As legislators continue to discuss next year’s federal Farm Bill, one lawmaker spells out their priorities.

Iowa’s Third Congressional District Representative Cindy Axne tells Raccoon Valley Radio she wants to continue to provide a robust crop insurance program for farmers, building on the conservation practices that are a part of the newly signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, along with implementing cover crops and streamlining rural development, as that is a key component for communities and the farming industry.

“So we need to make sure that it’s easy for our farmers and for our rural communities to use and access the grants and the opportunities for funding. Because if we leave billions (of dollars) on the table that we should be getting in these small communities.    

Another important aspect that Axne wants to include in the Farm Bill is about bringing back local meat processing with the Cattle Market Transparency Act.

“Which will create a better market for our cattle producers here, level the playing field and allow them to get the proper price for their product, as opposed to being left out of opportunities because of the consolidated market.   

The Farm Bill is passed every five years, with the next rendition being available for Congress to vote on is next year.