Nigerian Governor Visits Iowa Fair to Learn Farming Strategies

By Andi Anderson

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Nigeria, visited the Buchanan County Fair in Iowa to explore modern farming techniques and agricultural strategies. His visit aimed to learn from Iowa’s successful agriculture model and apply it to improve farming in Benue.

Known as the Food Basket of Nigeria, Benue struggles with outdated farming methods and lower productivity. Governor Alia noted that Iowa is a century ahead in agriculture and emphasized the need for Benue to treat farming as a business, not just for basic survival.

“If we have good soil and water, why aren’t we maximizing them?” Alia asked during his visit. He believes that with better strategies, Benue farmers can improve both crop and livestock production.

One key takeaway for the governor was livestock farming. He was amazed at how fast cattle grow in Iowa compared to Benue, where cows remain small. He expressed interest in introducing larger, more productive cattle breeds to increase meat output and benefit farmers commercially.

The delegation also discussed crop improvements with Iowa leaders. Governor Alia and his team met with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig to learn about better crop seedlings, higher yields, and effective animal feed strategies.

This visit marks a new learning opportunity for Benue, with hopes to apply Iowa’s advanced agricultural practices back home. Alia called it a valuable experience that could bring long-term benefits to Nigerian farmers and help grow their economy.

Iowa continues to serve as a role model in agriculture, showcasing how innovation, proper management, and advanced techniques can transform farming into a profitable industry. The exchange of ideas between Iowa and Benue highlights the importance of sharing knowledge to strengthen agriculture worldwide.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski