Iowa secretary of agriculture tours local fairs and ag business

By Andi Anderson

This Thursday, Mike Naig, the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, is set to make his annual journey across Iowa, aiming to cover all 99 counties.

His itinerary includes stops in Carroll, Crawford, and Calhoun counties, where he will engage with key figures in the agricultural sector, visit local fairs, and discuss pressing agricultural issues.

Naig's day begins early at 8:00 a.m. at the Calhoun County Expo. His visit will kick off at the cattle barn, where he will meet County Expo President Ricole Potts. Potts is set to lead Naig on a guided tour of the fair, providing him with opportunities to interact with 4-H and FFA members and fair attendees.

This engagement underscores the Secretary's commitment to understanding and supporting youth programs in agriculture.

Following his time in Calhoun County, Naig will proceed to Dow City in Crawford County. His destination is Cogdill Farm Supply Inc., a cornerstone of local agribusiness that recently celebrated its 45th anniversary.

While Naig missed the anniversary celebrations due to prior commitments, this visit offers a chance to connect with the company’s leaders and staff, discuss agricultural issues, and explore potential solutions to industry challenges.

Naig's busy schedule will continue at the Carroll County Fair in Coon Rapids from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Here, he plans to meet with former Fair Board members, tour the fairgrounds, and engage with fairgoers as well as participants from 4-H and FFA.

This visit emphasizes his dedication to fostering community ties and supporting agricultural education.

Although Naig's visit to the Tyson Feed Mill in Storm Lake to discuss turkey production in Iowa is closed to the public, it highlights his extensive efforts to address various sectors of the state's agricultural industry.

Throughout these visits, Naig aims to strengthen connections within the agricultural community, support educational initiatives for young people, and address the concerns of industry stakeholders. These efforts are crucial for sustaining Iowa’s robust agricultural sector and ensuring the continued prosperity of its rural communities.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski