Iowa Cattlemen's Association Archives

Two Priorities Serving Iowa Beef Cattle Producers Signed into Law by Governor Reynolds

Article and photo courtesy of Iowa Cattlemen’s Association

AMES, Iowa – Yesterday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed two bills into law that were high priorities for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA). Showcasing the importance, a large crowd gathered at Pat and Laura Blomme’s farm to witness this notable event.

The Meat Integrity Bill (S.F. 2391), led by Sen. Dawn Driscoll (SD-46) and Rep. Heather Hora (HD-92), protects against the misbranding of fake meat products and keeps experimental, lab-grown protein out of supplemental nutrition programs and schools.

During the signing, Gov. Reynolds referenced that this bill is about transparency, ensuring consumers are told exactly what they are getting. She went on to say that it is just common sense that when a product is labeled as beef, pork, or chicken, it should come from an animal.

“The Meat Integrity Bill means that Iowa cattle producers are going to be relevant in the future,” said Dan Delaney, an ICA member from Jefferson County. “It means we won’t have others trying to sell a product in the state labeled as beef, pork, or chicken if it doesn’t come from that animal. This means a lot to the entire livestock industry.”

Steve Swenka, an ICA member from Johnson County added, “This bill ensures the integrity and wholesomeness of our product. It makes sure that imposters and wannabes aren’t thrown into the mix. And that the purity and quality of our product is represented the way it was meant to be.”

The second bill, H.F. 2649, was managed by Sen. Driscoll and Rep. Derek Wulf (HD-76) and prevented a new tax on producers by reinstating the livestock capital gains deduction.

Gov. Reynolds shared that this bill will save producers collectively more than $18 million by 2030. She said that this bill prevents the net capital gain on the sale of livestock from being considered individual income for tax purposes.

Delaney and Swenka echoed the positive financial impacts for producers referenced by the governor. They said that the signing of this bill was a great victory for today’s producers and future generations of livestock producers.

To see these two bills come to fruition validates the continued commitment by the governor and state legislators to the Iowa beef cattle industry and agriculture as a whole. ICA’s work in the Iowa Statehouse provided meaningful advocacy that increased profitability for producer members and protected their livelihood for generations to come.

“It was a beautiful day, and while I wish I could have been in the field, it was nice to be here to see the support for all agriculture,” said Delaney. “I also enjoyed having the signing on an operation with the family atmosphere, the kids here, and the beautiful location. This is what Iowa is all about.”

“It’s a great day,” said Swenka. “It’s not every day that you get to see a bill signed into law in person. To actually see it happen after following it so closely for two years is very gratifying and rewarding.”

About Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA): Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 8,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef cattle industry. ICA’s mission is “Grow Iowa’s beef cattle business through advocacy, leadership, and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Celebrates State Legislative Wins

Article courtesy of Iowa Cattlemen’s Association

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Legislative Session adjourned in the early morning hours of Friday, April 19. The 103-day session resulted in several major legislative wins for Iowa cattlemen. And much like the cattle business, the relationships we maintain and develop helped us along the way. We especially want to thank Gov. Kim Reynolds and legislative leaders like Speaker Pat Grassley and Senate President Amy Sinclair for their leadership and support of cattlemen priorities.

A cohort of livestock producers that serve as state legislators led important discussions related to ICA’s priorities with support from ICA’s contract lobbyist, Jake Swanson, and director of government relations, Cora Fox.

“The active engagement by producers with their legislators–both in Des Moines and in district–reinforced ICA’s presence and resulted in outcomes that align with member-driven policies,” said ICA President Rob Medberry.

Legislation signed into law:

S.F. 2204: Sen. Dan Zumbach (SD-34) and Rep. Derek Wulf (HD-76) managed legislation to enhance state laws by giving the Attorney General more oversight to investigate suspected violations of foreign ownership of agricultural land.

Legislation to be considered by Gov. Reynolds:

S.F. 2391: Sen. Dawn Driscoll (SD-46) and Rep. Heather Hora (HD-92) successfully led legislation to protect against misbranding of fake meat products and keep experimental, lab-grown protein out of supplemental nutrition programs and schools.

H.F. 2465: Sen. Ken Rozenboom (SD-19) and Rep. Chad Ingels (HD-68) worked to include agriculture instruction as part of the science curriculum for grades nine through 12.

H.F. 572: Sen. Annette Sweeney (SD-27) advanced legislation to prohibit surveillance of homes and livestock facilities by use of drones from individuals that do not have consent from property owners. This legislation was first passed by Rep. Wulf and members of the Iowa House in 2023.

• H.F. 2649: Sen. Driscoll and Rep. Wulf initiated legislation to prevent a new tax on producers by reinstating the livestock capital gains deduction. Collectively, this will save livestock producers millions of dollars in taxes.

As we look back on a productive and successful legislative session marked by several wins for Iowa cattlemen, we recognize the importance of working with elected officials on both sides of the aisle and those who may be less familiar with beef cattle production. Each of the aforementioned bills were passed by the legislature with bipartisan support. The future of beef cattle production in Iowa depends on the relationships we maintain and seek to build, and we look forward to continuing this work in the interim.

About Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA): Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 8,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef cattle industry. ICA’s mission is to “Grow Iowa’s beef cattle business through advocacy, leadership, and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.