WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (May 15, 2025) — Following the conclusion of the 2025 Iowa legislative session, Farm Bureau members are encouraged by the passage of several policy and budget priorities that are important to agriculture and rural Iowa, including the modernization of the Grain Indemnity Fund and support for animal agriculture.
Modernization of the Grain Indemnity Fund, a participant-funded safety net for farmers, was needed to reflect modern grain prices and crop production to adequately protect farmers affected by a grain elevator failure through no fault of their own. Legislators increased the size of the fund, increased the per farmer cap and provided coverage for price-later contracts, all welcomed modernizations for Iowa farmers.
Farm Bureau members appreciate the legislature’s work to fund several critical programs for livestock agriculture, including additional funding for Iowa Department of Agriculture (IDALS) efforts towards animal disease preparedness and response, vaccine development and livestock disease research, as well as increased funding for the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.
“Livestock farming is a huge driver of Iowa’s economy, and support for research, veterinary care and growing animal agriculture is welcomed news,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “Livestock farming accounts for more than $20 billion in value-added contributions for the state and accounts for 170,000 Iowa jobs, so there’s no question on the importance of animal agriculture to the state.”
Members also appreciate the legislature’s property tax-payer protections, including maintaining funding levels for the Homestead Tax Credit and Ag Family Tax Land Credit, as well as continuing the property-tax replacement payments for K-12 education. Members are also grateful for the legislature’s continued partnership in conservation progress. Sustained funding for proven conservation efforts will allow Iowa to continue successful efforts for improved water quality as national leaders in several conservation practices.
“The year-round, active engagement of Farm Bureau members across the state has always been the key to our success,” Johnson said. “Our members’ efforts ensure that lawmakers hear directly from their constituents on the impact of policies, while encouraging support for Iowa farmers, property tax-payers, and the agricultural community.”
About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is the largest statewide, grassroots farm organization in Iowa, celebrating more than 100 years of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families and their communities. For more information, visit iowafarmbureau.com/.
