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Safeguarding Iowa’s livestock population a priority for Iowa Soybean Association

Mitigating foreign animal disease threats is a legislative priority for the Iowa Soybean Association.

ISA director of public affairs Michael Dolch tells Brownfield a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been disruptive.

“That’s where our farmers are very supportive of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s funding request for preparedness and response measures. This would include additional personnel in addition to some equipment to help with depopulation and eradication of animal disease threats.”

He says protecting the pork sector is also critical.

“For Iowa soybean farmers, pork is in the pole position as our number one customer. So we’re certainly going to continue supporting efforts that safeguard Iowa’s livestock population, cattle, pork, and poultry too.”

Dolch lists continued funding for water quality and conservation efforts, replenishing the Grain Indemnity Fund, and property tax relief for farmers as other ISA priorities in the current session.