New Uses. New Markets. New Demands.

Apr 01, 2026

Iowa Corn is a driving force in the advancement of corn-derived products, championing the use of corn far beyond its traditional role as a staple crop for feed and fuel. Recently, Iowa Corn’s strategic efforts have expanded into innovative territory, targeting emerging markets such as corn textiles and biomanufacturing.

Through participation in high-profile industry events, such as the Textile Exchange Conference, support for pioneering ventures like Qore and collaboration with advocacy bodies like the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), Iowa Corn is shaping both commercial and legislative landscapes to grow demand for corn.

INNOVATIVE CORN TEXTILES

According to the Textile Exchange, today 69% of textiles are made from petroleum, and 59% of all textiles are made from a single petroleum-based, synthetic fiber: polyester. Natural fibers, such as cotton, silk and wool, do not dominate the industry with animal fibers making up only 1% and cotton making up 19%.

In 2022, Iowa Corn Promotion Board developed and sold its patents and technology to convert corn sugar into MEG (monoethylene glycol), a key building block for polyester. This innovation helped to grow interest in corn for textile production and expanded Iowa Corn’s involvement with brands and the textile value chain.

Since then, Iowa Corn has been engaged with the Textile Exchange through the Textile Exchange Conference, which brings together brands, farmers, manufacturers and suppliers that focus on sustainable solutions for the textile industry. Iowa Corn has attended three of these global conferences with Stan Nelson, a farmer from Des Moines County, participating in a 2024 panel at the Conference alongside wool and cotton farmers from around the world to discuss the history and future of regenerative corn production in Iowa.

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Video: Gaining Bushels with AirFLEX | Dealer Interview | Paul Martin & Sons

Honey Bee Manufacturing was founded by brothers Greg and Glenn Honey in 1979. At the time, the two farmers were unable to find equipment to fit the needs on their farm - so they built their own. These on-farm innovations quickly evolved into a complete line of harvesting equipment that is now being used all over the world.

Honey Bee’s specialty is innovative, intuitive, and simple designs that the farmer can understand. At the nexus of these features sits the AirFLEX platform. The AirFLEX has evolved into a tougher and more resilient machine, all while maintaining its simple design and providing the closest cut imaginable. With the new AirFLEX NXT, Honey Bee brings you a combination of thoughtful design and high performance. With improvements that enhance performance and reliability, the NXT focuses on the future of farming. Honey Bee has come a long way from those days back on the farm. With a strong commitment to product research and development, Honey Bee’s objective has always been to manufacture equipment that farmers are proud to own.