"If you are not at the table then you are probably on the menu."

The legislative landscape affecting agriculture is constantly evolving, both at the federal and state levels.

At Landus, we're actively monitoring and engaging with policymakers to protect our members' interests and advocate for rural agriculture.

Here's how we're ensuring agriculture has a seat at the table.

Iowa State Policy Engagement

To stay informed on Iowa policy developments, Landus maintains strategic memberships with:

Agribusiness Association of Iowa
Association of Business and Industry

Both organizations employ dedicated lobbyists and convene member meetings to establish policy priorities before the Iowa legislative session begins in mid-January.

We also subscribe to the Iowa Legislative News Service, providing daily summaries of capital activities, newly filed bills, and schedules of critical subcommittee and committee meetings that determine which bills advance to house or senate debates.

Key Date: March 7 is the first "funnel date" - all bills for consideration must be filed by this deadline. As bills progress through committees, we'll provide more concrete policy updates in future Rural Matters posts.

Federal Policy Advocacy

At the national level, Landus actively participates in federal agriculture associations working to influence agricultural policy. These organizations also keep members updated on crucial issues including:

Tariff concerns
Transportation challenges
Trade developments

Recent Washington D.C. Engagement

This week, I attended a policy meeting in Washington D.C. with the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA). ARA members from across the country collaborated on policy agendas and talking points for Congressional visits.

During my visit, I met with:

Representative Hinson
Representative Feenstra
Representative Nunn
Senator Ernst
Staff members from Representative Miller-Meeks' office
Staff members from Senator Grassley's office

Key Priorities Communicated

1. Budget Passage and Reconciliation Process

Renew or make permanent the Trump Tax and Jobs Act of 2017 (set to expire in 2025)
Preserve increased estate tax deductions benefiting farmers
Continue stepped-up basis on asset valuation at death
Maintain 199A provisions for businesses

These measures are vital to agriculture and farm family succession planning.

2. Farm Bill Passage

Producers need long-term farm programs for stability and planning, not year-to-year uncertainty
Support for increased crop insurance program levels, which is long overdue

3. Additional Concerns

Tariff impacts on agricultural prices and supply chains
Need for new markets and trade agreements
Biofuels future, including:

Awaiting final 45Z rules
Support for 45V
Green ammonia development

Looking Forward

While this brief overview can't cover all agricultural concerns, the budget and Farm Bill encompass many critical priorities not explicitly mentioned.

My impression is that Washington has a genuine sense of urgency to complete the budget and prevent a government shutdown on March 14. Once these immediate challenges are addressed, focus can shift to other pressing agricultural issues.