Lawmakers must stand with farmers

From our economy to our dinner tables, farming touches every part of life. I proudly carry on six generations of farming tradition with my son, and I have made my life’s mission to ensure family farmers can continue the legacy.

Farming doesn’t come without growing challenges. Seed and fertilizer costs are at historic levels. In the last five years, seed prices jumped 18% and fertilizer expenses increased 32%. Navigating the consistent spike in input costs has been beyond challenging. In addition to those operating costs, financing the machinery we need for our operation has only become more expensive. Farmers are being forced to stretch our margins thinner and thinner each year. For many, profitability is no longer guaranteed from one year to the next.

The fact that farmers are drowning in operating costs is often overlooked. More than 20% of Iowa’s economic output comes from agriculture. Coast to coast, Iowa is known for our world class corn and soybean production. What we grow here supports food processors, livestock producers, renewable energy production, and supply chains throughout the country. When Iowa farms struggle, it affects grocery shelves, transportation networks, and the broader economy.

Farming should not be a divisive issue. Unfortunately, in recent years, outside voices have tried to drive division instead of seeking common ground solutions. The science based tools we use and how we maintain our fields has become a contention point, oftentimes led by misinformed voices far removed from food production.

These tools we depend on are essential. They are EPA approved, but only after stringent, extensive testing and ongoing monitoring by USDA and FDA. Without modern tools that shield our crops from pests, vicious weeds, and other crop-killing threats, our ability to keep family farms sustainable will disappear.

We take pride in maintaining our fields with the utmost respect to the environment, and we are constantly refining practices to be as sustainable as possible. In fact, studies show that 70% of corn and soybean acres in Iowa use no till and other conservation methods, a growing trend.

The groups pointing fingers at our work do not understand the consequences of limiting the use of proven crop protection tools, and they certainly do not grasp the devastating impact of a lost crop. It is easy for critics to suggest limiting the tools farmers depend on, but it is much harder for them to acknowledge harsh realities it would cause: reduced yields, higher food costs, and weakened rural economies.

Instead of stifling farmers, we need backing from elected officials. State lawmakers are the key players in delivering policy that bolsters our industry at the local level, and allows us and our communities to thrive. When lawmakers champion policies that strengthen agriculture, the entire state benefits.

Our state’s history of agricultural success is largely because our elected officials understand our impact and acknowledge our needs. That must continue into 2026. The future of Iowa agriculture depends on lawmakers who choose to stand with the producers who feed this state.

Mark Jackson is a Mahaska County farmer.