Following the conclusion of the 2024 Iowa legislative session, Farm Bureau members would like to thank the governor and legislators in both chambers for addressing policy and budget priorities that are important to agriculture and rural Iowa, including the reinstatement of capital gains tax deduction for the sale of breeding livestock.  This will prevent a direct tax increase for livestock farmers, many of whom are young and beginning farmers.

Farm Bureau members appreciate the Governor’s approach on foreign ownership of Iowa ag land, with the legislature passing her bill creating more transparency and enforcement of Iowa’s nation leading foreign ownership laws.  Additionally, members were pleased with the legislature’s property taxpayer protections, including maintaining funding levels for the Homestead Tax Credit and Ag Land and Family Farm Tax Credit, as well as continuing the property tax replacement payments for K-12 education.  

Members are also pleased by the legislature’s continued partnership in conservation progress.   Sustained funding for proven conservation efforts through the Conservation Cost-Share program and Water Quality Initiative (WQI) will allow Iowa to continue efforts for improved water quality as national leaders in several conservation practices.