by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

As the heat index rises along the Potomac, it's easy to understand why ice cream was a favored treat at Mount Vernon, the home of America's first president. In addition to his presidency and military service, the life and legacy of George Washington is rooted in farming. An innovative steward of the land, Washington understood the importance of agriculture to America's prosperity.

The founding father of our country invented a 16-sided treading barn and tested crop rotation, fertilizers and livestock breeding to improve productivity.

American agriculture has changed dramatically since the late 18th century, from modern conservation practices to 21st century tools, technologies and techniques.

As one of two farmer-lawmakers in the U.S. Senate I work to make sure the voice of America's food producers are heard at the policymaking tables in Washington, D.C. It's more important than ever as fewer lawmakers in Congress represent a declining number of farmers and ranchers who grow the food to feed an increasing world population.

Consider a recent example of government cluelessness by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It disclosed personal information earlier this year of more than 80,0000 livestock and poultry producers to environmental activist groups, including information regarding an Iowan who owned just one pig and another who owned 12 horses. Washington needs to put away the sledgehammer when a hammer and nail would suffice. By introducing legislation to rein in the EPA from trampling on farmers' privacy rights, I'm giving regulators a piece of my mind to bring greater peace of mind to family farmers. Let's not forget the fruits of a farmer's labor takes away the pangs of hunger for people in our hometown and global communities. Once again, it's necessary to inject a dose of common sense to treat Washington nonsense.

Speaking of Washington nonsense, action on the $950 billion farm bill has stalled yet again despite a 12-month extension that Congress gave itself last year. Congress typically renews the farm bill every five or so years.

Over the years, the farm and food bill has snowballed in size and scope and today subsidizes farmers earning more than $1 million a year, including loopholes that allow off-site, non-farmers to qualify for farm payments. Taxpayers also now spend $80 billion annually on food assistance for nearly 1 in 7 Americans.  An all-time high 47 million people are receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as eligibility requirements have expanded. Many Americans likely don't realize 80 percent of the money authorized under the umbrella of the farm bill pays for nutrition programs like food stamps, not farm programs.

Considering the massive national debt, it's time to give "business-as-usual" a good scrubbing. Cracking down on abuses and wasteful spending within the food stamp program will protect nutrition assistance for those who struggle to put food on the table. Enacting responsible payment limits and enforceable payment caps on the farm commodity program will strengthen the credibility of the farm safety net.

During debate this summer on the Senate farm bill, I secured reforms that will limit payments to mega-sized operations and focus our limited resources on small- and medium-sized farmers. Specifically, my provisions would establish a cap of $50,000 on commodity program benefits and a $75,000 cap on marketing loan programs, including loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains.  In a major win for reformers, nearly identical provisions were also included in the House bill.

Now the Senate farm bill must be reconciled with the House version before a final bill is sent to the President's desk. A number of key differences must be ironed out before we cross that finish line. The current farm bill expires at the end of September.

Faced with mounting debt and partisanship, President Washington reacted to criticism, saying, "I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world."  Farmers today who carve their livelihood from the land can appreciate President Washington's endorsement of this noble vocation.

Writing in a letter dated April 1788, "...our welfare and prosperity depend upon the cultivation of our lands and turning the produce of them to the best advantage."

American agriculture in the 21^st century needs farm policy that brings stability, accountability and certainty to farmers, consumers and the taxpaying public.  Blessed with the most abundant, affordable and safest food system in the world, federal policymakers should pass the new farm bill that will strengthen America's agrarian heritage and save money for taxpayers.

Greetings!

The National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce the September 2013 issue of the Organic Integrity Quarterly newsletter.

We have also published an updated instruction for certifying agents regarding organic certificates.

CONSERVATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND REGULATIONS DRIVE DISCUSSION AS IOWA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS SET STATE AND NATIONAL POLICIES

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - August 28, 2013 - Iowa Farm Bureau voting delegates shared concerns about infrastructure problems, regulatory implications, and watershed management as they gathered in West Des Moines August 27-28  to set state and national legislative policy.  Water and soil conservation and country of origin labeling also topped their discussions.

"Over the last two days, our voting delegates discussed these priority issues and planned our course of action for 2014," said IFBF President Craig Hill.

Iowa's largest grassroots farm organization called for Watershed Management efforts to be established with balanced urban and agricultural representation from within that watershed, as members showed enthusiasm for conservation and improving Iowa's soil and waterways.  "Our Farm Bureau members are considering what they can do to make a difference on their farms and be visibly seen as leading the way towards progress in water quality," Hill said.  "After all, the overall goals of farmers and non-farmers have always been the same: to keep our soils strong and our water safe, and this is just one more way to assure progress in the field continues."

Transportation infrastructure funding also found consensus among IFBF farmers.  "It's a continuous effort to fund road infrastructure to facilitate sustainability and growth," said Hill.  "This isn't just an agricultural issue; this is an issue that affects all Iowans."

Another lively discussion at the IFBF Summer Policy Conference concerning the national issue of country of origin labeling (COOL).  "Trade compliance is very important to us, and we want to be a good trading partner," said Hill.  "IFBF members concluded that a mandatory COOL for meat harms open trade between the U.S. and our neighbors, and our members prefer a voluntary meat labeling program."

The IFBF Summer Policy Conference is a step in Farm Bureau's grassroots policy development process, which begins in the spring at the county level.  The national policies will now be subject to debate during American Farm Bureau Federation policy discussions in January 2014 in San Antonio.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

Mary Schwarz, of rural Davenport was one of eighty-three honorees inducted into the 2013 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 18. The honorees were selected by their counties for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H and were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage. In alphabetical order, Adair to Jackson Counties were recognized at 1:30, while Jefferson to Wright County were recognized at 3:30  A reception was held shortly after each of the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame presentations.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the counties and state to recognize and celebrate 4-H volunteers and staff who have shown outstanding service and dedication to Iowa's 4-H program," said Chris Gleason, of ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa's 4-H'ers through the years.

Mary Schwarz has been an important part of 4-H in Scott County since her days of showing dairy cattle as a member.  Her children were longtime members and Mary served as a 4-H leader, 4-H Youth Committee member and volunteer at special events.

Her commitment to the program has also included serving as superintendent of the 4-H Exhibit Building.  Current years find her as a judge for clothing and home improvement at the fair, as well as, a long-term election as treasurer of the Scott County Extension Council.

Mary's commitment has always been about offering quality experiences for the 4-H youth.  As a judge, she gives praise for hard work and effort, gently making suggestions for improvement or future challenges when needed.

Her service on the Scott County Extension Council has involved making decisions with the best interests of the 4-Hers and the program in mind.