Iowa Cattlemen Unveil Plan to Rebuild the State’s Cattle Herd

Bryan Whaley, CEO, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association - “In the last month alone, we’ve seen suspension of tariffs on foreign beef imports, causing substantial volatility and uncertainty in our markets. We also had a closure of a major meat processing plant in Illinois, where over 50% of the cattle that were processed in that plant originated from Iowa.”

In the face of steep financial barriers and volatile federal policy blocking easy entry into the cattle industry, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association rolled out its 2027 legislative framework. Under the title "Building Iowa’s Cattle Future" the policy focuses on creating stability and access into the industry as well as promoting expansion of the cattle herd.

Craig Moss, Board President, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association - “We believe that Iowa is really situated to rebuild the American cowherd, which is at a 75-year low. Iowa has a vast array of resources, a vast array of different types of ground and topography. Iowa typically raises a crop. And we feel these are synergistic things that all work together to support Iowa’s cowherd.”

The association is calling on state lawmakers to modernize the Beginning Farmer Loan Program, increase access to capital, and expand tax credits to help a new generation acquire livestock and land. 

The plan also demands a reduction in the cost of permits, an expansion of regional meat processing capacity and protection for agricultural land against eminent domain.

Craig Moss, Board President , Cattlemen's Association - “If we can provide a strong market and a strong business environment in the state of Iowa and illustrate that those producers are wanted and needed here in Iowa, that will help as much as anything.”

For Market to Market, I’m Laurel Bower.