First-ever Iowa Farm Act aims to strengthen state’s ag sector
Posted on January 9, 2026 by Industry Release
Source: Farm Progress. The original article is posted here.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced plans to introduce the Iowa Farm Act, a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive legislative package designed to support Iowa farmers, strengthen rural communities and position Iowa agriculture for long-term success.
“The Iowa Farm Act is about meeting today’s challenges while preparing for the future,” said Secretary Naig. “It brings together ideas we have heard directly from farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities across the state. This package expands economic opportunities, supports the next generation and strengthens our readiness to respond to animal disease threats. It also delivers targeted tax relief and removes unnecessary barriers that hold farmers back. I look forward to working with the legislature and Governor Reynolds to get this package enacted to show strong support for agriculture, the cornerstone of our state’s economy.”
The legislation, which reflects priorities raised directly by farmers, agribusinesses and stakeholders, is intended to provide practical, workable solutions across Iowa agriculture. Several state livestock associations applauded the department's efforts.
“The Iowa Farm Act strengthens Iowa’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to a foreign or major animal disease outbreak by improving coordination, expediting the deployment of equipment, and protecting producer confidentiality,” said Aaron Juergens, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and a farmer from Carroll. “Iowa’s pig farmers are grateful for Secretary Naig’s leadership and appreciate the department’s commitment to building long-term resilience in agriculture by investing in the next generation of farmers and rural veterinarians through this legislation.”
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“Iowa cattle producers know firsthand how important it is to be prepared for the future, especially when it comes to animal health, workforce availability, and passing operations on to the next generation,” said Craig Moss, president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and a farmer from Hull. “We thank the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for taking a forward-thinking, proactive approach to these issues, and the Iowa Farm Act demonstrates a real commitment to protecting producers and keeping Iowa agriculture strong for the long term.”
“The North Central Poultry Association actively supports the Iowa Farm Act for strengthening safeguards against highly pathogenic avian influenza such as enhancing foreign animal disease preparedness and protecting producer confidentiality,” said Breck Hunt, executive director of the North Central Poultry Association. “Additionally, removing regulatory barriers, investing in future generations, and modernizing standards will aid Iowa’s poultry and egg producers. This legislation helps ensure Iowa remains a national leader in safe, reliable and competitive animal agriculture.”
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“Iowa State Dairy Association proudly supports Secretary Naig and the Department’s work through the Iowa Farm Act to strengthen and grow Iowa agriculture,” said Robert Horst, president of the Iowa State Dairy Association and a farmer from Bristow. “We appreciate his leadership in ensuring Iowa remains a place where farmers can thrive.”
“Rapid response and farmer support are critical when a foreign animal disease or other major disease outbreak occurs on an Iowa farm,” said Josh Berg, president of the Iowa Turkey Federation and a farmer from Early. “Iowa’s turkey farmers applaud the proposed Iowa Farm Act for strengthening response capabilities and clarifying farmer confidentiality. These forward-thinking provisions will enhance Iowa’s ability to support Iowa’s family farmers during times of crisis.”
The Iowa Farm Act is a forward-looking proposal that expands economic opportunities, delivers targeted tax relief, supports beginning farmers, strengthens biosecurity and foreign animal disease response and improves the efficiency of state government.
Related: Farm Progress America, January 20, 2026
Expanding economic opportunities
Modernizing Iowa’s farm zoning exemptions to clarify that value-added processing, direct-to-consumer marketing, agritourism activities and events and other farm-supporting operations are included under Iowa’s farm exemption.
Strengthening Iowa’s agritourism framework by updating the definition of an agricultural experience to reduce regulatory barriers and encourage farms to welcome more visitors, customers and educational opportunities.
Supporting Iowa’s Christmas tree industry by explicitly including tree farms in Iowa’s agritourism liability protections, providing certainty for these family-owned operations.
Expanding local food markets by making the Choose Iowa School Purchasing Pilot Program permanent, connecting schools with Iowa farmers and food producers and creating reliable new markets for Iowa-grown food.
Delivering tax relief and fairness
Protecting family farms and succession planning by expanding the retired farmer rental income tax exemption to include modern farm business structures such as partnerships, S corporations, trusts and estates.
Reducing costs for grain businesses by eliminating the grain excise tax paid by cooperatives and grain handlers, supporting local elevators and a more uniformed tax system.
Supporting growth in Iowa’s honey industry by exempting the purchase of honeybees from sales tax, reducing input costs for beekeepers and strengthening pollination services.
Eliminating county-by-county uncertainty by codifying that above-ground storage tanks under 91,000 gallons are not subject to property tax.
Supporting beginning farmers and ag workforce
Prioritizing young and beginning farmers in Choose Iowa grant programs, helping new producers access capital and build viable operations.
Strengthening rural veterinary services by exempting rural veterinarian loan repayment grants from state income tax to improve recruitment and retention in underserved areas and ensure continued care for Iowa’s livestock industry.
Strengthening biosecurity and protecting producers
Safeguarding producer confidentiality during a foreign animal disease or major disease outbreak to encourage early reporting and rapid response without fear of public exposure.
Authorizing the department to lease space for storing foreign animal disease response equipment, ensuring faster deployment and a more coordinated response.
Modernizing department functions and improving government efficiency
Modernizing agricultural equipment transportation standards to improve safety and efficiency for ag equipment dealers and manufacturers.
Increasing trucking gross weight allowances for dairy products, reducing hauling costs and improving market access.
Clarifying Grain Indemnity Fund updates through technical clean-ups to improve readability and consistent application of the law.
Providing flexibility to expand marketing opportunities and grow demand for Iowa-made, Iowa-raised and Iowa-grown food and agricultural products through the Choose Iowa program.
Improving flexibility in large scale inspections by allowing alternative inspection methods and scheduling discretion for the IDALS Weights and Measures Bureau.
Streamlining and updating Iowa Code through technical clean-ups that eliminate outdated language, reduce duplication and improve efficiency across department operations.
As part of the department’s broader FY27 proposal, Secretary Naig is also requesting a modest 1.6% budget increase of $1.335 million to maintain essential operations in animal health, food safety, consumer protection and water quality initiatives that support Iowa farmers, consumers and rural communities.
Secretary Naig looks forward to working with the Iowa Legislature and Governor Reynolds to advance the Iowa Farm Act during the 2026 legislative session and financially support the essential operations of the department.
Clark County Feeders is a BQA Certified 655-acre feed yard and grain storage facility specializing in beef cattle custom feeding and grain purchase, storage and sales.
