Iowa Corn Farmer Delegates Adopt Policy Priorities at Annual Grassroots Summit

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) hosted the Annual Grassroots Summit on Wednesday, September 3, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. During the Iowa Corn Grassroots Summit, a group of over 130 farmer-member delegates from across the state voiced opinions and thoughts on legislative priorities and policies, setting the direction for state and federal policy priorities for the coming year. 

ICGA delegates tackled critical issues impacting corn growers, focusing on resolutions related to CRP regulations, right to carbon capture and sequestration projects, extension of the 45Z tax credit, increasing trade and safeguarding current market share. Throughout the policy session, these topics sparked discussion and were voted on by farmer delegates from across the state.  

“The Annual Grassroots Summit is a time for Iowa corn farmer members to come together to discuss the key policy issues that are impacting them most,” said newly elected ICGA President Mark Mueller, a farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “ICGA’s policy development process starts with our policy survey that is sent to our over 7,000 farmer members before those issues are discussed at the nine Iowa Corn crop reporting district roundtables and voted on at the Annual Grassroots Summit. Policies with a national focus are then taken to Commodity Classic, giving Iowa farmers a voice at the federal level. This process is incredibly important as it allows us to make sure we are fulfilling the mission of ICGA and prioritizing the issues that matter most to Iowa’s corn farmers.” 

Throughout the day and into the evening, many local leaders were also recognized for their engagement in Iowa agriculture and beyond. Larry Buss, farmer from Harrison County, was recognized with the Top Recruiter Award for recruiting 94 Iowa Corn members over the past year. John Schott, farmer from Pocahontas County, was recognized with the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award for his dedication to Iowa Corn and all of agriculture within his community and beyond. The 2025 Iowa Corn Walter Goeppinger Lifetime Achievement Award was presented in memory of Bill Northey, an explementary leader whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire the agriculture industry for years to come. 

ICGA will release its finalized 2026 state and federal policy priorities in December based on ICGA Board discussion as well as the grassroots input provided during the Summit. The complete 2025-26 policy resolution book will be available online and upon request once finalized by emailing corninfo@iowacorn.org or calling 515-225-9242. 

For More Information:

Sydney Garrett, Public Relations Manager, sgarrett@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242