Farmers across Iowa and the United States are the backbone of this country and our economy. In Iowa, farming is more than a job, it is a way of life that is often passed down through generations of hardworking families.
Iowa’s farmers play a vital role in our state’s economy and food production. They embody the values of hard work, faith, perseverance, and dedication to feeding our nation and the world. Iowa’s rolling plains have some of the richest farmland in the nation and significant renewable energy resources. According to Feeding the Economy, in Iowa’s 1st district, nearly 170,000 jobs are generated by the agricultural industry, providing $8.9 billion in wages and $40.6 billion in output.
Iowa has led the nation in corn production for nearly 30 years and is also the top pork and egg producer in the country. Iowa is also a leader in oat, milk, beef, and soy production. Iowa’s fertile fields play a dual role in not only feeding the world but also powering the nation through energy production. Iowa is the top ethanol producing state in the nation and provides about a quarter of the nation’s ethanol production capacity. Our cornfields produce over 4 billion gallons of ethanol production in 42 plants around the state. Iowa also leads the nation contributing nearly one fifth of all biodiesel production and is the second largest wind producer in the country.
With the farm bill approaching, it’s incredibly important to understand the issues that our farmers, ranchers, and producers are facing across the state and nation. These issues include new regulatory burdens and energy restrictions, as well as fluctuating commodity prices, changing weather patterns, and evolving global markets. Congress has a responsibility to support our farmers which will create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in rural communities across the nation.
Iowa’s farmers are an integral part of our state’s heritage and economy. Their continued success is crucial for ensuring food and energy security, economic growth, and rural development. To ensure the prosperity and sustainability of Iowa’s agricultural sector, it is crucial for Congress to provide the necessary support and empower our farmers. Congress can make a significant impact by providing support, implementing favorable policies, and investing in initiatives that empower our farmers.
