America 250: Agricultural Innovation and Technology - A Multi-Regional Project
- Brenda Gao
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Global Ties Iowa was honored to welcome six international leaders from Azerbaijan, Chile, Nigeria, Philippines, North Macedonia, and Vietnam for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project, "America 250: Agricultural Innovation and Technology," from July 1-7, 2026. Over the course of a week in Eastern Iowa, participants explored cutting-edge agricultural innovation, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and rural community life while also experiencing the traditions and celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary year.
Arrival in Iowa
The delegation arrived in eastern Iowa on July 1, where they were welcomed by volunteer Mary Gregg at the Eastern Iowa Airport. They were then transported to Element Iowa City, where Board President Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo and Peyton Pangburn greeted them.
Exploring Innovation Along the Mississippi
On July 2, the group traveled to the Quad Cities for a narrated river cruise on the Mississippi River. Volunteers Mary, Lynn, Peyton, Brenda Gao, and Tyler Sharman all joined the visitors, as well as Board Member Eddy Djagou of Muscatine with his wife Josephine and newborn daughter. During the cruise, participants enjoyed lunch while learning about the history, commerce, and significance of one of America’s most important waterways. The experience offered a unique perspective on the region’s development and the role rivers continue to play in transportation and agriculture.
Following the cruise, the delegation visited the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois. Through interactive exhibits and displays of agricultural machinery, participants gained insight into John Deere’s global impact and the technological innovations shaping modern farming.
After the Pavilion visit, the group made a stop at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, where they explored the history of trucking and transportation in the United States. The museum provided additional context on the logistics networks that connect agricultural producers, manufacturers, and consumers across the country.
The day concluded with Fanfare & Flight in North Liberty, IA. Participants joined community members for an evening of live music, local food vendors, and a spectacular choreographed drone light show celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Despite a brief rain shower, the storm passed in time for the drone show to occur with the added ambience of lightning in the distance.
Community Connections in Rural Iowa
On July 3, visitors traveled to Wellman, IA, to decorate a Fourth of July parade float created in partnership between Global Ties Iowa and Animal Lamps LLC.
After adorning their float, the visitors were refreshed by Pizza on the Farm, a beloved local event that combines wood-fired pizza, live music, and community gathering in a lovely bucolic setting. The group was joined by James Wetzel of Animal Lamps LLC, Anna Geyer of Land Alliance Folk School, Brenda, Peyton, Anna O’Connor, Amy Alice Chastain, and volunteer Maxine Koepp.
Celebrating Independence Day
The Fourth of July provided one of the highlights of the week. The delegation participated in the Wellman Independence Day Parade, riding on the float they decorated the previous day. As they waved and passed out freeze-pops to the crowd, the visitors delighted in the opportunity to be more than just witness to the milestone festivities.
Later that afternoon and evening, participants returned to Iowa City to enjoy the Jazz Festival and fireworks. They explored the festival’s live performances, food vendors, and community atmosphere before ending the day with a dazzling fireworks display over the historic Pentacrest.
Professional Exchanges in Agricultural Education and Entrepreneurship
On July 6, participants engaged in a series of professional appointments focused on agricultural education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The day began at Kirkwood Community College, where visitors learned about one of the nation’s leading two-year agricultural education programs. The group was accompanied by volunteers Mary and Leland Freie. Department Dean Brad Kinsinger and Professor Josh Henik, as well as Dean of Global Learning, Dawn Wood, shared how hands-on learning, research opportunities, and emerging technologies are preparing future agricultural leaders and supporting workforce development in Iowa. During their meeting, visitors were given a tour of the extensive facilities and farmland at Kirkwood Community College, to see the innovations firsthand.
Afterward, the delegation traveled to the historic Amana Colonies for lunch and an opportunity to explore one of Iowa’s most unique cultural destinations.
The afternoon continued with a visit to Lucky Star Farm, where owners Susan and Rich Young shared how they integrate simple but impactful innovations into their diversified farming and agritourism operation. Visitors toured the farm and discussed practical approaches to sustainability and the direct-to-consumer model, as well as how agricultural policies affect small farmers.
The final professional appointment took place at Animal Lamps LLC, where founder, Dr. James Wetzel, discussed his entrepreneurial journey and the development of a different heating technology designed to improve safety and animal welfare in swine production. The visit highlighted how supply chain dynamics, regulatory practices, and broad scientific research shape innovation in livestock and ag riculture production.
Farewell and Lasting Connections
The program concluded on July 7 with an early morning departure and airport drop-off. Global Ties Iowa extends its sincere appreciation to all of the organizations, professionals, volunteers, and community members who helped make the "America 250: Agricultural Innovation and Technology" project a success.
To commemorate this special program, Global Ties Iowa will be submitting a signed program book, with messages from the participants, to be included in The Gazette’s time capsule, to be opened in 2076.
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