Iowa Corn Expands New Uses

By Andi Anderson

Corn plays an important role in daily life. It is not only used to feed animals and produce fuel, but it is also found in more than 4,000 common products used in homes and stores. Because corn has many uses, Iowa Corn continues to invest in new ideas that help create more demand for this valuable crop.

One leader supporting these efforts is an Iowa farmer who serves as president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and also works on national trade committees. Iowa Corn often says that corn helps grow the state’s economy, and this statement reflects how the crop supports farmers, businesses, and communities across Iowa.

One major program helping grow new corn uses is the National Corn Growers Association’s Consider Corn Challenge. This program supports companies and researchers who develop new products made from corn. In 2025, three winners were selected. These included a company creating bio-based air filters made from U.S.-grown corn, another company working on technology to convert plant materials into fuels and useful products, and a university team developing corn-based solutions to protect oil pipelines from corrosion. Each winner received funding to expand their work and bring new corn-based products to the market.

Iowa Corn is also part of the Radicle Corn Challenge, created with Radicle Growth and supported by corn grower organizations. This program aims to invest at least $1.5 million in start-up companies around the world that are creating new and long-lasting uses for corn. One of the past winners has already gained national recognition for its innovative work, showing how these investments lead to real progress and new opportunities for farmers.

Through these programs, Iowa Corn helps ensure that corn remains valuable in changing markets. By supporting innovation, Iowa Corn encourages cleaner energy, stronger industries, and more stable demand for corn. These efforts help protect farm incomes and support future generations of farmers.

Overall, Iowa Corn continues to lead in finding new uses for corn, proving that innovation plays a key role in keeping agriculture strong, sustainable, and profitable for rural communities.

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