SCHEDULE   PRESENTATIONS   DINNER   BE AN EXHIBITOR   OUR SPONSORS   LODGING

2026 Tickets

$60 for IOA Members and $75 for Non-Members

Become a member or sponsor today to receive member pricing!

LAST DAY TO PURCHASE TICKETS IS FRI. NOVEMBER 27th OR WHEN TICKETS RUN OUT

GET TICKETS

Photos from the 2025 Annual Meeting

About the Keynote Presenter

Ron Rosmann, Iowa Farmer and Author

Ron Rosmann is a fourth-generation farmer from Harlan, Iowa, who has farmed for more than 50 years. After returning to his family’s farm in 1973, Ron began moving away from chemical inputs and eventually transitioned the farm to certified organic production. Today, Rosmann Family Farms is a diversified organic operation raising grains, livestock and other farm products.

Ron is also a founding member of Practical Farmers of Iowa and has spent decades promoting farmer-led research, sustainable agriculture and knowledge-sharing among farmers. Along with his wife, Maria, Ron has hosted field days, mentored farmers and helped advance organic and sustainable agriculture in Iowa. He is the author of A Practical Farmer’s Journey: A History of Community, Stewardship and Resilience, which reflects on his family’s farming journey and the development of Iowa’s sustainable agriculture movement.

About the "Expanding Opportunities for Organic Producers" Panel

Dr. Sean Stokes, Research Director - Rodale Midwest Organic Center

Sean is the Research Director at Rodale Institute’s Midwest Organic Center, a 30-acre certified organic research farm just north of Cedar Rapids. Research there primarily focuses on diversifying corn-soybean rotations with livestock integration, small grains, or pulses and analyzing the impact this has on soil health and farm profitability. He also oversees research on organic vegetable production that utilizes different tillage practices in combination with a biochar soil amendment. He earned a PhD in Soil & Crop Science and a MS in Environmental Toxicology from Colorado State University and his research career has focused on topics related to agricultural production, soil health, and water quality.

Noah Wendt, Farmer

Noah and his farm partner, Caleb Akin, started A&W Farms in 2006.  Their farm is located near Cambridge, IA.  As a farm team, they feed cattle, produce conventional corn and soybeans on 1,100 acres and also grow a variety of organic grain on 1,800 acres.  Noah has been active in organizations such as IOA, PFI, Rodale Institute and OFA.  He is also part owner of an organic grain elevator in Altoona, IA.  Noah owns a farm real estate brokerage and crop insurance agency in Huxley, IA, where he resides with his wife, Erin, and their two children, Harper and Daphne.  In his spare time, Noah enjoys working out, attending kid's events, fishing, gardening and boating. 

Greg Lickteig, Omaha Grain

About the "Growing Forward: The Next 20 Years of Organic Agriculture in Iowa" Panel

Lonica Kufner, IOA Vice President

Lonica has 25+ years of experience working with clients from the USA and, internationally, including CPG food companies, co-manufacturers, brokers, grocery retail stores, e-commerce, technical scientists, farmers and consumers.  Having started one of the first organic stores in the country, Lonica's passion has led her to enjoy working with entrepreneurs to help bring more organic products to the market.  As a consultant, Lonica's focus is on the area of sustainable business development strategy including organic and non-GMO certification, product development, private label, sourcing, manufacturing, pricing, branding, marketing, retail and food service.  Lonica is an avid organic gardener, baker and mother of four.  

Brandon Gutzmann, The Gutzmann Company

This year's Annual Meeting will also feature an extended opportunity for attendees to connect with a variety of IOA Sponsor Exhibitors within the Iowa Organic Association network.