In the heart of the Midwest, a quiet revolution is taking place. It's not happening on the sprawling cornfields of Iowa, but rather in the boardrooms and research labs of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, where a dedicated team is working tirelessly to unlock new uses and markets for the state's most abundant crop. At the forefront of this effort are individuals like Ryan Steffensen, a branch manager at Helena and board member for Iowa Corn.
We're really focused on building relationships with international buyers and showcasing the quality of Iowa corn.
Ryan Steffensen
Through trade missions to countries like Colombia, Peru, and Panama, Steffensen and his colleagues have the opportunity to tour local facilities and provide a personal connection for the buyers. This human touch, Steffensen believes, is crucial for addressing any issues that may arise and ensuring Iowa corn remains a trusted and reliable commodity on the global stage. "When these buyers are bringing in our products, they know they have a face to talk to - someone who can speak to the practices and values of the farmers behind it." But Steffensen's work is just one piece of the puzzle.
Alex Buck, the Director of Industrial Innovation for Iowa Corn, is leading the charge on a different front - developing new, innovative uses for the state's most abundant crop. Funded entirely by farmer checkoff dollars, Buck and his team are exploring a wide range of applications, from the pioneering use of corn-based ethanol in the 1970s to the more recent development of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) plastics. Crucially, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board is strategically utilizing patents and intellectual property to de-risk these technologies and attract investments from larger companies.
No one is going to build a multi-million dollar chemical plant without some sort of protection. That's what a patent does - it allows us to see a benefit and grind more corn.
Alex Buck
But the board's vision extends beyond just chemical applications. In the case of textiles, the board's investments have helped pave the way for the development of corn-based spandex produced from 1,4 Butanediol, at Qore in Eddyville, Iowa. They have announced a collaboration with Lycra spandex company, so you may start seeing corn-based athletic wear from brands like Lulu Lemon and Athleta. This corn-based fabric is set to hit your favorite stores soon.
As the Iowa Corn Promotion Board looks to the future, the pipeline of innovation remains robust. The board's farmer-led approach continues to drive new market opportunities and secure a bright future for the state's corn growers. In an era of rapid change and evolving consumer demands, the innovators of Iowa Corn are proving that the humble corn kernel holds the key to a more sustainable, profitable, and innovative agricultural landscape.
To learn more, listen to Episode 73 of The FieldLink Podcast.