By Andi Anderson
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig visited Vision Ag in Van Buren County on Friday to meet with area farmers. The purpose of the visit was to hear firsthand about their concerns and priorities ahead of the planting season.
Naig joined a roundtable discussion with local crop producers to understand how current issues, like input costs and trade challenges, are impacting farm operations. With ongoing changes in tariffs and the economy, farmers are facing uncertainty about whether they can remain profitable this season.
“They need to be able to be profitable and productive,” said Naig. He emphasized that achieving profitability depends on several factors, including having access to markets for Iowa-grown products. These could be export markets, domestic buyers, or even local customers.
Naig pointed out the importance of getting a fair price for farm products, while also stressing the need for affordable inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and fuel. He noted that high input costs continue to create pressure on farm budgets, making profitability harder to achieve.
The conversation also focused on the importance of timely planting. Based on what he heard from farmers, Naig mentioned that he wouldn’t be surprised if many producers start running their planters as early as next week.
The visit gave farmers an opportunity to share their views directly with state leadership, helping guide future decisions and policies. Naig’s presence in Van Buren County shows the state's continued commitment to supporting its agricultural community during key seasonal transitions.
As planting season nears, Iowa’s farmers are preparing to move forward, despite economic challenges, with the hope that market access and affordable input solutions will support a successful harvest.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy