McKinney Keynote Tech Hub LIVE

Attendees at Tech Hub LIVE in Des Moines this week were treated to an actual TED Talk – given by the one and only Ted McKinney, currently CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, but whose background started on the farm, moved to agribusiness, and then into government, serving as Indiana’s director of agriculture and as assistant secretary of agriculture for commerce under President Trump.

One of McKinney’s key messages was that he believes we can address climate change globally with climate-smart agriculture and still increase productivity. “Production agriculture, including forestry, is actually a solution to climate change challenges,” McKinney said.

“I’ve witnessed on our own farm and in my time in the industry the advancement of innovation on all fronts,” he said during an interview after his speech. “And from what I’ve heard and what I’ve seen at this conference in the types of companies here and what they’re doing, it’s staggering. So I’m excited because I see that it hasn’t stopped. In fact, I would say innovation is accelerating.”

In his speech and interview, McKinney also addresses 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, comments 51:49
2024 THL Ted McKinney, NASDA, interview 13:19

2024 Tech Hub LIVE Photo Album