Farmers are being forced to dip into their retirement savings or take off-farm jobs as the result of trade disputes and weakening ethanol demand, Iowa Farm Bureau members said as they met with lawmakers last week in Washington, D.C.

Southwest Iowa farmers also emphasized the need for disaster relief to help recover from Missouri River floodwaters that inundated farms and businesses and washed away major roadways and railroad lines. Some businesses may not return after being flooded for the second time in eight years, farmers said.

“Between Mills and Fremont counties, I think there are several places that have lost their communities,” said Stephanie Bowden, a Mills County Farm Bureau member. “The biggest need right now is financial...