Attendees participated in sessions about chestnut and raspberry farming, direct-to-consumer beef sales and marketing of agricultural products.

Iowa ag producers interested in niche farming possibilities or how to best market their products heard from successful entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and advice at the 2025 Acres of Opportunity conference last month.

The Iowa Farm Bureau event focuses on crop, livestock and business diversification opportunities for new and existing farmers and offered breakout sessions on everything from chestnut and raspberry farming to direct-to-consumer meat sales, farm insurance, raising meat goats and legal considerations.

Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau farm business development manager, said the conference drew 120 attendees from across the state to Cedar Falls on a wintry Saturday. She said the program was again a success, connecting participants with industry experts to learn first-hand about new business models and revenue streams.

“Acres of Opportunity showcased a solid lineup of breakout speakers sharing their agriculture story and highlighting the diversity of Iowa’s farms,” Van Steenwyk said. “The conference provided an environment for attendees to learn, network and gather valuable information. Participants had the chance...