Farmers win with ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

In Iowa, nearly one in five jobs are connected to agriculture, a far cry from many other states. That’s no surprise for those of us who have grown up on family farms and have called rural Iowa home for our entire lives.

From corn, soybeans and biofuels to dairy, cattle and hogs, Iowa farmers grow the food and fuel that nourishes and powers our country and the world.

That being said, our rural communities, especially those in northwest Iowa, depend on a strong farm economy to remain competitive and vibrant. But low commodity prices, a growing agricultural trade deficit, and tax and regulatory uncertainty make farming an even more challenging and unpredictable industry than it already is.

It’s why, along with my friends in the National Corn Growers Association, I’ve made many trips to our nation’s capital, advocating for productive farm policies like a new, five-year Farm Bill, year-round E-15, reliable crop insurance, and a strong Renewable Fuel Standard and robust Renewable Volume Obligations for ethanol and biodiesel.

After years of Farm Bill extensions and uncertainty in the agriculture sector, President Donald Trump’s signature on the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” delivered the predictability and updated support that agriculture and biofuels need.

This historic $50 billion investment in the farm economy includes many policy wins that would typically be part of the Farm Bill.

These initiatives include higher crop insurance coverage at more affordable prices, increased reference prices for corn and soybeans, the 20 percent small business deduction, and full funding for foreign animal disease prevention and response. It also extends the critical 45Z tax credit for biofuels producers, ensuring that we use homegrown fuels to cement American energy dominance and lower prices at the pump for drivers.

I’m hopeful that, in the near future, we can secure a fix for sustainable aviation fuel that accurately reflects the ability of ethanol producers to contribute to enhanced fuel capacity for airliners.

I especially want to thank Congressman Randy Feenstra for always meeting with corn growers and many other agricultural organizations and listening to our policy priorities and concerns.

Because of his respected voice and position on both the Ways and Means Committee and the Ag Committee, he secured an increased death tax exemption of $15 million for family farms, lowered crop insurance costs for young farmers, and helped our community banks offer agricultural loans at more affordable rates.

Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa, and the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” is the fuel that keeps our engine running smoothly.

Thanks to President Trump and Congressman Feenstra, Iowa farmers have the tools and resources that they need to stay competitive and provide for their families and communities. This “Big, Beautiful Bill” is truly a big, beautiful win for farmers.

This op-ed was originally published by Mr. Kelly Nieuwenhuis in the Northwest Iowa Review on July 16, 2025.