Iowa Farm Bureau voting delegates set policy direction for 2022    

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) yearlong grassroots policy process culminated in a discussion this week as voting delegates from across the state met in Des Moines to develop the organization’s legislative policy direction on issues important to its statewide membership.

“While there are certainly tough issues in front of us, we are poised to address all challenges,” Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill said in opening remarks to members. There are many reasons for those in Iowa agriculture to feel optimistic, he added. One of those, he said, is the rebound in commodity prices which has helped put farm finances in a far better footing. “Our farm families are recovering; our conservation goals are progressing; and our communities are experiencing a revival. In so many ways, we are on the road to success,” Hill said.

 “You can take pride that the yearlong grassroots policy process you’ve been engaged in is a proven model of success. Our direction is clear, and the Iowa Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau are truly engaged on all fronts to achieve the goals members have outlined.”  

Voting delegates representing county Farm Bureaus engaged in lively discussions over the two-day conference on several issues impacting Iowa farmers and rural communities, including property rights protections and incentives to expand meat processing and butchery in the state.  

“The summer policy conference embodies the true foundation of Farm Bureau as a grassroots organization,” said Cordt Holub, Tama County voting delegate.  “It’s where the rubber meets the road and where real issues from home and across the state have an opportunity to become policy.  It gives farmers and Farm Bureau members a strong seat at the table with elected officials in hopes of a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”

With the growing trend and consumer demand for locally-raised meat, members showed their support for Iowa’s livestock farmers and meat processors by passing policy encouraging programs and incentives to expand Iowa’s small-scale meat processing capacity and training programs to incentivize and expand the skilled workforce.           

“IFBF’s policy development process is truly grassroots with active engagement, participation and input from members in each county, providing members an opportunity to be heard.  This process is unique and ensures a strong and unified voice on behalf of our membership to support Iowa agriculture, farm families and their communities,” Hill said.                    

The IFBF Summer Policy Conference is the final step of the year-round grassroots policy process in each of the 100 county Farm Bureaus across the state and leads the organization’s policy direction for the upcoming year.