Iowa Corn Growers Set Policy Priorities at 2026 Grassroots Policy Summit

Today, the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) held its Annual Grassroots Policy Summit at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. The event gathered more than 130 farmer-member delegates from across the state to discuss and set forth legislative priorities for the upcoming year. 

ICGA delegates tackled critical issues impacting corn growers, including state issues such as conservation and water quality funding, extending Iowa retailer tax credits for E15 and E85, supporting a middle-ground approach to carbon capture projects, protecting landowner rights related to data centers, property tax reform, and more. Federal issues included expanding trade opportunities, securing infrastructure funding for transportation such as locks and dams, advancing biobased product incentives, advocating for a bipartisan Farm Bill, a nationwide E15 fix with key provisions for Iowa farmers and more.  

“The Annual Grassroots Summit is a very important event for Iowa’s corn growers and I think that is evident given that farmers from across the state put their harvest prep on pause to come and participate in the discussions that will set ICGA’s policy priorities for the following year,” said ICGA President Steve Kuiper, a farmer from Knoxville, Iowa. “Our grassroots policy development process starts with a survey of our more than 7,000 farmer members, followed by roundtable discussions in each of Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts before being brought forward and debated at the Summit. National policy priorities are then carried to the Commodity Classic, ensuring Iowa farmers’ voices are heard at the federal level. This process is vital to fulfilling ICGA’s mission and championing the issues that matter most to Iowa’s corn farmers.” 

Throughout the day, many local leaders were also recognized for their engagement in Iowa agriculture and beyond. Larry Buss, farmer from Harrison County, was once again recognized with the Top Recruiter Award for recruiting 186 Iowa Corn members over the past year. Roger Wuthrich, farmer from Davis County, was recognized with the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award for his dedication to Iowa Corn, at both the grassroots level and beyond, and within his local community. The 2026 Iowa Corn Walter Goeppinger Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Julius Schaaf, an exemplary leader who has dedicated his career to building relationships and creating new opportunities for Iowa’s corn farmers. 

ICGA will announce its finalized state and federal policy priorities in December, based on ICGA Board discussions and grassroots input gathered during the Summit. The complete 2026-27 policy resolution book will be available online and by request once finalized. To request a copy, please contact corninfo@iowacorn.org or 515-225-9242.

For More Information:

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