The Washington Chamber of Commerce Leadership Washington program hosted its annual Agriculture Day on Wednesday, March 12, offering local business professionals an immersive experience into Washington County’s diverse agricultural industry.
The full-day event, which began at Dallmeyer Hall at the Washington County Extension Office, took attendees on a guided tour of farms and agricultural businesses across the county. This year’s program was dedicated to the memory of Nancy Adrian and Sheryl Lewis, longtime event coordinators and passionate advocates for agricultural education in the region.
“Participants gained firsthand insight into key sectors of the local agricultural industry, including turkey, sheep, beef, pork, and grain farming, as well as agricultural equipment sales,” a release stated. “Farmers and industry experts shared their knowledge, allowing attendees to experience the operations up close.”
The day kicked off at the Washington County Fairgrounds, where Amy Green of ISU Extension led a biosecurity demonstration, emphasizing its critical role in modern farming.
A Day in the fields
The tour featured stops at several farms and businesses, each offering a unique perspective on agriculture:
- Turkey Farming: Ty Rinner, a Washington County turkey farmer and Iowa Turkey Federation Board member, guided participants through his farm, explaining the turkey life cycle.
- Sheep and Goats: At Premier One Supplies, attendees visited the sheep and goat barns, interacted with baby animals and watched a live sheep herding demonstration by farm dogs.
- Beef Production: Local cattle producer Dan Berdo provided insight into herd management, feed rations, and the beef industry’s farm-to-table process.
- Farm-to-Table Lunch: Sponsored by the Washington County Farm Bureau and prepared by Illa Miller, lunch featured guest speakers Brandon Bishop with Washington County Farm Bureau and Kurt Dallmeyer with the Washington County Fair Board, as well as representatives from Iowa Corn Growers.
- Pork Farming: At Eichelberger Farms, Jason Christenson detailed pig care, nutrition, and sustainability in the hog industry.
- Agricultural Equipment: Sinclair Tractor hosted a tour showcasing farm machinery, equipment repairs, and the latest technology in modern farming.
- Row Crop Farming: Multi-generation farmer Jim Cuddeback wrapped up the day with a discussion on corn and soybean production, tiling, and the seasonal demands of row crop farming.
About Leadership Washington:
Leadership Washington is a dynamic community awareness and leadership development program designed to educate, inspire, and connect current and future leaders in Washington.
Since 1989, the program has provided participants with a comprehensive view of the community, fostering a deeper understanding of its people, needs, and opportunities.
Through nine monthly sessions from September to May, participants explore key aspects of local government, businesses, agriculture, and industry while building lasting networks that transcend professional and economic boundaries.
Graduates of Leadership Washington emerge with enhanced leadership skills, a stronger civic commitment, and a passion for driving the community forward.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 – 2026 session. Those who are interested in applying or learning more should contact the Washington Chamber of Commerce or visit their website.
