Iowa cattlemen want to make sure their presence is felt with legislators at the Capitol in Des Moines. They used their annual Cattlemen at the Capitol event to strengthen these relationships on March 15.
“With all the issues that legislators face day to day, we want to be sure that agriculture is top of mind when they are making decisions that can affect farmers and cattlemen,” said Mark Putney, a cattleman from Elgin, Iowa. “They need reminded that Iowa is bigger than four metro areas. The rural areas and communities are important as are rural hospitals and rural roads, along with all the water, animal health and labor issues in agriculture.”
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association government and regulatory affairs manager JanLee Rowlett shared with cattle leaders the importance of telling legislators the need for building and renovation of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab to help protect animal agriculture and its $32.5 billion impact on Iowa’s economy.
“The current lab was built in 1976. There is a need for the updates,” Rowlett said. “This would be funded out of the Rebuilding Iowa Fund and would require $20 million per year for five years.”
David Trowbridge, ICA president and cattleman from Tabor, Iowa, said the Legislature helped fund the addition of a veterinarian in the state agricultural department and now more money is needed to protect the state from foreign animal diseases. This FAD funding is to focus on preparedness and response if a foreign disease affected Iowa’s livestock industry.
“We need to be prepared if a foreign animal disease like foot-and-mouth disease would come to the state. It would be devastating and being prepared would help us get back to business,” said Trowbridge.
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association lobbyist Kellie Paschke said after the water quality bill passed at the beginning of the year, not many other bills have moved through that affect farmers. Tax bills affect all citizens, but some more than others.
“Online sales tax capture is being discussed in a couple court cases and that could have some effect on farmers. Those sales taxes could be captured at the state level, which would bring more revenue to the state,” said Paschke.
The last day for bills to move out of committee was March 15, so many legislators weren’t available to speak with the group.
However, Clel Baudler, Iowa state representative from the 20th district, said as a cattleman himself, it is refreshing to see groups like the Iowa cattlemen visit the capitol and share their concerns. “These are the men and women who are feeding the world. It’s refreshing to deal with these people,” Baudler said.
The Greenfield legislator said he is aware of the importance of funding for the Veterinary Diagnostic lab at Iowa State. Another concern he has for farmers and cattlemen is the need to control property taxes and not let it get out of hand.
“And when the cattlemen come to town, we know we will get a great meal,” Baudler added. “My colleagues have been talking about this all week.”
The cattlemen and a local youth beef team served a brisket lunch.
“This is great [public relations] for us to give us presence in the minds of legislators and provide them with a great beef meal,” Trowbridge said.
Jennifer Carrico can be reached at 515-833-2120 or [email protected].
