities to expand and strengthen markets for Iowa agricultural products.

Julie Kenney was named CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa in September 2024. AAI represents more than 1,100 business locations across the state that supply feed, seed, crop protection products, grain, fertilizer, equipment and other products and services that benefit agriculture.

Julie was appointed Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in 2018 and served Iowans in that capacity for 5 years. Prior to serving as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Julie spent 15 years leading public affairs and marketing programs for agricultural businesses and associations.

Julie and her husband Mark have two children and own and operate a corn and soybean farm in central Iowa.

SPEAKER 2

Bill Menner

Working Together: Farmers and Rural Residents Building Vibrant Small Towns

Rural communities, in general, continue to lose population. Some places, however, are creating jobs, housing and excitement. In those communities, farmers and agribusinesses are critical partners in an effort that benefits those who live both in town and in the country.

Bill Menner is the founder of The Bill Menner Group, a consulting firm focused on community development, rural partnerships and economic vitality. His work includes contract executive leadership of the Iowa Rural Development Council, and has included clients such as USDA Rural Development, the Iowa Rural Health Association and the Iowa Housing Partnership.

Prior to the creation of his company, Menner served as Iowa’s state director of USDA Rural Development. In that position, he oversaw an organization providing support for housing, community facility, energy and businesses across rural Iowa. He has also worked as economic development director in Poweshiek County and started his career as a public radio reporter in Ohio and Iowa.

Menner is an active volunteer. He is immediate-past-president of Partners for Rural America and serves on the Grinnell Area Arts Council board of directors.

SPEAKER 3

T. Scott Nevitt

Changing Hands

Changing Hands is a specialized session designed to support farm and ranch succession planning. This workshop guide producers through the complex process of transferring land, assets, and operational leadership to the next generation, while addressing the legal, financial, and communication strategies essential to keeping family farms strong and sustainable.

Hi, I’m T. Scott Nevitt. I grew up in Runnells, Iowa. After graduating from Southeast Polk High School, I attended University of Northern Iowa, where I earned my degree in Finance and participated on the track and field team as a high jumper. I previously spent 24 years working for seasoned finance companies, 15 of which as an independent agent starting two financial investment firms as an independent producer. I still reside in the Des Moines area with my wife, Mitzi, and our three sons. I enjoy watching Jake, Luke and Frank participate in sports as well as being active myself. I workout regularly and like spending time outdoors biking, running, walking or golfing.

SPEAKER 4

Alex Swanstrom

Lunch Panel - Building a Legacy That Lasts: Generational Farming in Practice

A fifth-generation farmer in Southeast Iowa, Alex Swanstrom continues a family legacy built on resilience, stewardship, and hard work. Alex raises cattle, corn, soybeans, and hay, balancing the realities of modern agriculture with deep respect for generational farming practices. He holds a degree in Economics and Finance from Simpson College and is married with two children, raising the next generation alongside the land that has shaped his family for decades.

SPEAKER 5

Neric Smith

Lunch Panel - Building a Legacy That Lasts: Generational Farming in Practice

Neric Smith is a Program Director and Professor of Agricultural Sciences at Indian Hills Community College. He teaches courses related to Agronomy and Horticulture along with helping manage the College’s Agriculture Learning Labs /Farms. Prior to Indian Hills, he worked for Iowa State University Extension as a County Extension Director and Field Specialist. Neric has been actively engaged in farming throughout his career. He alongside his wife and two boys grow hay and have a cow calf beef operation in Davis County.

SPEAKER 6

Brydon Kaster

Lunch Panel - Building a Legacy That Lasts: Generational Farming in Practice

Brydon Kaster is a Professor of Agricultural Sciences at Indian Hills Community College. He has served in that role for 21 years. Teaching Animal Science, Agronomy, Farm Business, and Precision Farming. Brydon has also been actively engaged in farming throughout his career. Farming with his grandfather until his recent passing. He has a row crop, hay, and cow/calf operation in Appanoose County Iowa producing corn, soybeans, and purebred angus cattle.