President Brent Johnson provides insights on key issues facing farmers, including interstate commerce, farm bill and slumping commodity prices.

As he begins a new term as president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Brent Johnson sees Farm Bureau leading the conversations to accomplish key goals identified by its members. 

The Spokesman visited with Johnson last week after he re­­turned from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention and as he looked forward to a busy year in Iowa. Here are some excerpts from that conversation.  


Q: What were some of the highlights of the American Farm Bureau convention? 

Iowa Farm Bureau was well-represented in many areas. Mark Mendick with Appanoose Manufactured Products continued Iowa’s history of strong showings in the Ag Innovation Challenge by placing in the top four with his high-pressure fire suppression system for farmers and rural communities. Former IFBF President Craig Hill was the recipient of the Founders Award, which is given to one person every year who’s made a significant impact on the American Farm Bureau and agriculture as a whole. 

Also, our Iowa...