My Weekly Column: President Trump’s Great American Agriculture Celebration Signals a New Era for Farmers

Last week, during the Great American Agriculture Celebration, we saw the largest gathering of farmers ever hosted at the White House, and I was honored to join President Donald Trump in highlighting historic wins for farmers.

Back home in Iowa, a common sentiment I hear from farmers is that they have felt left behind by Washington. Thanks to President Trump, that course is finally being reversed, and farmers are seeing real results — from tax relief and new trade deals to unleashing American energy, advancing a strong Farm Bill, and delivering long-term certainty for our producers. These successes are not just abstract policy ideas from Washington; they are meaningful changes that will substantially help Iowa farmers, who are the backbone of our economy.

One of the most significant achievements came from the historic Working Families Tax Cuts. I was honored to work alongside President Trump, as the only member serving on both the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, to deliver results for our farmers, producers, and rural communities. We strengthened crop insurance, updated reference prices for corn and soybeans, and invested in Iowa biofuels. Just as importantly, we made it easier for farmers to finance new equipment and modernize their operations.

We also secured permanent relief from the devastating Death Tax by including my bill, which raises its exemption to $15 million. This is critical to ensuring that family farms can be passed on to the next generation of American farmers. No one should be forced to sell land or equipment just after losing a loved one in order to pay the IRS. This reform ensures that Iowa farmland remains in the hands of Iowa families.

In addition, provisions like Section 199A and 100 percent bonus depreciation are helping farmers reinvest in their operations, hire workers, and remain competitive in a global market. These policies highlight a simple truth: when our farmers succeed, America thrives.

Beyond historic tax relief, President Trump’s leadership on trade has expanded markets for our farmers across the globe. Historic agreements with countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are expanding markets for Iowa corn, soybeans, pork, beef, and dairy. These deals help ensure that our producers are not at a disadvantage and that our farmers are not barred from competing in the global market.

During the celebration, the President showed a strong commitment to how biofuels can bolster our domestic energy markets by finalizing the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027. This represents the strongest commitment ever to American biofuels. By setting the highest renewable fuel volumes in history, we are creating a stable and reliable market for corn and soybean producers while providing more affordable fuel options for consumers and strengthening our nation’s energy independence. This is a direct investment in rural economies, and a clear signal that American-grown energy is the future.

At the same time, President Trump highlighted the importance of passing a strong Farm Bill. Earlier this year, the House Agriculture Committee moved the Farm Bill for consideration, and I was proud to include 15 of my bills in this legislation. My legislation will strengthen export markets, expand rural broadband, invest in agricultural research, and protect farmland from foreign ownership. It also includes common-sense reforms like repealing Prop 12, investing in life-saving equipment for tractors, and improving farmer safety programs.

The Farm Bill is more than just policy; it is the result of conversations and concerns I have heard from farmers across Iowa. It is about giving farmers the tools and certainty they need to succeed. I look forward to passing the Farm Bill out of the House and moving it to the President’s desk.

The Great American Agriculture Celebration marks significant achievements for rural America. In just one year under President Trump, we have achieved historic tax cuts, unleashed American energy, and expanded markets. Most importantly, President Trump is putting farmers first.