In Trump-Friendly Iowa, the President’s Policies Have Hit Hard – The New York Times
In this article on October 26, the New York Times featured two members of the Iowa Farmers Union — Aaron Lehman and John Gilbert — who sat down with the paper to discuss how changing national economic policy and agricultural trade dynamics are affecting Iowa’s family farms.
U.S. farmers say they’re disappointed with Trump’s plan to import beef from Argentina – CBS News
In this segment, Berleen Wobeter, a member of the Iowa Farmers Union, appeared on CBS News to share her concerns about the Trump administration’s plan to import beef from Argentina. Wobeter and other farmers interviewed described the proposal as a setback for U.S. cattle producers already struggling with tight markets and low prices.
Soybean farmer says aid announced by Trump falls short as losses mount from trade war – CBS Evening News
In this segment, the CBS Evening News featured Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union, who discussed how the Trump administration’s aid package fails to fully offset the mounting losses Iowa’s soybean farmers are facing from the ongoing trade war.
How a lack of federal aid is affecting Iowa farmers’ mental health – KCCI
In this article by KCCI, Matt Russell, Executive Director of the Iowa Farmers Union, shared how today’s mounting uncertainties—from delayed federal aid, falling crop prices and rising health‑care costs—are putting enormous mental pressure on Iowa’s family farmers. “We appreciate that those resources are likely coming. But you don’t know when, you don’t know how much, you don’t know what those dollars are going to look like,” Russell said.
Iowa farm left uncertain after USDA program cuts – KWQC
In this article on October 17, Suzan Erem, a member of the Iowa Farmers Union, discussed how recent cuts to USDA programs are creating uncertainty for Iowa farms. “Who can make a business plan based on so much uncertainty?” Erem said. “Who can make a plan when you don’t know what is going to happen the next day?”
The piece highlighted broader concerns about the potential long-term impacts of these program cuts on farm stability, productivity, and local rural economies.
Visas revoked for Ottumwa JBS workers- NewsNation Now
In an interview with IFU Vice President Ryan Marquardt spoke with NewsNation Now anchor Nichole Berlie about the sudden revocation of work visas for 200 employees at the JBS meatpacking plant in Ottumwa. Marquardt emphasized the broader consequences of the move—not just for the workers and their families, but for the entire local economy.
A GOP lawmaker aims to define Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill before Democrats – Washington Post
In this article published today, The Washington Post reports on Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) championing President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. She emphasized the bill’s tax reforms—particularly on tips—and its hefty funding for immigration enforcement, which drew the strongest applause. The legislation also includes deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.
Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union, responded critically to the bill’s impact, echoing concerns about shortchanging rural and agricultural communities.
“It’s just nuts:” Iowa farmers push back on USDA cuts to rural energy program – We Are Iowa Local 5 News
We Are Iowa Local 5 News reported on the USDA’s rollback of the Rural Energy for America Program—a grant and loan initiative designed to support clean energy adoption in rural communities—during an Iowa Farmers Union Lunch & Learn. The event featured IFU member and clean energy advocate Mike Carberry, who explained the impacts of the cuts and urged farmers to stay engaged on the issue.
Iowa Farmers Union hosts cancer listening session at Meskwaki Tribal Center – Times-Republican
On August 13, 2025, the Iowa Farmers Union, in partnership with the Iowa Environmental Council and the Harkin Institute, hosted a listening session at the Meskwaki Tribal Center in Tama County to address rising cancer rates in Iowa. The session was the final of 15 statewide meetings aimed at understanding environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to the state’s second-highest cancer incidence in the nation.
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