On November 10, a group of farmers and labor union representatives gathered in the Clear Lake library to discuss agricultural policy. Issues discussed included deteriorating roads, need for conservation structures, need for continued funding of the Iowa Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, and public sector bargaining for workers. This gathering was one of ten meetings that the Iowa Farmers Union is holding around the state to gather input for farmers union legislative priorities as well as other operations.

Please contact Amber Anderson Mba or Gwen Foster at 800-775-5227 or outreach@iowafarmersunion.org with any questions, information on joining the Iowa Farmers Union, or policy suggestions.

On November 11, a group of individuals interested in food and agricultural policy gathered at the Atlantic Public Library to share their opinions with the Iowa Farmers Union. Issues discussed included rural development, local food and labeling, and off-site consequences of aerial applicators. This gathering was one ten meetings that the Iowa Farmers Union is holding around the state to gather input into legislative priorities as well as other operations of the Iowa Farmers Union.

Please contact Amber Anderson Mba or Gwen Foster at 800-775-5227 with any questions, information on joining the Iowa Farmers Union, or policy suggestions.

Another opportunity to share your ideas with the Iowa Farmers Union will be offered on Thursday, November 20 at the King Tower Cafe in Tama. Join us for a discussion of agriculture policy.

King Tower Cafe
1701 E 5th St
Tama, IA 52339

For more information contact Amber Anderson Mba or call the Iowa Farmers Union office at 800-775-5227.

An Iowa Farmers Union staff member has been working with a Guthrie County institution that is committed to serving local foods and has approximately 30 acres of ground next to its facility, about 15-20 of which are good tillable land. The land was in corn/soybeans about ten years ago and has since been in hay. This facility is willing to purchase the produce and will look at a variety of scenarios concerning land rental/cost share etc. Housing can be made available. If any farmer is looking to make a change into fruit/vegetable production, here is an opportunity. If interested, please contact the Iowa Farmers Union office at 800-775-5227 or contact Gina Lloyd.

Poultry, Livestock and Swine Contract Farmers Have New Protections Under the 2008 Farm Bill:

Changes in the farm bill have allowed farmers to opt-out of arbitration clauses in contracts, as well as be notified if large capital investments will be required. [Read more →]

We want to hear your opinions and suggestions about agricultural policy for the coming session. If you would like to host a policy discussion in your area, please contact Amber Anderson Mba or Gwen Foster at 800-775-5227.