Congressman Feenstra vows to work for farmers all across Iowa

by | Jan 28, 2021 | 5 Ag Stories, News

The United States Congress is getting itself back to work and the committee seats are getting filled. For Iowa, there are few committees more important than the House Ag Committee. Iowa is one of the top producing Ag states in the United States, and according to the USDA, our 4th District is the largest Ag producing Congressional district in the U.S. This is why freshman Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-IA 4th) felt it was necessary that he get on that committee.

He got his wish.

Audio: Full interview with Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-IA 4th)

Congressman Feenstra highlighted the importance of Iowa having voices on the committee. He says that agriculture is so engrained with the state?s economy that when farmers do well, rural communities do well.

The Ag Committee is going to be reshaped in this Congress. The two long-time leaders at the top; Congressmen Michael Conaway (R-TX) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) are no longer there. Feenstra said he is excited to work with members on both sides of the aisle and has already been in contact with many of them. He remarks that Iowa has great bipartisan Ag leadership. He joins fellow Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA 3rd) on the House Committee, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) serves on the Senate, and with Tom Vilsack poised to be back at the USDA?s top spot under President Biden, Iowa is well represented. He said it is not so much about partisanship as it is telling the stories of Iowa farmers.

One of the many tasks facing the Congressional Ag Committees is the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. Feenstra talks about the importance of getting that legislation moving. He is also concerned with pricing transparency. Feenstra says that for farmers to compete, there has to be fairness in the system.

Feenstra remarked that he plans to be a voice on the committee for farmers all across Iowa, not just in his 4th district.