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Iowa Cattlemen release ‘Building Iowa’s Cattle Future’ plan

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has set its state policy priorities for 2027.

CEO Bryan Whaley tells Brownfield the association’s policy package focuses on strengthening the state’s cattle industry by creating opportunities for the next generation of producers.

“They have a significant struggle to get into cattle production, or farming just in general, due to the access to land and then obviously access to capital,” he said.

ICA’s “Building Iowa’s Cattle Future” plan prioritizes modernizing the Beginning Farmer Loan Program by increasing loan limits, improving eligibility, and addressing interest rate barriers. It also seeks the expansion of incentives or tax credits that help young and beginning producers acquire livestock, land and equipment.

Whaley says the plan focuses on integrating cattle into land management to improve water quality.

“The natural ecology bovine can do a lot of things to help with soil fertility, which will then hold some of that groundwater and strengthen that soil,” Whaley said.

Specifically, ICA wants to see a reduction in unnecessary regulatory and permitting costs for cattle producers, and ensure Iowa’s Fence Law is upheld by all state agencies including the Department of Natural Resources.

Whaley says the other key pillars of their policy package include expanding the state’s regional meat processing capacity and strengthening competition, maximizing the Working Lands Program, and protecting Iowa’s agricultural land from eminent domain.

Whaley and ICA staff unveiled their policy package during a press conference at a farm in Mitchellville on Thursday afternoon.

Full ICA Press Conference:

Brownfield Interview with Bryan Whaley: