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Our History & Past Speakers
Since 1987 the Celebration of Agriculture has put on this event to honor those who are involved in all aspects of agribusiness and play a vital role in building and growing a dynamic agricultural industry.
Our History
Since 1987 the Celebration of Agriculture has put on this event to honor those who are involved in all aspects of agribusiness and play a vital role in building and growing a dynamic agricultural industry. This event continues its tradition of fighting food insecurity by raising funds for, and awareness of, HACAP’s Food Reservoir. Recent events have brought 700-1,000 attendees representing more than 60 businesses with ties to agriculture from across Eastern Iowa to enjoy an evening of networking, dinner and a keynote speaker.
Past Event Speakers
- 2025 Andrew McCrea, Host of the American Countryside Radio Broadcast
- 2024 Sonny Purdue, Former United States Secretary of Agriculture
- 2023 Richard Childress, Former NASCAR driver & owner of Richard Childress Racing
- 2022 Jann Carl, co-host of Small Town Big Deal
- 2021 Cancelled due to Covid-19
- 2020 Cancelled due to Covid-19
- 2019 Tyne Morgan, Host of U.S. Farm Report at Farm Journal Media
- 2018 Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, President, Iowa State University
- 2017 Robert White, VP of Industry Relations, Renewable Fuels Association
- 2016 Dr. Lowell Catlett, Dean of Agriculture, New Mexico State University
- 2015 Dr. Steven Leath, President, Iowa State University
- 2014 Jolene Brown, Farmer, Author, Professional Speaker
- 2013 Damian Mason, Professional Speaker, Writer & Farmer
- 2012 John Phipps, Host of U.S. Farm Report
- 2011 Dr. Lowell Catlett, Dean of Agriculture, New Mexico State University
- 2010 Frank Rydzewski, The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business
- 2009 Baxter Black, Cowboy Poet
- 2008 Mike Johanns, Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
- 2007 Dr. Lowell Catlett, Dean of Agriculture, New Mexico State University
- 2006 Robert Dineen, President & CEO, Renewable Fuels Association
- 2005 Ann M. Veneman, Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
- 2004 Kenneth M. Quinn, President, The World Food Prize Foundation
- 2003 Catherine E. Woteki, Dean of Agriculture, Iowa State University
- 2002 Dan Glickman, Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
- 2001 Richard Fritz, Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
- 2000 Thomas Vilsack, Governor of Iowa
- 1999 Mark Pearson, Host of “Market to Market”
- 1998 Merlin Olsen, Spokesperson, Pioneer Hi-Bred Inc
- 1997 Dr. David Kohl, Professor, Virginia Tech
- 1996 Roy Reiman, Owner, Reiman Publications
- 1995 Dr. Martin Jischke, President, Iowa State University
- 1994 Martin Andreas, Archer Daniels Midland
- 1993 Ed Madigan, Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
- 1992 Orion Samuelson, Broadcaster, WGN, Chicago
- 1991 Cooper Evans, Former Special Assistant to the President
- 1990 John Block, Former U.S. Secretary of agriculture
- 1989 Victor Lischenko, Soviet Economist
- 1988 Chet Randolph, Host of “Market to Market”
- 1987 Dr. Gordon Eaton, President, Iowa State University