Rural Matters: Advocating for Agriculture's Future

"If you are not at the table then you are probably on the menu."

The legislative landscape affecting agriculture is constantly evolving, both at the federal and state levels.

At Landus, we're actively monitoring and engaging with policymakers to protect our members' interests and advocate for rural agriculture.

Here's how we're ensuring agriculture has a seat at the table.

Iowa State Policy Engagement

To stay informed on Iowa policy developments, Landus maintains strategic memberships with:

• Agribusiness Association of Iowa
• Association of Business and Industry

Both organizations employ dedicated lobbyists and convene member meetings to establish policy priorities before the Iowa legislative session begins in mid-January.

We also subscribe to the Iowa Legislative News Service, providing daily summaries of capital activities, newly filed bills, and schedules of critical subcommittee and committee meetings that determine which bills advance to house or senate debates.

Key Date: March 7 is the first "funnel date" - all bills for consideration must be filed by this deadline. As bills progress through committees, we'll provide more concrete policy updates in future Rural Matters posts.

Federal Policy Advocacy

At the national level, Landus actively participates in federal agriculture associations working to influence agricultural policy. These organizations also keep members updated on crucial issues including:

• Tariff concerns
• Transportation challenges
• Trade developments

Recent Washington D.C. Engagement

This week, I attended a policy meeting in Washington D.C. with the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA). ARA members from across the country collaborated on policy agendas and talking points for Congressional visits.

During my visit, I met with:

• Representative Hinson
• Representative Feenstra
• Representative Nunn
• Senator Ernst
• Staff members from Representative Miller-Meeks' office
• Staff members from Senator Grassley's office

Key Priorities Communicated

1. Budget Passage and Reconciliation Process

• Renew or make permanent the Trump Tax and Jobs Act of 2017 (set to expire in 2025)
• Preserve increased estate tax deductions benefiting farmers
• Continue stepped-up basis on asset valuation at death
• Maintain 199A provisions for businesses

These measures are vital to agriculture and farm family succession planning.

2. Farm Bill Passage

• Producers need long-term farm programs for stability and planning, not year-to-year uncertainty
• Support for increased crop insurance program levels, which is long overdue

3. Additional Concerns

• Tariff impacts on agricultural prices and supply chains
• Need for new markets and trade agreements
• Biofuels future, including:
  
  • Awaiting final 45Z rules
  • Support for 45V
  • Green ammonia development

Looking Forward

While this brief overview can't cover all agricultural concerns, the budget and Farm Bill encompass many critical priorities not explicitly mentioned.

My impression is that Washington has a genuine sense of urgency to complete the budget and prevent a government shutdown on March 14. Once these immediate challenges are addressed, focus can shift to other pressing agricultural issues.

How You Can Help

How do we keep Iowa's Congressional delegation focused on rural agriculture's needs? 

While our representatives are generally aware of agricultural priorities, they face constant demands from numerous constituencies.

Let's help them stay focused by sharing our story.

Landus will continue representing rural interests in Washington, but our collective voice makes the greatest impact. 

Let's work together on this important mission because – Rural Matters!