‘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
EPA estimates the rule could generate more than $10 billion for rural economies and support over 100,000 jobs across agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
White House hosts “Celebration of Agriculture” as Trump administration signals new farmer support, including potential tax breaks and upcoming renewable fuel policy updates.
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Michael Kelsey joined us to discuss wildfire impacts across the Southern Plains, the importance of community support, and the path forward for affected producers.
As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.
The Biden Administration launched the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (ILCMA) program in 2023 to help underserved farmers facing barriers to land ownership.
Justin Tupper with the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association joins us to discuss the USDA’s voluntary labeling updates, industry priorities, and the outlook for U.S. cattle producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Roger McEowen discusses how long-term healthcare costs for elderly Americans are reshaping estate-planning decisions for farm families and what producers should consider moving forward.
Farmer Jeffry Mitchell with the Mississippi Farm Bureau joins us for a spring planting update from the southeast region as drought, input costs, and fertilizer access complicate crop progress.
Cattle producers face mounting pressure as U.S.-Mexico trade talks resume, but expanding drought, rising input costs, and policy work to improve the long-term industry outlook.
The White House’s plan calls for a nearly 20 percent reduction in the USDA’s budget, which would impact various food and agriculture aid programs.
More Farms File for Bankruptcy As Strong Farm Loan Demand Boosts Bank Earnings
JBS representatives told Reuters that the original deal has not changed and that they welcome employees back to the facility.