‘Not So Perfect Storm': Sen. Grassley Voices Concern for Slipping Land Values in Iowa

Iowa land values dropped 3% year-over-year. Sen. Chuck Grassley said this discomforting pattern is a harbinger of crisis for farmers, as seen in the 1980s.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — Longtime Senate Ag Committee Member, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), warned other lawmakers that a bit of a crisis is brewing in Iowa, his home state, over land values.

Sen. Grassley said in a floor speech this week that land values are down 3 percent year-over-year in his home state, which he views as an uncomfortable pattern that he has seen play out before.

“In the 1980s, that didn’t happen overnight,” Sen. Grassley said. “It kind of crept up on us very slowly. We don’t want to let that happen again. So, we need to be vigilant today.”

Grassley went on to say that for too long, Congress has waited to act. He is calling on his colleagues to take action and help save family farms.

Related Stories
Roger McEowen joins us to explain the USDA appeals process and how farmers should navigate adverse decisions and crop insurance disputes.
EPA’s approval gives citrus growers a new disease-fighting tool against greening at a time when production losses remain severe.
The House is moving forward with debate on the Farm Bill after a lengthy session in the House Rules Committee cleared the legislation for floor consideration.
Data center growth can bring opportunities, but competition for land, water, and power will matter more in rural areas.
Rail rulings, export terminal access, and equipment rules are becoming bigger factors in grain shipping costs and reliability.
House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The farm bill is still moving, but the toughest amendment fights were pushed into today’s session. ASA President Scott Metzger joins us to discuss the risks of tariff actions on soybean exports, concerns over trade policy and production costs, and the importance of Farm Bill updates.
The Purdue student team joins us to discuss how they developed Soy-Seal, their innovative soybean-based adhesive tape, and its potential ag impact.
John Mays with Central Life Sciences joins us to discuss the importance of pest management ahead of wheat storage and how protecting grain quality can support stronger marketing opportunities.
According to a tweet from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the full House vote on the Farm Bill will be held until lawmakers return from recess.
Higher input costs are making flexible marketing plans and updated break-even targets more important.
March pork gains lifted total meat production, but first-quarter output still ran below last year.