agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of Iowa’s economy, and our state plays a leading role in feeding and fueling the world. Iowans are the top producer of corn, pork, eggs, and renewable fuels – and we’re also a major player in soybeans, turkey, cattle, and dairy. 

In the Senate, I am proud to serve on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and chair the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. This work gives me the opportunity to partner with both Democrats and Republicans to support Iowa’s farmers and rural communities – making sure they can thrive without being weighed down by burdensome regulations from Washington.

One of my bipartisan bills, now law, is the Beagle Brigade Act, which trains dogs to screen luggage, vehicles, and cargo entering the U.S. These four-legged detectives play a vital role in identifying prohibited items that could carry harmful pests, invasive plants, or dangerous viruses, stopping them in their tracks to protect our agriculture industry.

I’m also leading the Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act to modernize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) outdated process for updating conservation practices. Farmers need quicker access to tools and innovative technologies that improve soil health and water quality – we shouldn’t let bureaucracy slow them down. 

Biofuels remain a top priority for me. I’ve consistently defended the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which supports Iowa’s biofuel producers while lowering costs at the pump and reducing our reliance on foreign oil. I applauded the Trump administration for getting the RFS back on track by eliminating the electric vehicle mandate, restoring the original focus on liquid fuels, and setting record-high volumes to revitalize the biofuel industry. I am also helping lead the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, the only nationwide solution to unleash year-round E15 sales, which will boost rural job opportunities and build demand for crops grown by Iowa farmers. 

Mental health challenges, including suicide, are all too common in the agricultural community. That’s why I’m working to expand access to support through my Farmers First Act, which invests in mental health resources for farmers and rural families.

I’m also proud that my Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act became law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill. It rightfully exempts farmland, equipment, and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees from being counted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form – helping more farm kids afford higher education without penalizing their families. 

I’ll always stand up for Iowa’s agriculture community – protecting their way of life and ensuring they can succeed for generations to come.