Continuum Ag announced that Geoff Cooper, President & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, and Tom Vilsack, CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and former Governor of Iowa, will serve as keynote speakers at the 2026 TopSoil Summit.
The TopSoil Summit will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Iowa, bringing together more than 400 farmers, biofuel leaders, and agriculture professionals focused on Carbon Intensity (CI), sustainability, and emerging opportunities tied to Section 45Z tax credits.
As the biofuels industry continues to evolve and federal policy takes shape, the 2026 Summit comes at a pivotal time for agriculture.
“Farmers have spent years improving soil health and lowering their crops’ carbon intensity,” said Mitchell Hora, 7th-Generation Farmer and CEO of Continuum Ag. “With 45Z now in motion and additional guidance expected soon, this is a critical moment to connect the farm to the fuel market. Geoff and Tom bring unmatched perspective to help make sense of what’s happening and what comes next.”
Geoff Cooper: Connecting Policy, Markets, and the Biofuel Industry
Cooper returns to the TopSoil Summit after a standout appearance in 2025. As President & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, he is one of the leading voices in renewable energy and biofuels policy.
His keynote will provide insight into Section 45Z policy developments, global renewable fuel markets and trade, and the broader outlook for the biofuels industry. With deep experience advocating for ethanol producers and the ag sector, Cooper offers a comprehensive view of how policy decisions translate from Washington, D.C., to real-world market opportunities.
Tom Vilsack: Inside the Development of 45Z and USDA’s Role
Vilsack brings a unique perspective shaped by his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa Governor, and his current role leading the World Food Prize Foundation.
His keynote will explore the development of technical guidance behind Section 45Z, including USDA’s role in shaping feedstock carbon intensity frameworks and their feedstock carbon intensity calculator. He will also provide insight into how federal agencies collaborate on complex policy initiatives, offering attendees a rare behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made in Washington.
In addition, Vilsack will share his perspective on the current state of agriculture and the opportunities ahead as farmers position themselves to participate in emerging low-carbon markets.
Built For This
The 2026 TopSoil Summit theme, “Built for This,” reflects the years of work farmers have already invested in improving soil health and reducing carbon intensity.
With Section 45Z now in effect and additional guidance expected in 2026, the Summit will focus on helping farmers and industry partners understand how to capture value from these efforts.
Attendees will gain practical insights into CI scoring, 45Z strategy, and collaboration between farmers and biofuel producers while connecting with peers and industry leaders navigating the same opportunities.
Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities
Registration for the 2026 TopSoil Summit is now open. Farmers and corporate attendees can secure their spot and save $45 using code 45Z.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain for companies looking to engage directly with decision-makers across agriculture and the biofuels industry.
For more information or to register, visit https://continuum.ag/events/topsoil-summit/