Iowa beef producers pleased with governor signing two bills into law
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed two bills into law May 15 that could help the state’s beef producers.
The Meat Integrity Bill (S.F. 2391), led by Sen. Dawn Driscoll (SD-46) and Rep. Heather Hora (HD-92), protects against the misbranding of fake meat products and keeps experimental, lab-grown protein out of supplemental nutrition programs and schools. The second, H.F. 2649, was managed by Sen. Driscoll and Rep. Derek Wulf (HD-76) and prevented a new tax on producers by reinstating the livestock capital gains deduction.
At the signing event Reynolds said the Meat Integrity Bill is about transparency and ensuring consumers are getting exactly what they want. It is just common sense that when a product is labeled as beef, pork, or chicken, it should come from an animal, according to the news release.
Dan Delaney, an ICA member from Jefferson County, Iowa said the Meat Integrity Bill means Iowa cattle producers are going to be relevant in the future.
“It means we won’t have others trying to sell a product in the state labeled as beef, pork, or chicken if it doesn’t come from that animal,” Delaney said. “This means a lot to the entire livestock industry.”
Johnson County ICA member Steve Swenka agrees.
“This bill ensures the integrity and wholesomeness of our product. It makes sure that imposters and wannabes aren’t thrown into the mix,” he said. “And that the purity and quality of our product is represented the way it was meant to be.”
According to the news release, the second bill should save producers more than $18 million by 2030 collectively. Reynolds said this bill prevents the net capital gain on the sale of livestock from being considered individual income for tax purposes.
Delaney and Swenka both agreed the positive financial impacts for producers because of the two signings. This bill was a great victory for today’s producers and future generations of livestock producers.
“It was a beautiful day, and while I wish I could have been in the field, it was nice to be here to see the support for all agriculture,” Delaney said. “I also enjoyed having the signing on an operation with the family atmosphere, the kids here, and the beautiful location. This is what Iowa is all about.”
Swenka agreed.
It’s not every day that you get to see a bill signed into law in person,” he said. “To actually see it happen after following it so closely for two years is very gratifying and rewarding.”
Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].
PHOTO: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Meat Integrity Bill and the livestock capital gains deduction bill May 15. Both of these bills will benefit Iowa cattle producers and protect this viable industry within our state’s economy. (Courtesy photo.)
