During the 2026 legislative session, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, will address key priorities including property tax reform and the prioritization of tax policies that support farmers and the agricultural community; funding to advance water quality and soil conservation practices; and landowner protections when underground natural resources are extracted.  

Throughout the past year, members from all 100 county Farm Bureaus provided input on policy important to Iowa agriculture and rural communities. Issues were voted on and prioritized by members to shape the organization's efforts for the 2026 Iowa legislative session. 

As tax reform continues to be a focus in Iowa, Farm Bureau will work toward prioritizing tax policies that support farmers and rural communities.   Rising property taxes place an increasing financial burden on Iowa farmers, and IFBF will advocate for tax reform that provides property tax relief for all classes of property, including ag property.  

Farm Bureau members appreciate the legislature’s support of long-term, dedicated funding for proven water quality and soil conservation practices.   Farmers continue to make steady progress accelerating water quality and soil conservation efforts and look to continue that momentum.  In 2024 alone, Iowa farmers planted over 3.8 million acres of cover crops to hold soil in place and prevent runoff, up 90% from the previous five years.  Thanks to support from cost share funding, Iowa farmers have restored more than 416,000 acres of wetlands and constructed nearly 140 new water quality wetlands, which can reduce nitrate runoff from farms by up to 90%.  IFBF will advocate that the legislature continue funding these water quality programs which will further advance conservation goals.   

IFBF will encourage the legislature to update laws to ensure landowners are protected when underground natural resources are extracted. The possible extraction of naturally occurring hydrogen has potential benefits for landowners, agriculture and the state’s economy, but it will require updates to current law.  Farm Bureau will work with the legislature to ensure reforms provide adequate landowner protections.  

“IFBF’s member involvement and grassroots policy process have provided clear direction on legislative priorities for the upcoming session,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “Agriculture is essential to Iowa, responsible for one in five jobs, but we’re at a critical time right now as farmers face several challenges.  We look forward to working with lawmakers and Governor Reynolds to advance policies supporting the vitality of Iowa agriculture and our rural communities.”