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Corn Farmers Take Their Priorities to State Capitol
Iowa Ag Connection - 03/23/2018

Nearly 100 Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) members filled the State Capitol rotunda for the "Iowa Corn Day on the Hill" lobbying event. This delegation included ICGA Board, county leaders and student FFA members from across the state. Their lobbying efforts focused on increasing state coupling of the federal section 179 expensing provision, protecting agriculture in comprehensive tax reform, and obtaining funding for biofuels infrastructure. In addition, farmers took time to thank the state lawmakers who helped pass water quality legislation, Senate File 512, signed into law earlier this session.

"Iowa Corn Day on the Hill events facilitate one-on-one interactions with state legislators where members can discuss and promote ICGA policy priorities and issues important to Iowa agriculture," stated Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. "The dedication and engagement of our members allow ICGA to have a strong, unified voice at the State Capitol."

ICGA's "Day of the Hill" efforts focused on the organization's top state legislative priorities for this session, including:

- Conservation/Water Quality -- Long term, increased funding for Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy

- Ethanol: Obtaining funding for Iowa's biofuels infrastructure cost-share program (RFIP)

- Taxes: Full state coupling of the federal Section 179 small business expensing provision

- Taxes: Protect agriculture in comprehensive tax reform

"Our focus is on measures that will help Iowa's struggling farm economy, and at the top of our list is Section 179," explained Recker. "We are asking for full coupling of Section 179 to the federal provision allowing farmers and small businesses to expense and depreciate capital expenses on their tax returns. Section 179 is a key tool for farmers and small businesses alike, as it allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment during that tax year."

One of ICGA's legislative successes this legislative session was the signing of water quality legislation by Governor Reynolds. "We thank the legislature and the governor for the passage and signing of SF512, allowing for a stable and increased funding source to improve Iowa's water quality," said Recker. "These dollars will provide additional resources, education, and outreach helping farmers scale up conservation practices on their farms and in their communities."

If you missed this Day on the Hill event, we encourage you to contact your legislators by other means, including by attending local townhalls or forums. To see ICGA's full list of state and federal priorities for 2018, please visit iowacorn.org/policy.


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