Iowa Corn- Collegiate Advisory Team’s day on the Hill
by Muscatine Community College
March 13, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa–Last week, the Colligate Advisory Team had an amazing opportunity to meet with legislators and other state representatives at the Iowa State Capitol. The day began with a tour of the capitol, during which the team got to explore the dome, the law library, and other unique places. Later on, we had the chance to discuss various issues affecting Iowa and its farmers with a few legislators, including Iowa Senate Ag Committee Chair Dawn Driscoll and other members of the ag committee. The team also received valuable advice as young leaders. One key takeaway from these talks was the need for more farmers and agriculturally-minded members within Iowa’s legislative body.

After a quick lunch break, the team headed to the Wallace Building to meet with Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig and newly appointed Deputy Secretary Grant Menke. Naig shared his current projects with the team and answered their questions on agriculture issues like the USMCA trade agreement regarding Mexico’s ban on importing GMO crops and the bird flu outbreak. Menke also gave a nice talk on his transition from working with Iowa Corn into his new role as the deputy secretary of agriculture for the State of Iowa.

The Collegiate Advisory Team visiting the Iowa State Capitol. Photo courtesy Muscatine Community College.

The team then returned to the Iowa Corn Office to speak with the CEO of Iowa Corn Craig Floss, Association Board President Denny Friest, and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Board Member Bob Hemesath about the functions of Iowa Corn and National Corn and how we could get involved with these organizations. We also had an opportunity to ask the board members any questions they had, whether it be policy-related or life advice. Overall, the meetings opened the team’s eyes to the vastness of agriculture and the numerous opportunities to get involved.

 

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