Secretary Naig to Introduce First-Ever Iowa Farm Act to Strengthen Iowa Agriculture in 2026 Legislative Session

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced plans to introduce the Iowa Farm Act, a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive legislative package designed to support Iowa farmers, strengthen rural communities, and position Iowa agriculture for long-term success.

“The Iowa Farm Act is about meeting today’s challenges while preparing for the future,” said Secretary Naig. “It brings together ideas we have heard directly from farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the state. This package expands economic opportunities, supports the next generation, and strengthens our readiness to respond to animal disease threats. It also delivers targeted tax relief and removes unnecessary barriers that hold farmers back. I look forward to working with the Legislature and Governor Reynolds to get this package enacted to show strong support for agriculture, the cornerstone of our state’s economy.”

The legislation reflects priorities raised directly by farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders and is intended to provide practical, workable solutions across Iowa agriculture.

“We thank Secretary Naig for his leadership and for bringing forward the Iowa Farm Act, a forward-looking package that supports Iowa farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities,” said Julie Kenney, CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. “This legislation demonstrates a strong commitment to Iowa agriculture and the long-term success of our state’s number one industry.”

“The Iowa Farm Act strengthens Iowa’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to a foreign or major animal disease outbreak by improving coordination, expediting the deployment of equipment, and protecting producer confidentiality,” said Aaron Juergens, President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and a farmer from Carroll. “Iowa’s pig farmers are grateful for Secretary Naig’s leadership and appreciate the Department’s commitment to building long-term resilience in agriculture by investing in the next generation of farmers and rural veterinarians through this legislation.”

“In these uncertain economic times in agriculture, we appreciate Secretary Naig’s leadership as we work to advance policies important to Iowa farmers this upcoming legislative session,” said Brent Johnson, President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and a farmer from Manson.

“Iowa cattle producers know firsthand how important it is to be prepared for the future, especially when it comes to animal health, workforce availability, and passing operations on to the next generation,” said Craig Moss, President of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and a farmer from Hull. “We thank the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for taking a forward-thinking, proactive approach to these issues, and the Iowa Farm Act demonstrates a real commitment to protecting producers and keeping Iowa agriculture strong for the long term.”

“The North Central Poultry Association actively supports the Iowa Farm Act for strengthening safeguards against highly pathogenic avian influenza such as enhancing foreign animal disease preparedness and protecting producer confidentiality,” said Breck Hunt, Executive Director of the North Central Poultry Association. “Additionally, removing regulatory barriers, investing in future generations, and modernizing standards will aid Iowa’s poultry and egg producers. This legislation helps ensure Iowa remains a national leader in safe, reliable, and competitive animal agriculture.”

“From protecting farm succession and investing in beginning farmers, to expanding local markets, the Iowa Farm Act is a bold investment in Iowa's future,” said Tom Adam, President of the Iowa Soybean Association and a farmer from Harper. “We greatly appreciate Secretary Naig and his team for championing Iowa farmers and the rural communities they call home.”