Iowa Secretary of Agriculture was in the listening area earlier this week and served as the keynote speaker for the Carroll County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting and member appreciation dinner. Local ag leaders, Farm Bureau members, and others from the industry gathered Tuesday evening at the Arcadia Legion Hall for the event. Naig says the sector has had a challenging few years.
He says close partnerships with the Farm Bureau have helped the Iowa Department of Agriculture craft solutions that meet those challenges head-on.
Naig acknowledges that recent disruptions caused by international trade disputes, rising input costs, and difficult markets have made it difficult for many farmers. However, he says there are areas where the growth potential is almost immeasurable, particularly biofuels.
He adds that Iowa consumers have saved $125 million over the last three years by pumping E15 instead of just E10, and motorists across the country would welcome those savings, especially given the current fuel market. Naig also acknowledged farmers’ role in the American Revolution as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. He says the same grit and determination found in America’s founders, many of whom were farmers themselves, can be found in today’s producers.
Naig closed out his comments on Tuesday with a reminder to the area’s farmers to emphasize safety as the region gears up for the breakneck pace of the planting season.
