Iowa Farmers Union Statement on Gov. Reynold’s Veto on HF 639
Iowa Farmers Union Statement on Gov. Reynold’s Veto on HF 639 June 12, 2025 Statement from Aaron Lehman, President of the Iowa Farmers Union: “The veto of HF 639 is a betrayal of family farmer values. Eminent domain should never be allowed for private gain. Governor Reynolds has had years to work with her party leaders to find […]
Iowa Farmers Union Applauds Court Victory in Defense of Farmland Conservation Protections
June 2, 2025 Iowa Farmers Union Applauds Court Victory in Defense of Farmland Conservation Protections Nevada, IA – The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) celebrates a major legal victory for conservation-minded farmers across the country. In an opinion issued on May 30, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa upheld the constitutionality of the Swampbuster provisions […]
FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya to Join Iowa Farmers to Spotlight Industry Consolidation and Pressing Rural Issues
May 14, 2025 FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya to Join Iowa Farmers to Spotlight Industry Consolidation and Pressing Rural Issues Nevada, IA – Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya will join the Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) on June 7 at 9:30 a.m. for a public event at Griffieon Family Farm, 11655 NE 6th St, Ankeny, IA. The gathering aims to bring national attention to […]
Farmers and Ranchers Will Bear the Brunt of a Global Trade War
April 3, 2025 Farmers and Ranchers Will Bear the Brunt of a Global Trade War NEVADA, Iowa — Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) President Aaron Lehman and National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew released the following statements in response to the White House reciprocal tariff announcement. Aaron Lehman, IFU President: “Iowa farmers and rural communities are […]
“Fund Iowa Farmers” Day on the Hill April 2Advocates Call on Lawmakers to Invest in Local Food and Support Iowa Farms
March 28, 2025 “Fund Iowa Farmers” Day on the Hill April 2 Advocates Call on Lawmakers to Invest in Local Food and Support Iowa Farms On Wednesday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., members of the Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) and Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) will gather at the Iowa State Capitol for […]
Iowa Farmers Union Statement Regarding Pesticide Liability Legislation SF 394
March 26, 2025 Iowa Farmers Union Statement Regarding Pesticide Liability Legislation SF 394 NEVADA, Iowa — The family farmers of the Iowa Farmers Union are deeply disappointed that the Iowa Senate chose to stand with chemical companies instead of voting for family farmers, rural communities, and all Iowans. Today, Iowa Senators voted in favor of: […]
USDA Cancels Local Food Funding, Creating Uncertainty for Iowa Farmers and Food Hubs
March 10, 2025 USDA Cancels Local Food Funding, Creating Uncertainty for Iowa Farmers and Food Hubs NEVADA – The Iowa Farmers Union is deeply alarmed and disappointed by the USDA’s sudden termination of state contracts for the 2025 Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs. This decision comes despite the […]
Senator Grassley Reacts to Ag Issues in Iowa Farmers Union Virtual Town Hall
March 3, 2025 Senator Grassley Reacts to Ag Issues in Iowa Farmers Union Virtual Town Hall NEVADA – The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) was pleased to host Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley during a virtual town hall earlier today. The Senator addressed nearly 180 IFU members and rural residents on topics related to the impacts of tariff battles […]
USDA Firings and Program Cuts Undermine Conservation Efforts in Iowa
February 20, 2025 USDA Firings and Program Cuts Undermine Conservation Efforts in Iowa Statement from Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman regarding the impact of federal funding and staff cuts at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). “The recent firing of USDA employees pulls the rug out from underneath farmers and the rural workforce that […]
IFU Welcomes Matt Russell as Interim Executive Director
February 13, 2025 IFU Welcomes Matt Russell as Interim Executive Director The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) is excited to announce that Matt Russell has joined the organization as its interim executive director. Russell’s wealth of experience in agricultural leadership and long history of involvement with the Farmers Union makes him capable of leading the organization […]
Farmers Union Secures Government Action Against John Deere’s Monopoly Power
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 15, 2025 Contact: [email protected] Farmers Union Secures Government Action Against John Deere’s Monopoly Power NEVADA – Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) and National Farmers Union (NFU) proudly supports the lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the attorneys general of Minnesota and Illinois against John Deere & Co., alleging the company’s […]
Iowa Farmers Union Convention strives for “Fairness for Farmers”
Iowa Farmers Union Convention strives for “Fairness for Farmers” Iowa Farmers Union members from across the state gathered on Dec. 6-7 at the Quality Inn & Conference Center in Ames for the 109th Annual State Convention. The IFU convention set the grassroots legislative policy that will guide the organization’s efforts in 2025, elected leadership, and conducted […]
Iowa Farmers Union Announces Legislative Candidate Endorsements
Iowa Farmers Union Announces Legislative Candidate Endorsements The Iowa Farmers Union is committed to supporting family farming, sustainable agriculture, thriving rural communities, and healthy landscapes across Iowa. We are dedicated to advocating for a more just and equitable food system that benefits all Iowans. As part of our mission, we are proud to endorse the following […]
Iowa Local and Regional Food System Partners Applaud USDA for Investment in Local Farmers and Food Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2024 CONTACT:Christina Dexter, IFU Communications [email protected] | 816-738-5402 Iowa Local and Regional Food System Partners Applaud USDA for Investment in Local Farmers and Food Assistance DES MOINES – On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of $1.7 billion for the procurement of locally and regionally […]
Sustainable Ag Groups Seek To Defend Clean Water, Wetlands Against Effort To Gut Longstanding Protections
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 Sustainable Ag Groups Seek To Defend Clean Water, Wetlands Against Effort To Gut Longstanding Protections Dangerous lawsuit outlined in Project 2025 is the latest to threaten wetlands after sweeping Sackett SCOTUS decision DES MOINES – Iowa Farmers Union (IFU), Iowa Environmental Council (IEC), Dakota Rural Action (DRA), and […]
Iowa Farmers Union Blasts Proposed Fertilizer Plant Purchase by Koch

February 12, 2024 Contact: Christina Dexter, (816)[email protected] Iowa Farmers Union Blasts Proposed Fertilizer Plant Purchase by Koch The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) is leading the call for federal and state officials to block the pending sale of OCI Global’s nitrogen fertilizer plant in Wever, Iowa to fertilizer goliath Koch Industries. The plant was built with […]
Farmers Union Releases 2023 Farmer’s Share of Thanksgiving Food Dollar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 14, 2023Contact: Christina Dexter, (816)[email protected] Farmers Union Releases 2023 Farmer’s Share of Thanksgiving Food Dollar NEVADA – Yesterday, National Farmers Union (NFU) released the updated Farmer’s Share of the food dollar for items typically served during the Thanksgiving holiday. These figures reflect how much family farmers earn compared to the amount consumers […]
The Iowa Farmers Union is excited to seek qualified applicants for Executive Director opportunity.

The Iowa Farmers Union is excited to seek qualified applicants for Executive Director opportunity. Summary The Iowa Farmers Union is the oldest general farm organization in Iowa and advocates for family farming, sustainable agriculture and vibrant rural communities. IFU is a chartered division of the National Farmers Union and has approximately 1,000 members after a recent period […]
Iowa Farmers Union Opposes School Vouchers Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 23, 2023Contact: Christina Dexter, (816)[email protected] Iowa Farmers Union Opposes School Vouchers Legislation The Iowa Farmers Union and its members from all 99 counties have long advocated for policies that build rural economies and nurture vibrant communities. The Iowa education system was largely built on a network of strong public schools, providing residents […]