Mark Hennessey, CEO of INEDA, shares his unlikely path to leading one of the most influential ag equipment dealer associations in the Midwest. With no prior experience in agriculture, Mark initially misunderstood what INEDA even was—mistaking it for a hair product company! However, he quickly realized the vital role the association plays in supporting equipment dealers through advocacy, education, and hosting two of the largest ag expos in Iowa and Nebraska. Since stepping into the role in 2019, Mark has been dedicated to amplifying the voices of dealers and showcasing the vast opportunities in agriculture beyond the traditional farm setting.
One of the biggest eye-openers for Mark was how agriculture is much broader than he initially thought. It’s not just farmers in overalls—it’s engineers, technologists, data analysts, and entrepreneurs driving industry advancements. At the heart of this transformation is the Iowa Ag Expo, which has grown to occupy over 400,000 square feet of space and hosts more than 560 exhibitors. The demand is so high that there’s a waiting list of over 100 companies eager to participate. The event also features an exclusive Innovation After Hours competition, where ag startups pitch groundbreaking ideas to investors and industry leaders. From AI-powered grain loss monitoring to autonomous tractors, these innovations are revolutionizing how food is produced.
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Beyond the technology, Mark and his team are also tackling critical industry challenges, particularly workforce development. With a shortage of skilled workers, the association actively promotes career opportunities in agriculture—especially for those without a farming background. They host career exploration events for students, offering pathways to high-paying, debt-free careers as service technicians, engineers, and ag business leaders.
On the policy front, Mark highlights the urgent need for a new farm bill, especially considering that over 85% of current farm bill funding is allocated to food assistance programs rather than direct farm support. He and other leaders from Iowa and Nebraska will soon head to Washington, D.C., to advocate for policies that directly benefit ag producers and businesses.
The conversation wraps up with a call for more collaboration between innovators, venture capitalists, and industry professionals to ensure agriculture continues to evolve. Whether it’s finding ways to improve food production efficiency, enhancing equipment reliability, or attracting young talent to the industry, Mark believes that building strong relationships is the key to a thriving ag sector. With his leadership, INEDA is well-positioned to help shape the future of agriculture in the Midwest and beyond.