2022 Legislative Session Includes Victories, Future Opportunities for Iowa Soybean Farmers

May 25, 2022 | Brock Johnston

Ankeny, Iowa – The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) lauds progress made on priority issues during the 2022 Iowa Legislative session. Legislation bolstering biofuel production and access, providing fiscally responsible tax relief for farmers, enhancing natural resources, and ensuring efficient delivery of homegrown soybeans from field to market will benefit the soybean industry for generations.

Robb Ewoldt, ISA president and soybean farmer near Davenport issued the following statement:

“Tangible outcomes benefiting our industry, environment, and consumers this legislative session reinforces the important role of Iowa’s 40,000 soybean farmers in feeding and fueling the world. Throughout the 2022 session, soybean farmers engaged with lawmakers across both chambers to voice concerns and share solutions on issues impacting farmer success, while helping to refine approaches for the betterment of all Iowans. Iowa soybean farmers will continue seeking changes to farm provisions within the state’s tax code that would support the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. The tax package (SF 5022) passed this session left out amended language that sought to provide a dedicated source of funding for scaling conservation and water quality practices across the state.

“ISA and our Advocate members and board of directors actively engaged with elected leaders. These grassroots efforts led to several policy wins. We also thank Gov. Reynolds for her leadership in emphasizing action on key legislation, as well as members of the legislature responsible for bringing these policies to fruition.”

This year’s legislative accomplishments included:

Iowa Biofuel Access Bill (HR 2128) – signed into law by Gov. Reynolds May 17, the comprehensive biofuels legislation expands the state’s existing suite of tax credits and incentives; encourages the sale of higher blends of biodiesel through an incentive-based approach; expands E15 (ethanol 15%) access across the state; makes significant investments in cost-share opportunities for fuel retailers to upgrade biofuel infrastructure.

All-Systems Weight Permit (SF 2376) – establishes a new 90,000-pound all-systems permit for vehicles of excessive weight on non-interstate highways year-round, not just during planting and harvest season as permitted by governor proclamation. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the change (12.5% heavier than currently allowed) provides long-term certainty for the efficient, cost-effective transportation of agriculture products and bulk inputs.

MRTN Calculator Appropriation (SF 5153) – allocates $1 million for FY23 to update the maximum return to nitrogen (MRTN) modeling for fertilizer management. Continued research will modernize nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for corn production in cropping systems across Iowa.

Water Quality Funding – lawmakers continue to recognize the value and importance of Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy by fully funding water quality programs administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

The Iowa Soybean Association encourages soybean farmers to get involved in the association’s district meetings this summer to help guide policy and advocacy considerations throughout the fall and into next year’s session.

View district meeting dates and locations here.

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Not funded by the soybean checkoff

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The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.

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