Legislative and Regulatory Efforts

Porducers have a voice in setting priorities and developing policy for the Iowa beef industry. ICA policies are developed at the ICA Winter Conference and the policies are taken before the Iowa Legislature or the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Annual Convention. These policies result in new programs, laws or regulations that improve the state and national business climate for the beef industry. The ICA monitors many issues and programs and has been instrumental in developing the following programs.

Cow-Calf Refund

All cow-calf producers in Iowa may file for a cow-calf refund from the state. In 2003, more than $1.8 million was paid to more than 17,000 producers. The ICA drafted this program and works hard every year to keep the funds available to producers.

Livestock Compensation Program

The LCP provided cattle producers in 65 disaster counties a one-time relief payment of $18 per cown adn $13.50 per feeeder animals. The ICA lobbied to get this assistance for all qualified producers.

Iowa Fence Law

The ICA has helped educate people about the Iowa Fence Law. A letter sent to more than 9,000 county recorders, county clerks and realtors. The letter explained the fence law and the responsibility of all parties in maintaining fences whether or not they own livestock.

Air and Water Quality

The ICA continues to be the cattle producer's voice in water and air quality regulations. The ICA is working for the acceptance of non-basin technologies for feedlots of more than 1,000 head. Recently, the ICA helped secure funding for alternative technology development in Iowa's feedlots.

Lobby efforts

You Iowa Cattlemen's Association conducts a very active lobbying effort on your behalf. You are represented every day the legislature is in session and as needed throughout the year with groups such as: DNR, EPA, IDALS, NRCS, and USDA. Call the ICA office for help on individual issues. We are here to help you.

Managed haying and grazing on CRP with approved plans

All producers with approved haying and grazing plans can benefit, regardless of emergency status.

LDP program and proven yields:

LDP program now includes silage/earlage due to ICA efforts. Available every year. Proven yields now include grain fed to livestock.

Custom feedlot lien law

Iowa has one of the strongest lien laws in the nation to protect the rights of feedlots to collect yardage and feed costs.

Sales tax exemption

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association was instrumental in obtaining a sales tax exemption for all producers on livestock equipment, fuels, bedding, and other farm supplies that apply every time you make a purchase of these items.

Fence line feed trucks

Fence line feed trucks are exempt from sales tax and license fees.