Iowa Corn Honors Senator Annette Sweeney and House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl with 2024 Friends of Iowa Corn Award

Iowa Corn is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Friends of Iowa Corn Award. This annual recognition is bestowed upon individuals who have shown exceptional support for the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) priorities and Iowa’s corn farmers. This year, we proudly honor Senator Annette Sweeney and House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl for their unwavering dedication to the corn industry and support of farmers across the state.

Over the past two years, the corn checkoff has faced significant challenges. However, with the steadfast support of our allies, we have successfully defended its integrity. Senator Sweeney and Majority Leader Windschitl have played instrumental roles in these efforts, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Iowa Corn Growers Association to safeguard the interests of our hardworking farmers.

Senator Annette Sweeney has long been a devoted advocate for Iowa’s corn growers. Her deep connection to corn, which predates her tenure in the state legislature, is evident through her active membership in the ICGA and her involvement in various Iowa Corn committees. Senator Sweeney’s strong commitment to agriculture has always shone through, and her unwavering support was particularly evident during a critical committee vote aimed at undermining the corn checkoff. Sweeney’s stance was pivotal in preserving the checkoff, and her behind-the-scenes efforts during the last two legislative sessions have been crucial in ensuring the checkoff’s continued success.

House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl was also recognized for his invaluable role in protecting the checkoff during the legislative session. While not always in the spotlight, Majority Leader Windschitl’s leadership behind the scenes has been vital to our achievements. His support was also instrumental in the passage of the Biofuels Access Bill in 2022, a significant milestone for corn farmers.

Both Senator Sweeney and Majority Leader Windschitl have consistently demonstrated their unwavering commitment to Iowa Corn and ICGA priorities. At the local level, they remain actively engaged with their local corn board members and directors, further solidifying their roles as true partners in our mission. The remarkable efforts of Senator Sweeney and Majority Leader Windschitl to support Iowa Corn have not gone unnoticed and we appreciate all they do as friends of Iowa Corn. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their exceptional dedication to Iowa agriculture and congratulate them on this prestigious achievement. 

For more information on Iowa Corn Growers Association policies, visit iowacorn.org.

For More Information:

Rachel Zumbach, Public Relations Manager, rzumbach@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242