agriculture

Agriculture has long been the bedrock of Iowa’s economy; our state plays a critical part in feeding and fueling the world. In fact, Iowans are a leading producer of corn, soybeans, pork, eggs, and renewable fuel.  

In the Senate, I am proud to be a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, where I am the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy. Through my work on the committee, I have an opportunity to partner with both Democrats and Republicans to ensure Iowa’s agriculture community can continue to do what they do best – produce world-class goods – without undue regulatory burdens from Washington. 

Iowa’s hardworking farmers also lead the way on conservation. I’m proud to have helped pass landmark legislation, called the Growing Climate Solutions Act, that will help cut red tape and give farmers and forest owners more tools for entering carbon credit markets. Farmers and producers are the first conservationists, and it’s important we give them the tools to keep working toward cleaner air, water, and soil instead of heavy-handed, top-down regulations from the federal government.

Iowa farmers and producers know that I am a relentless fighter for biofuel. I have long been engaged in defending the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)—a valuable tool designed to promote the use of renewable fuel, including ethanol and biodiesel, which help reduce our dependence on foreign oil while offering consumers cleaner and more affordable choices at the pump. I will continue working with Democrats and Republicans to ensure a strong and robust RFS and encourage consumer choice, investment, and innovation. The biofuel community is consistently on the leading edge of the energy sector, and it is important that we continue to promote its growth. 

In addition, while retail meat prices continue to rise, many of Iowa’s independent cattle producers who participate in the negotiated cash market are facing challenges and taking losses because they unfairly shoulder the burden of price discovery for cattle producers in other states and regions. I’ve been proud to support Senator Grassley and his bipartisan effort to create a more transparent, fair process and allow our independent, hardworking cattle producers in Iowa and across the country to get the best and most competitive prices for the high quality cattle they raise.