Iowa Senator Joni Ernst hears from area dairy farmers during annual 99 county tour

by Sharon Drahn, Editor
Postville Herald

Iowa’s junior senator, Joni Ernst, stopped at the Allamakee-Clayton Rural Electric Cooperative (ACREC) north of Postville Friday morning, May 4 as part of her annual 99 county tour through the state. While at the facility,  she visited with a group of dairy farmers from Allamakee County and surrounding areas.

During her opening remarks, Ernst noted that she had toured the Dairy Center at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) in Calmar prior to arriving in Postville. She said, “I was very impressed with the center and its operation. I grew up on a livestock farm, but I am aware of the challenges that face dairy farmers as well as all in the dairy industry. As I am sure most of you know, I, along with Senator (Chuck) Grassley, serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee and, as a member, I try to look at ways to help with rural development ideas and trade issues in the dairy industry.”

Following her opening remarks, Ernst opened the forum up to those in attendance, assuring them that she would take their concerns back to Washington, D.C.

When discussing issues facing area dairy farmers, the products being exported from Canada posed a major concern. Those in attendance noted that Canada has been undercutting other countries and the flood of milk powder from Canada has had a large impact on local prices.

Another concern of the those in attendance included the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It was noted that one of every seven loads of milk is exported.

Labeling issues was another concern that the dairy farmers in attendance would like to see addressed. The products sold as almond milk, they said, have no dairy content and should not be labeled as milk. They explained that it also contains very little protein and fewer than two almonds per cup.
Insurance issues were also discussed. John Palmer of Waukon, who introduced himself as a smaller-scaled dairy farmer, said that some insurance expectations seem to be that the government should insure that the dairy farmer cannot fail. He said, “These types of expectations are not realistic.”

Senator Ernst added, “The government cannot guarantee profitably of any industry.”

Gary Kregel of Guttenberg said, “The insurance should be a way for farmers not to lose everything in the event of a disaster. It is something that the insured would hope they would never have to use.”

Arlyn Fossum of Waterville said, “The insurance is geared for the smaller farmer, too, as the coverage comes with a five million dollar cap.”

Concerning dairy markets, Senator Ernst said, “Most recently, dairy farmers have been geared to produce more milk, and with that in mind, we must open up new markets and trade deals. It is obvious farmers carry a massive burden.”

When asked about subsidies, the senator said, “We need trade, not aid.”

Other issues those in attendance asked Ernst to take back to Washington D.C., and specifically to the agriculture committee, included working on ways to make the dairy industry more profitable in Iowa and incentives to retain Iowa youth within the state. They also noted that drugs and opioids are an issue in northeast Iowa.

Those in attendance during Senator Ernst’s visit to Allamakee County included Arlyn Fossum, a member of the ACREC Board and retired dairy farmer; John Palmer, dairy farmer specializing in organic farming; Mitch Schulte, executive director, Iowa State Dairy Association; Mike Gibbs, dairy farmer from Waterville and ACREC Board Vice President; Dan Sivesind, dairy farmer from Waukon; Gary Kregel of Guttenberg, Iowa State Dairy Board; and John Molumby, Hollee McCormick, Jenny McIntyre and Paul Foxwell, all administrative staff at the Allamakee-Clayton Rural Electric Cooperative.