ICA Welcomes House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson to Iowa State Fair

Contact: Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 515-296-2266, Contact Us.

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) welcomed Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, to the Iowa State Fair Saturday, where he joined the annual Governor's Charity Steer Show as a celebrity showman and met directly with Iowa cattle producers and future industry leaders.

Before participating in the Governor's Charity Steer Show, Thompson joined Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig for a roundtable discussion with a select group of Iowa cattle producers. The conversation provided an opportunity for producers to share firsthand perspectives on the opportunities within Iowa's cattle industry.

"Iowa can and will play a significant role in the future of the U.S. cattle industry," said Bryan Whaley, ICA CEO. "As we look toward expanding the nation's cattle herd, there is no better place to grow than right here in Iowa. We have productive pastureland, abundant forage and feed resources, strong crop and livestock integration, and the infrastructure needed to support that growth.

"We appreciate Congressman Thompson taking the time to sit down with Iowa producers, listen to their experiences, and learn more about the opportunities in front of us. These conversations are important because they put a face and a story to the issues being discussed in Washington. We look forward to building on this dialogue and working together to move Iowa's cattle industry and the U.S. cattle industry forward."

The discussion centered on three key areas:

• Growing the cattle herd: Expanding grazing opportunities, specifically addressing ICA's recent policy efforts to make more Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres available for grazing and livestock production.
• Supporting the next generation: Improving access to capital and creating opportunities for young and beginning farmers while supporting successful farm transitions.
• Reduction and shifts in large processing facilities: With the recent announcement of the Tyson plant in Joslin, Illinois, and the impact on Iowa's cattle producers, overall U.S. herd expansion, and the economic implications across the supply chain.

"Some of the best conversations with policymakers happen when they hear directly from farmers," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. "I appreciate Chairman Thompson coming to Iowa to listen to our cattle producers and take their ideas back to Washington. Iowa is well positioned to help grow the nation's cattle herd through expanded grazing opportunities, working lands conservation, and support for the next generation. As Congress works on the Farm Bill, we need policies that provide certainty, improve affordability, and keep farmers competitive."

Bringing federal policymakers directly to Iowa provides an important opportunity to showcase the state's cattle industry and ensure producers' perspectives are part of the conversation. This is especially important as continued work on the Farm Bill progresses.

"It is critical to hear directly from the producers we serve and to be able to take Iowa producers' perspectives back to Washington," said Chairman Thompson. "Iowa can be a leader in helping rebuild our cattle herd, in my opinion. A number of great ideas were shared today that could provide opportunities and solutions. When we bring people together to work through these challenges, we always come away with great ideas."

ICA will continue working to ensure Iowa cattle producers have a seat at the table as policy decisions are made. By connecting producers directly with policymakers and bringing Iowa's priorities to the forefront, ICA is building momentum for policies that support herd expansion, the next generation of producers, and the long-term strength of Iowa's cattle industry.