Mike’s Priorities

Fighting for Iowa agriculture.

Delivering for Iowa families

Iowa agriculture is the backbone of Iowa’s economy and our way of life. As Secretary of Agriculture, Mike is focused on strengthening opportunities for farmers, protecting our natural resources, and ensuring a strong future for the next generation.

Building Strong Markets for Iowa Farmers

Iowa farmers don’t just feed our state—they help feed and fuel the world. That’s why expanding markets is critical to keeping farms profitable and rural communities strong.

Mike is working to improve markets and farm profitability by:

  • Expanding international trade partnerships and open new global markets for Iowa products

  • Strengthening domestic demand for Iowa-grown products, including biofuels, meat, dairy, grains, and value-added products

  • Growing local food systems through programs like Choose Iowa, connecting consumers directly with Iowa-grown and raised products

More markets mean more opportunities—and better prices—for Iowa farmers.

IMPROVING WATER QUALITY & SOIL HEALTH

Protecting our land and water isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for the future of agriculture. We can protect our natural resources while keeping Iowa agriculture strong.

Mike is leading with a farmer-first, solutions-driven approach by:

  • Expanding responsible farming practices like cover crops, edge-of-field buffers, and wetlands

  • Supporting farmer-led innovation to reduce runoff and improve soil health

  • Investing in modern water infrastructure to protect drinking water and communities

The best solutions come from empowering farmers, not burdening them with higher taxes and government mandates.

Protecting Animal Heatlh & Food Safety

Iowa’s farmers and livestock producers help feed millions of people around the world, and protecting the health of our animals and food supply is essential to maintaining that trust and keeping agriculture strong.

Mike is committed to:

  • Ensuring a safe, reliable food supply from farm to table

  • Protecting Iowa livestock from animal diseases and emerging threats

  • Strengthening oversight of pet breeders and holding bad actors accountable

Healthy animals mean a safe food system and a strong agricultural economy.

Securing the Future of Iowa Agriculture

You can’t have a strong Iowa without strong agriculture. And the future of agriculture depends on the next generation and strong rural communities.

That’s why Mike is focused on:

  • Supporting beginning farmers and creating pathways into agriculture

  • Strengthening rural communities with good jobs and economic opportunity

  • Ensuring access to high quality education, health care, skilled workforce, and affordable child care

  • Delivering conservative budgeting, lower taxes, and responsible government

When rural Iowa thrives, all of Iowa thrives.