ICA Announces Building Iowa’s Cattle Future Policy Package

Introducing

ICA's CAPITAL Circle

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) proudly recognizes members who demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to the ICA PAC. As a member of the new ICA CAPITAL Circle, you will be a part of an elite group of leaders dedicated to advancing policy priorities that protect and strengthen Iowa’s cattle producers.

ICA PAC Is The Conduit

In today’s political environment, the ICA Political Action Committee (PAC) ensures that Iowa’s cattle producers have a seat at the table alongside other countless competing and well-funded interests. PAC contributions open the door to meaningful conversations and create opportunities to educate decision-makers. They strengthen relationships with policymakers who champion our industry.

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The CAPITAL Circle Advantage

As a thank you for your continued support, CAPITAL Circle donors receive:

Recognition on the CAPITAL Circle program promotion (website, social media, ICA annual report, and select ICA-sponsored events)
Exclusive briefings, meetings, access and event invites, and timely email updates
CAPITAL Circle donor identifier – lapel pin and ribbons at events
Exclusive ICA PAC CAPITAL Circle apparel
Opportunity for distinguished annual recognition as the CAPITAL Circle Top Donor Award at the annual Iowa Cattle Industry Convention

Achieving CAPITAL Circle Status

The CAPITAL Circle recognizes dedicated individuals who contribute at least $1,000 annually to the ICA PAC.

Qualified donations (contributed at once or in increments throughout the year):

Direct monetary contributions to the ICA PAC (direct donations via check, cash*, or card, or purchase or participation in other PAC fundraising activities).
Funds generated from item donations (credited at the value of the item).

Iowa cattlemen deserve a consistent voice. ICA’s CAPITAL Circle is where leadership meets long-term advocacy. Donate today and join the Circle!

*Cash contributions must be identifiable; anonymous or pooled cash donations cannot be credited toward CAPITAL Circle contributions due to tracking limitations.

Contributions must comply with all applicable PAC and campaign finance laws.

CAPITAL Circle FAQs

How do I join?

As soon as you have met or exceeded the donations of $1,000+, you will automatically become a member of the CAPITAL Circle Program for the year.

Do I have to give the full $1000 at once?

No. Contributions may be made in any increment throughout the year, as long as the $1,000 annual minimum is met.

How is my status verified?

ICA staff track all qualifying PAC contributions. CAPITAL Circle status is recognized upon meeting the $1000 minimum/year donation threshold. You will be notified by an ICA staff member regarding your status once met.

Can I renew my CAPITAL Circle status?

Yes. Recognition of CAPITAL Circle status follows the calendar year. Once you have donated a minimum of $1,000 in any given year, your status for the program will be recognized.

Does CAPITAL Circle membership provide direct political influence or access?

Yes. Recognition reflects dedicated support for advocacy while providing exclusive access to policymakers through special ICA PAC events.

How do I win the CAPITAL Circle Top Donor Award?

The CAPITAL Circle Top Donor Award will recognize the single highest ICA PAC contributor during the calendar year. The award will recognize the individual who has gone above and beyond in giving to the PAC.

Welcome to the Circle

Kurt Dallmeyer

Terry Chapman

ICA Announces Building Iowa’s Cattle Future Policy Package

| September 17, 2026

Contact: Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 515-296-2266, Contact Us.

Today, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) announced a policy package to build Iowa’s cattle herd, create opportunities for the next generation of producers, and address consumer prices.

The Building Iowa’s Cattle Future policy package includes five state-level priorities designed to help Iowa maximize its role in rebuilding the nation’s cattle herd and strengthen the economic and rural vitality of communities across the state.

ICA developed the package through its grassroots policy process, reflecting priorities cattle producers identified during the Association’s recent Policy Summit.

“Iowa has the resources, infrastructure, and people to play an important role in helping rebuild America’s cattle herd,” said Craig Moss, ICA president. “By bringing these priorities together in one package, we can have more meaningful conversations with policymakers about what Iowa’s cattle industry needs to grow.”

While unable to attend the press conference, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also said he believes Iowa has an opportunity to play a significant role in growing the nation’s cattle herd.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to build and expand the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program, and I will continue pushing to bring this successful model to every county in Iowa. It is a true win-win that keeps working lands working, creates more opportunities for cattle producers and young farmers, and improves Iowa’s water quality and soil health,” said Sec. Naig. “I also launched Choose Iowa to create new markets and more opportunities for Iowa farmers, and we’ve made strengthening local meat processing a priority through the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant Program. Whether it is expanding grazing opportunities, investing in local processing capacity, building demand for Iowa beef, or opening new markets for state-inspected meat, I will continue looking for every opportunity to grow Iowa’s cattle herd and strengthen the farm families and rural communities that depend on it.”

Five Priorities Where Iowa Can Lead

ICA’s Building Iowa’s Cattle Future policy package focuses on five areas where state policy can help create opportunities for growth:

Creating opportunities for young and beginning farmers - Improve access to capital and help new and beginning producers overcome barriers to entering or expanding in the cattle industry.

Supporting regional meat processing - Strengthen Iowa’s regional processing infrastructure and create additional market opportunities for cattle producers.

Maximizing the Working Lands Program - Expand a proven state program that helps farmers keep land productive while incorporating cattle and conservation practices. Demand for the program has exceeded available funding, demonstrating the need to maximize its potential.

Protecting Iowa’s agricultural land - Support policies that keep productive farmland in agriculture for future generations.

Integrating cattle into land management to improve water quality - Build on the stewardship work cattle producers already do by supporting practices that integrate cattle and land management to continue to improve Iowa’s water quality.

Together, these priorities address several barriers and opportunities facing Iowa’s cattle industry.

“Rebuilding the cattle herd will take time, but Iowa is in a leadership position to be part of that growth,” Moss said. “This package gives us a roadmap to make sure Iowa is prepared to take advantage of that opportunity.”

ICA will continue working with policymakers to advance the priorities outlined in Building Iowa’s Cattle Future during the upcoming legislative session.