Agriculture stands at a pivotal moment as economic pressure from trade disruptions, high input costs, and depressed markets intensifies, Iowa Farm Bureau President said in his annual address to members at the organization’s 107th annual meeting in Des Moines. Members were urged to seize that possibility by continuing to answer the call to lead and advocate for policies that strengthen agriculture and rural communities across Iowa. The challenges placed on farm profitability because of tariffs, trade disruptions and inflationary pressures are real.
Members of Iowa’s largest general farm organization gathered at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines on December 9th and 10th to celebrate the achievements of 100 county Farm Bureaus, Young Farmer award winners and receive expert insight on key topics and issues shaping agriculture today. Those representing the Cherokee County Farm Bureau were Adam Glienke, Adam Fordyce, Elizabeth Johnson, and Troy Leininger, Regional Manager.
During challenging economic times that we are experiencing, informed decision making is crucial to sustainability in agriculture, and Farm Bureau members engaged in several educational breakout sessions during the two-day conference. Members received valuable insight into economic factors shaping agricultural markets, updates on national policy and farm succession planning. The goal of participating in this conference was to build skills so your county Farm Bureau can provide a stronger-positive influence for agriculture.
Besides the breakout sessions for everyone to attend, a County Leadership conference social, and an evening dinner featuring Young Farmer Awards was held. Lisa Bluder, legendary former coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball program, delivered the keynote address on the virtues of leadership and leading with purpose and passion.
Elizabeth Johnson, Cherokee County Farm Bureau Voting Delegate excepted the County Award of Excellence for Cherokee County. This award is earned through volunteer led programs and events in the areas of Membership, Policy, Leadership, and Community Outreach.
Adam Glienke, a Cherokee County Farm Bureau member and who also serves on the Bovine Committee was also in attendance. Per Glienke, a big concern discussed by the Bovine Committee was finding to incentivize keeping land in pasture or returning marginal crop land back to pasture to keep or bring in young cattlemen into the business. The concern is more pastureland is disappearing to crop land or to recreational hunting land and inability for it to be utilized for pastureland anymore.
Also, another topic of interest was the need for mid-level training for vet-techs so they’re able to conduct some of the work normally done by the veterinarians to free them up. This would be comparable to being a Physician Assistant(PA) on the human side of it.
As pointed out at the conference, Iowa continues to lead the nation in several production and conservation metrics, ranking No. 1 in corn, hogs, eggs, ethanol, and biodiesel as well as nine different conservation practices. Farm Bureau members are also making important and impactful contributions to their local communities by donating to local food banks, attending town halls, and volunteering for organizations across the state.
The continued engagement will be critical in the next 12 months to advance Farm Bureau policies in an important election year. With several competitive statehouse races expected and open seats for governor, U.S. House and Senate, Farm Bureau members are urged to mobilize behind the organization’s Friends of Agriculture.