Contact: Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 515-296-2266, Contact Us.
Yesterday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed two bills into law that were high priorities for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA). Showcasing the importance, a large crowd gathered at Pat and Laura Blomme’s farm to witness this notable event.
The Meat Integrity Bill (S.F. 2391), led by Sen. Dawn Driscoll (SD-46) and Rep. Heather Hora (HD-92), protects against the misbranding of fake meat products and keeps experimental, lab-grown protein out of supplemental nutrition programs and schools.
During the signing, Gov. Reynolds referenced that this bill is about transparency, ensuring consumers are told exactly what they are getting. She went on to say that it is just common sense that when a product is labeled as beef, pork, or chicken, it should come from an animal.
“The Meat Integrity Bill means that Iowa cattle producers are going to be relevant in the future,” said Dan Delaney, an ICA member from Jefferson County. “It means we won’t have others trying to sell a product in the state labeled as meat if it's not derived from meat processing. This means a lot to the entire livestock industry.”
Steve Swenka, an ICA member from Johnson County added, “This bill ensures the integrity and wholesomeness of our product. It makes sure that imposters and wannabes aren’t thrown into the mix. And that the purity and quality of our product is represented the way it was meant to be.”
The second bill, H.F. 2649, was managed by Sen. Driscoll and Rep. Derek Wulf (HD-76) and prevented a new tax on producers by reinstating the livestock capital gains deduction.
Gov. Reynolds shared that this bill will save producers collectively more than $18 million by 2030. She said that this bill prevents the net capital gain on the sale of livestock from being considered individual income for tax purposes.
Delaney and Swenka echoed the positive financial impacts for producers referenced by the governor. They said that the signing of this bill was a great victory for today’s producers and future generations of livestock producers.
To see these two bills come to fruition validates the continued commitment by the governor and state legislators to the Iowa beef cattle industry and agriculture as a whole. ICA’s work in the Iowa Statehouse provided meaningful advocacy that increased profitability for producer members and protected their livelihood for generations to come.
“It was a beautiful day, and while I wish I could have been in the field, it was nice to be here to see the support for all agriculture,” said Delaney. “I also enjoyed having the signing on an operation with the family atmosphere, the kids here, and the beautiful location. This is what Iowa is all about.”
“It's a great day,” said Swenka. “It's not every day that you get to see a bill signed into law in person. To actually see it happen after following it so closely for two years is very gratifying and rewarding.”