Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Visits North Iowa, Addresses Farm Economy and Rural Health

FOREST CITY, Iowa —Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig made a stop in Forest City Tuesday, speaking to members of the Forest City Rotary Club during a luncheon meeting at Waldorf University before continuing on a multi-county tour of North Iowa communities.

Naig delivered an update on the 2026 Iowa legislative session and covered a broad range of topics affecting Iowa’s agriculture industry. His remarks touched on the current farm economy, conservation and water quality initiatives, biofuels, animal health preparedness, trade opportunities, and the state’s Choose Iowa program, which promotes locally grown and produced food products. He also discussed ongoing state and federal policy priorities shaping the future of Iowa agriculture.

Attendees had the opportunity to ask Naig questions directly, raising concerns about current agricultural trends and the challenges facing Iowa farmers and rural communities.

The Forest City stop was the first of three visits Naig made across North Iowa that day. He next traveled to Hancock County to get a firsthand look at an innovative grain bin safety technology developed by Renner Ag Solutions — a product that could have significant implications for on-farm safety across the state.

Naig then wrapped up the day in Wright County with a meeting at Iowa Specialty Hospital, where he joined leadership to discuss the critical importance of maintaining access to quality healthcare in rural Iowa, with particular focus on preserving maternity and birthing services in smaller communities.

The visits underscore a continued push by state officials to engage directly with North Iowa farmers, business owners, and healthcare providers as rural communities navigate economic pressures and evolving policy landscapes.