ISU Extension Strengthens Iowa Agriculture Through Year-Round Support

By Andi Anderson

National Agriculture Day is celebrated on March 24, 2026, and this year’s theme, “Agriculture: Together We Grow,” reflects the important role farmers play in daily life. In Iowa, agriculture continues to be a major part of the state’s identity, economy, and food production.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach supports this effort all year by offering education, tools, and research to help farmers make informed decisions and improve their operations.

ISU Extension and Outreach works closely with farmers, landowners, and agribusinesses to address new challenges and support sustainable practices. Specialists provide research‑based guidance to help strengthen the agricultural workforce and protect Iowa’s natural resources.

Jay Harmon, associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, emphasized that extension programs are designed to meet the needs of Iowa communities and ensure farm families have access to reliable information.

In 2025, ISU Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Natural Resources connected with nearly 180,000 people through more than 5,500 meetings, workshops, and field days.

Their online resources also had a major reach, with about 8.5 million website visitors and almost 800,000 publication downloads.

These programs support crop and livestock producers, specialty crop growers, agribusinesses, and consumers by sharing knowledge that encourages both profitability and sustainability.

The 2025 Agriculture and Natural Resources Impact Report highlights three major areas of focus: producing healthy food and improving agricultural systems, protecting natural resources, and strengthening farm businesses.

Through these efforts, ISU Extension and Outreach continues to help Iowa farmers adapt to changing conditions while maintaining a strong agricultural economy.

By celebrating National Agriculture Day, ISU Extension and Outreach recognizes the hard work of farmers and the vital contributions agriculture makes to daily life.

At the same time, its year‑round commitment ensures that farmers have the education and support needed to grow responsibly, protect the environment, and build a strong future for Iowa agriculture.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic