Plantpeddler receives Leadership in Agriculture Education award from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig

In honor of National Ag Day and Iowa Ag Week, Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig hosted the 12th annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner and recognized two organizations and one business that have made exceptional contributions to the state’s agriculture community.

“Hundreds of Iowans from across the state gather every year for the Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner to recognize outstanding organizations and inspiring individuals who are making a tremendous impact,” Naig said. “This year’s awardees — the Iowa Barn Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and Plantpeddler — have all made significant and positive impacts on our state. They are deserving of recognition for their leadership in conservation, agriculture education and community betterment.”

Following remarks from Naig and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, three organizations were recognized with the 2024 Iowa Ag Leader Awards.

Plantpeddler, a wholesale greenhouse business located in Cresco, Iowa, was recognized for Leadership in Agriculture Education. The award is based on years of supporting horticulture in schools, the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University and most recently for hosting its first “Educate the Educators” workshop in August 2023.

A team from Plantpeddler and a cross-section of industry representatives conducted a day-long event to help train dozens of ag teachers about how to build, maintain, grow and teach within greenhouses at their schools. The teachers received continuing education hours for participating in the workshop. The event was made possible through a partnership among the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Iowa State University, Iowa FFA, Plantpeddler and industry volunteers.

"Plantpeddler’s passion and out-of-the-box thinking created a unique experience for ag educators, therefore preparing and challenging them to educate and encourage their students — the ag leaders of tomorrow," the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship said in a news release.

The other 2024 Iowa Ag Leader Awardees were the Iowa Barn Foundation for Leadership in Community and Ducks Unlimited for Leadership in Conservation.

The Iowa Barn Foundation — an all-volunteer statewide organization founded in 1997 — is dedicated to preserving Iowa’s rural agricultural buildings. Ducks Unlimited, established in 1937, constructs, conserves, restores and manages wetlands and other habitats for waterfowl in North America.

The event was held March 19 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, with more than 400 dignitaries, elected officials, farm industry leaders and other invited guests.

For more information on the event and award, visit plantpeddler.com.

Watch the Plantpeddler award video below: