By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Farm Bureau has expressed strong appreciation following the 2025 Iowa legislative session, where lawmakers approved several key policies and budget measures benefiting agriculture and rural communities.
Among the highlights is the modernization of the Grain Indemnity Fund, a safety net for farmers affected by grain elevator failures.
Updates include raising the fund's size, increasing the individual farmer payment cap, and expanding coverage to include price-later contracts. These changes reflect today’s higher crop values and help protect Iowa farmers from unexpected losses.
The legislature also increased funding for animal agriculture programs. This includes support for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) in areas like disease response, vaccine development, and livestock health research.
Funding was also expanded for the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, which plays a crucial role in detecting and managing animal disease outbreaks.
“Livestock farming is a huge driver of Iowa’s economy,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “It contributes more than $20 billion in value-added income and supports 170,000 jobs across the state.”
In addition, Farm Bureau members welcomed property tax protections passed by the legislature. These include continued support for the Homestead Tax Credit, the Ag Family Land Tax Credit, and replacement payments for K-12 education funding.
The Farm Bureau also recognized the legislature’s ongoing commitment to conservation, applauding the sustained investment in water quality programs and conservation practices that position Iowa as a national leader in environmental stewardship.
Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson credited the success of these policy wins to ongoing grassroots advocacy: “Our members’ year-round engagement ensures lawmakers understand the real-life impact of their decisions and continue to support Iowa’s farmers and rural communities.”
Photo Credit: iowa-farm-bureau
Categories: Iowa, Livestock