"Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry" with Austin Frerick
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM CST
Boyd Law Building | University of Iowa College of Law
Join agricultural and antitrust policy expert Austin Frerick, who will be at lowa Law to discuss his new book Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry. Barons is the story of seven corporate titans in the food industry and their rise to power, with a lens on Iowa and the Midwest.
Barons has received universal acclaim, including a coveted starred review from both Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, and has been named one of the “Best Books of 2024” by the latter. The host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots applauded the book, remarking, "I have come away with a completely different idea of agriculture that I cannot unsee." The Times Literary Supplement (UK) noted that it is “steeped in policy and enlivened by anecdote” and the Los Angeles Review of Books said that the “prose is refreshingly accessible and nonacademic.” The book has also received praise from across the political spectrum, including a rave review from The American Conservative. It has been excerpted in The Independent (UK), Salon, and The New Republic, among others.
Food and beverages will be provided for those who register in advance.
Approved CLE Credits:
Iowa:
This event has been approved for continuing legal education (CLE) credit, which means that the one (1) hour spent in continuing legal education activities incorporated in this accredited program may be credited against the continuing legal education requirement of fifteen (15) clock hours per year, established by Rules 41.3 and 42.2 of the Iowa Supreme Court. Reference Activity Number: 421161.
Missouri:
The accreditation of " "Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry" with Austin Frerick " scheduled for 02/26/2025 to 02/26/2025 is approved for 1.2 total hours, including 0.0 ethics hours and 0.0 elimination of bias hours. The course ID for this program is 763439.
On this Page:
Click the buttons below to be directed to the appropriate section of this page.
Event Program
Welcoming Remarks
Welcoming remarks will be given by Professor Shannon Roesler in the Boyd Law Building at 12:45 PM.
Prepared Remarks
After introductions, prepared remarks will be given by Austin Frerick at 12:50 PM.
Registration options
Frequently Asked Questions about HELI Events
Where is this event located?
The event will be held at the University of Iowa College of Law, which is located at 130 Byington Road, Iowa City, IA 52242. Attendance is available in person at the Boyd Law Building as well as virtually via Zoom.
Who should I contact if I have questions about this event?
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Blake-Rupe@uiowa.edu.
Is this event in person or virtual?
This event is hybrid for attendees, which means attendees can choose between attending the session in-person in the Boyd Law Building or virtually on Zoom.
Both in person and virtual registration forms are above. The Zoom registration link for this event is: https://uiowa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Xsdtf0j_TieDPUrby_N4SQ
Is the event recorded or available for later viewing?
The event organizers will be recording the virtual Zoom session on video, so that it can be displayed and distributed on the event website and on HELI's Youtube page after the event is over. That video should be uploaded in the week after the event.
Is there parking available for event attendees?
Organizers highly recommend planning your arrival plans ahead of the event, as space by the Boyd Law Building is in short supply. The Boyd Law Building (BLB) has limited metered parking in front of the building. The meters can be paid using change or credit card via ParkMobile, a free mobile app. Learn more about the app here. For general information about parking and transportation at the College, the University, and in Iowa City, please see: Parking and Transportation.
Public parking for this event is readily available at the following lots
- Field House Lot (make sure to go in the Field House ramp entrance – NOT UIHC Parking Ramp 4)
- Parking Lot 14
For those parking in the lots, it is a short walk (1-3 blocks) to the BLB.
There are also UI Cambus buses and Iowa City Transit buses that run frequently to areas close and within walking distance of BLB. You can review that option by reviewing the UI Cambus schedules, the Iowa City Transit schedules, or by looking through the Transit app, which compiles that information into one location (the app).
We do have ADA reserved parking spots for those who require accessible parking. If you need accessible parking, please email Blake Rupe at blake-rupe@uiowa.edu as soon as possible to arrange accomodations for you.
Are food or beverages available for this event?
Food and beverages will be provided for those who register in advance for the in person attendance option. Please list any dietary limitations or considerations you would like organizers to have when you register for the event.
What should I bring for this event?
We welcome attendees bring a notebook and writing utensils for any reflection or note taking during the event. We also encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle and/or mug to use.
Is there a dress code for this event?
There is no special or specific dress code for this event, but it would be beneficial to dress in layers.
What are the guidelines for respectful participation by all parties?
The University of Iowa is strongly committed to an equitable and inclusive campus. Some of the views expressed through free speech can be offensive to members of our community. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to value diversity, engage in civil discourse, and be respectful of everyone that uses our shared space.
We expect all attendees to participate in this event respectfully. If you have questions or concerns about these policies, please contact HELI at lawmail-HELI@uiowa.edu to learn more.
Is there an agenda or program available for this event?
Event organizers will have updated the program for the day available at the sign in table and on this website.
What is the UI Policy for COVID-19 and Mask Use?
The University will continue to monitor local and national developments and rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the CDC.
Face masks are not required in most UI buildings, but welcome. Please note that UIHC and other health facilities have separate face covering guidelines. You should feel comfortable wearing a mask if you choose. Please be respectful of one another and do not pressure a student, visitor, or employee to wear, or not wear, a mask. Masks are available at the entrance to the Boyd Law Building and all UI buildings.
Please consider staying home or attending this event virtually if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and/or if you test positive for COVID-19. The most up to date UI policy for COVID-19 is here.
Can I suggest speakers for future events?
Yes! HELI hosts 3-6 events each semester and we always welcome speakers who can speak knowledgeably about environmental issues. Contact lawmail-heli@uiowa.edu with your suggestions.
Are accomodations available for individuals with disabilities?
Yes! Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the organizer in advance at lawmail-heli@uiowa.edu, or indicate your needs below and we will reach out to you.
Event Recording
The event video recording will be available here and on HELI's Youtube page after the event concludes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6-swirnZrY