Senator Chuck Grassley addressed key issues facing Iowa farmers in a Q&A released on March 13, focusing on economic uncertainty, high input costs, and recent changes at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Grassley said that rising input costs, including diesel prices and tariffs on fertilizer components like phosphorous, anhydrous ammonia, and potash, are putting pressure on farmers’ bottom lines. He emphasized his efforts from the Senate Agriculture Committee to boost domestic biofuel markets and push for year-round E15 fuel availability. “Congress needs to stop pussyfooting around and get this bill to the president’s desk. President Trump announced in Iowa he’s ready to sign it into law. Making E15 available 365 days a year across the country would pump $14 billion into the farm economy and lower prices at the pump for consumers,” Grassley said.
He also referenced testimony from a recent Senate Agriculture Committee hearing where Chairman John Boozman described current conditions: “If you’re putting something in the ground today, you’re losing money.” Grassley said commodity prices are below production costs, calling it unsustainable. He noted his support for strengthening the farm safety net by increasing reference prices and crop insurance subsidies—updates set to take effect October 1—and his ongoing work to finalize a new farm bill after two extensions since the previous one expired in September 2023.
On USDA modernization efforts, Grassley highlighted Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’s launch of the “One Farmer, One File” initiative aimed at streamlining services for farmers. The platform is designed to improve efficiency by ensuring records follow each farmer and offering electronic sign-up options while maintaining traditional service methods at local offices.
Grassley reminded Iowa crop farmers about the open enrollment period for the Farmer Bridge Assistance program through April 17, encouraging online applications or requests for pre-filled forms from local Farm Service Agency offices. National Agriculture Week will be observed March 15-21.
Grassley concluded by expressing pride in representing Iowa’s family farmers: “Senator Grassley is honored to represent the family farmer and champion Iowa’s farm economy that ranks #1 in corn, pig, egg and biofuels production.”
