The Iowa Corn Growers Association took a focused set of priorities to this year’s National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress, with trade policy, nitrogen tools, and access to clean fuel tax credits topping the list.
ICGA President Mark Mueller says the conversations among delegates highlight how differently corn growers are affected across the country, but Iowa came prepared to lead on several key issues.
One of the most debated topics centered on tariffs and making sure farmers have a seat at the table when trade decisions are made.
Mueller says agriculture often feels the direct impact of tariff decisions, yet farmers are rarely involved in shaping those policies. While the organization traditionally supports free trade, he says current realities require growers to engage directly in how tariffs are applied.
Another major issue Iowa Corn is advancing involves the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. Mueller says farmers who are implementing conservation practices should have a way to benefit from the carbon intensity improvements they are already making.
Mueller says a book and claim system would allow farmers to document conservation practices, similar to other Farm Service Agency programs, and participate more directly in the value created by low-carbon fuel standards.
The tariff discussion proved to be one of the closest votes among delegates at Corn Congress, but Iowa’s proposal ultimately passed.
Mueller says that tariff conversation began at grassroots meetings in Iowa, including concerns about ethanol imports entering the country under different trade conditions.
In addition to trade and 45Z access, Iowa Corn is also pushing to broaden the category of nitrification inhibitors to help farmers keep nitrogen fertilizer in place and improve efficiency.
Mueller says while not every state agrees on every measure, Iowa Corn is focused on advancing policies that would impact the broadest number of corn growers across the state and beyond.
