Attendees of Tech Hub LIVE in Des Moines this week were treated to a real TED Talk – given by the one and only Ted McKinney, who currently serves as CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, but has a background that started on the farm, moved into agribusiness, and then into government, as Indiana Director of Agriculture and as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade under President Trump.
One of McKinney’s main messages was that he believes we can address climate change globally with climate smart agriculture and still increase productivity. “Production ag, including forestry, is actually a solution to climate change challenges,” said McKinney.
“I have been witness on our own farm and in my industry days to the advancement of innovation across the board,” he said during an interview after his address. “And based on what I have been hearing and then what I saw at this conference in the types of companies here and what they’re doing, it’s mind blowing. So I’m juiced because I see it has not stopped. In fact, I’d say innovation is accelerating.”
In his remarks and interview, McKinney also comments on the lack of a farm bill, trade issues, and opportunities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Ted McKinney, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)
2024 THL Ted McKinney, NASDA, remarks 51:49
2024 THL Ted McKinney, NASDA, interview 13:19