Get to know Roger Zylstra, ICGA President

I’m Roger Zylstra, the current the president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA).

I have been farming for nearly 40 years growing corn, soybeans and finishing hogs in Jasper County. My wife, Carolyn and I have three children. Our son, Wesley, farms with us.  We use no-till and other conservation farming practices. We use the manure from our livestock for nutrients in growing our crops.

I enjoy the challenges of working outdoors, growing food and fiber. I recognize that there will always be opportunities and challenges in farming. Today farmers work very hard to conserve the land to grow a healthy crop year after year. Also, many farmers, like myself, take great pride in conserving the land for future generations.

I am a graduate of the Iowa Corn I-LEAD program, and I have been involved with ICGA for several years I-LEAD is a resource for talented people who want to contribute to a better future for Iowa’s communities and the long-term profitability of agriculture in Iowa, and is charged with the task of developing stronger leaders for Iowa agriculture. I represent Crop Reporting District 5. I have served on the Iowa Corn Animal Ag and Environment committee because of my involvement in raising livestock and understand how important the livestock industry is to Iowa corn growers.


Overall, I enjoy working on legislative issues from the grassroots level in our counties, within our state and even at the national level. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with policymakers and decision makers and have our voices heard on issues important on our farms. It’s been a great experience for me to serve the farmers in my area and around the state.

When I’m not farming I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.