Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

Since her sod was first turned and her pastures first grazed, Iowa has been a world leader in agricultural production. We are first-in-the nation in pork production, soybeans, and eggs. Our poultry stocks are in tens of millions per year, and anyone will tell you that Iowa beef is the best on the planet!

But that's not all. Iowa is one of the world's leading producers of ethanol and bio-diesel. We are learning new ways to harness bio-mass and algae. Not only do these innovations provide expanding markets for Iowa farmers, they reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help create a cleaner environment.

One out of every six jobs in Iowa is agriculture related, making agriculture our largest employer and the cornerstone of our economy. My grandfather was a dairy farmer who also raised beef and raised crops.

Many of my close relatives are busy farmers today; I still bale hay and haul grain to market every year. I eat beef, pork, and a variety of wonderful vegetables and fruit grown right here in Warren County. Agriculture is a big deal in my life, as it is in the life of our great state.

As your state representative, I will continue to work with Iowa's farmers to help them get the best for their efforts. I will make sure our transportation infrastructure is reliable so their products get to market as cheaply and efficiently as possible. I will strive to expand markets and to create incentives for agricultural research and development. I will work to find new ways to add value to our commodities, ensuring new and financially rewarding opportunities to Iowa's farm families.

In short, I will do everything in my power to protect and expand Iowa's farming tradition and agricultural economy.

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