WEST DES MOINES -Iowa Farm Bureau Federation members were encouraged by the results of last week's election and now turn their attention to the future , said IFBF president Craig Lang, a Brooklyn dairy farmer. More than 92 percent of IFBF Friends of Agriculture designees were elected to office, including Terry Branstad for governor.
"This is a clear message for legislators who represent Iowans," Lang said. "Iowans want to restore fiscal responsibility and sustainability to our budget. They are no longer willing to see the burden of budget shortfalls shifted to property taxpayers."
Iowa Farmers Union President and Clear Lake farmer Chris Petersen said he knew the outcome of the election was going to be bad for Democrats, but he didn't think it would be as bad as it was.
"I'm disappointed," Petersen said.
People are angry and confused, focused on livable wages and being able to pay their bills, Petersen said.
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"Tea Party folks hit a home run because they found a way to capture that anger," Petersen said. "In two years if there are no tangible results, those in control will be out again."
Lang said Farm Bureau members look forward to working with legislative leadership on key priorities such as budget and regulatory reform, property taxes and increasing the opportunity for Iowa's bio-economy.
Farm Bureau will also work with lawmakers immediately to advocate for more resources for conservation as they have in the past, Lang said.
"Despite the passage of the Natural Resources Trust Fund, Iowa's conservation is far from secure," Lang said. "We all need to work together to prioritize the work that needs to be done to ensure that our efforts are as impactful as possible."
Petersen said one good outcome of the election was the passage of Iowa's Water and Land Legacy Amendment.
"I was surprised and pleased that it passed by the large majority it did," Petersen said. "That will be good for Iowa."
Petersen said Chet Culver good governor.
"He kept the state out of deep financial hock, and I think he watched out for working people," Petersen said.
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Petersen is concerned about the big money in politics.
"That's a red flag to me," he said.
Petersen said politicians can't create jobs, but they can help the process along.
"Regardless of who has been in power in recent years, the big boys have prospered real well," Petersen said. "Family farm agriculture and independent livestock production have been in an downward spiral as far as getting a price out of the market place. Open, fair supply-and-demand markets are essential for farmers to stay farming."
On the federal level, Lang said farmers lost a strong advocate with the defeat of Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln. He expects her likely replacement, Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, to offer a different approach.
"Sen. Lincoln was a strong advocate for agriculture and a strong supporter of the farm bill, Lang said. "Stabenow is not aligned with the same principles. I think it will be difficult to maintain appropriations for the farm bill and more difficult to have a discussion with Stabenow."
Lang said that U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, who is likely to chair the House Agriculture Committee, supports continuing direct payments in the farm bill. Iowa Farm Bureau delegates support giving up direct payments in return for stronger risk management support.
