From Field To Fork: The Ag Impact
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A new event designed to connect business leaders with one of the industries that powers our region—agriculture. This immersive experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at Iowa’s pork industry, beginning with a bus tour of a working wean-to-market barn and followed by lunch and a panel discussion.
Through conversation with leaders representing multiple points along the food supply chain, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how pork moves from producer to processor to grocery store—and the role policy, finance, and consumer demand play along the way. Designed for business leaders who want to better understand the industries shaping our regional economy, From Field to Fork offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and experience agriculture firsthand. |
Presented by
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Tickets |
Seats are limited, early registration is encouraged.
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Event Overview |
What You'll Experience |
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Date: June 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Location: Departure from Marion Farm Tour: Interstate Swine, Walker Lunch & Panel: Zumbach Farm, Coggon |
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Panel Discussion: From Field to Fork
Following the farm tour, attendees will gather at the Zumbach Farm for a moderated discussion exploring how pork moves from producer to consumer. Panelists represent several key points along the supply chain—including production, finance, processing, retail, and industry policy—offering a well-rounded look at the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry today.
The panel will be moderated by Ben Isaacson, Growthland President and CEO, and will feature:
Trish Cook, National Pork Producer Council and former Iowa Pork Producer President
TJ Filip, VP Commercial Banking, Hills Bank
Baily Mauer, Edgewood Locker
Jimmy Thomsen, Hy-Vee Food Store
Todd Wiley, Interstate Swine
The panel will be moderated by Ben Isaacson, Growthland President and CEO, and will feature:
Trish Cook, National Pork Producer Council and former Iowa Pork Producer President
TJ Filip, VP Commercial Banking, Hills Bank
Baily Mauer, Edgewood Locker
Jimmy Thomsen, Hy-Vee Food Store
Todd Wiley, Interstate Swine
Meet the Panel
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Ben Isaacson, Growthland
Ben Isaacson is the President, CEO and a part-owner of Growthland, where he leads the company’s strategic direction and works extensively in real estate, business transitions, and mergers and acquisitions. With a background rooted in the swine industry, Ben brings a rare combination of technical expertise and business insight into the valuation, management, and sale of farms and livestock facilities. |
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Trish Cook, Iowa Pork Producers Board of Directors
Trish Cook is a dedicated pork producer and advocate, co-owning CBL Farms, Inc. and Cook Brothers Ltd., a family operation specializing in farrow-to-finish pork production and row crops. Beyond the farm, Trish has demonstrated strong leadership within the pork industry. She has served on the Iowa Pork Producers Association Board of Directors since 2019, including as president in 2023 and past president in 2024. |
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TJ Filip, Hills Bank
TJ Cook was born and raised on a 500 head cow calf operation in Texas.. He moved to Iowa to attend college at Coe in Cedar Rapids. TJ started at Hills Bank in 2009 and over the past 15 years has worked his way up from a teller to a VP of Commercial and Ag Lending. With over a decade of commercial and ag lending experience TJ prides himself being a trusted advisor for his clients and partners within the community. |
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Baili Mauer, Edgewood Locker
Baili Maurer is a third-generation co-owner of Edgewood Locker Inc., a family business rooted in craftsmanship and community in Edgewood, Iowa. Baili leads Further Processing Production and oversees all aspects of Food Safety and HACCP compliance. With a background in Culinary Science and Meat Science from Iowa State University, Baili blends innovation with tradition and advocates for continuous strength in the industry. |
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Jimmy Thomsen, Hy-Vee Marion
Jimmy Thomsen has been with Hy-Vee for 15 years and has served as Meat Manager for the past 10 years. He takes great pride in the role the meat department plays, knowing it’s the last set of hands the product passes through before it reaches the customer’s plate. Jimmy understands the importance of every cut and the need to meet changing customer demands each day with quality and consistency. |
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Todd Wiley, Interstate Swine, LLC
Todd Wiley is a 3rd generation pig farmer from Walker Iowa. He and his wife are owners of Interstate Swine, LLC a farrow to finish swine operation as well as being a part owner in 4th Gen Hogs, LLC, a hog finishing operation with his four children and wife. Interstate Swine has 2000 sows and finishes 55,000 pigs yearly. 4th Gen Hogs finishes about 22,000 each year. |
Farm Tour Map
Special Thanks to Our Host Farms
A special thank you to the Wiley family of Interstate Swine and the Zumbach family for opening their farms and sharing their time, knowledge, and hospitality as part of this experience. Their willingness to provide a behind-the-scenes look at modern agriculture helps create meaningful connections between our business and farming communities.
Thank you to Sponsors
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Presenting Sponsor
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Gold Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Bus Spsonsor
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Breakfast Sponsor
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