INEDA Past Chairman Jay Funke Testifies Before Senate on Ag Dealers and Rural Economy

Jay Funke, Past Chairman of the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) and co-owner of Del-Clay Farm Equipment, testified before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, sharing firsthand insight into the challenges facing agricultural businesses, equipment dealers, and rural communities.

Funke’s testimony drew on more than four decades of experience as an ag equipment dealer, farmer, and rural business leader. He addressed declining farm income, reduced equipment sales, rising inventory and financing pressures, trade uncertainty, and the ripple effects these challenges create across rural economies.

“Equipment dealers sit at the intersection of agriculture, small business, and rural communities. When farm income declines, the impact reaches far beyond the farm gate,” Funke said. “My goal was to share what dealers and farmers are experiencing right now and why timely, practical policy solutions matter to the future of rural America.”

Funke also emphasized the importance of timely farm assistance, fair and enforceable trade agreements, and policies that support young farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities— particularly those with populations under 10,000.

“Rural communities depend on strong farms, strong businesses, and strong local leadership,” Funke added. “We need policies that help farmers remain viable, support small businesses, and encourage the next generation to stay and invest in rural America.”

INEDA, which represents equipment dealers across Iowa and Nebraska in the agricultural, construction, and outdoor power equipment industries, welcomed the opportunity for a dealer voice to be heard at the national level.

“Jay Funke brought a trusted, real-world dealer perspective to Washington,” said Jamie Mertz, Director of Dealer and Government Affairs for INEDA. “His testimony ensured policymakers heard directly from someone who understands the challenges facing agriculture, equipment dealers, and rural communities every day.”

Funke’s appearance before the Committee underscores INEDA’s ongoing commitment to advocacy on behalf of its members and the rural communities they serve.