Advocate for Iowa Agriculture Award

Advocate for Iowa Agriculture Award

By Jeff Hutton, jhutton@iasoybeans.com

This award recognizes those who effectively and accurately share the story of modern agriculture; build bridges between Iowa farmers and consumers; and bring awareness to Iowa agriculture and the soybean industry.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig

Building markets, strengthening Iowa’s economy by supporting its agricultural backbone, and connecting consumers and farmers. For these reasons and more, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) recently awarded Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig its Advocate for Iowa Agriculture Award.

Naig grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa near Cylinder and continues to be involved in the operation today. He is a graduate of Buena Vista University with degrees in biology and political science.

Elected Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in 2018, Naig previously served as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).

In a state where agriculture is a leading economic driver, Naig has demonstrated that protecting the air, soil and water is essential to Iowa’s success.

“A huge aspect of my work as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture is focused on building markets for Iowa products, whether that is locally, nationally or globally,” Naig says.

He recognizes the impact soybean farmers have on the state’s economy.

“Iowa is a worldwide leader in soybean production, and the numerous value-added products that are created from soybeans are critical to the ongoing strength of our economy,” he says. “One in five jobs in Iowa is connected to agriculture, and it’s impossible to imagine a strong Iowa economy without a strong agricultural economy.”

IDALS has partnered with ISA on many successful initiatives over the years, including the Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here campaign and others.

“I know we will continue to work closely together to sustainably improve water quality, protect our valuable soil, and build demand for soybeans and biofuels in the years ahead,” Naig says.

As ag secretary, Naig continues to lead efforts to expand economic opportunities for Iowans and is an advocate on behalf of the hardworking farmers who keep Iowa and the world fed and fueled.

“Advocating for agriculture is truly my passion and life’s calling,” he says.

Naig continues to be an advocate for attracting and retaining talent in Iowa’s thriving agriculture industry, encouraging them to pursue rewarding careers in the industry.

“Agriculture is truly the backbone of our state’s economy, and our hardworking, resilient, and innovative farm families are the bedrock of so many of our communities,” Naig says. “I have great respect for the Iowa Soybean Association and a strong appreciation for its important mission. From supporting farmers and being a leader on water quality initiatives to investing in cutting-edge research and growing markets for our products, the breadth of ISA’s work is impressive and impactful. I am truly honored to receive this Advocate for Iowa Agriculture Award from the association’s grassroots members.”