Iowa Farmers Union

06/19/2026

"Relief doesn't look in sight," says Doug Fuller, a fourth-generation corn and soybean farmer from Cambridge.

Even as the Iran war winds down, farmers like Doug face a harder truth: low commodity prices and high input prices mean there's still no profit.

Watch Doug's story: https://who13.com/news/iran-war-impact-iowa-agriculture/amp/

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Today at 12:30 pm CT! Join Iowa Farmers Union and Dr. David Cwiertny from the University of Iowa for a conversation about environmental health and the new INSIGHT research project.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9ejQqfhmTxiWInTHk0Yy_g

06/16/2026

How do environmental exposures affect our health? This Thursday at 12:30 pm CT, join Iowa Farmers Union for a conversation with Dr. David Cwiertny about the University of Iowa's new INSIGHT project, a groundbreaking research initiative designed to understand how environmental contaminants like nitrates and PFAS impact Iowa communities.

Dr. Cwiertny directs CHEEC at the University of Iowa, which researches how environmental exposures affect human health. The INSIGHT project launches July 1, 2026, and will study how water and soil contaminants affect health in Iowa, particularly important given high cancer rates and water quality challenges.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9ejQqfhmTxiWInTHk0Yy_g

06/15/2026

“The average age of the Iowa farmer is over 57 years old,” said Aaron Lehman, president of Iowa Farmers Union, to Channel 6 KWQC. “The Young Farmers Coalition surveyed their members, their young farmers, and overwhelmingly, land access was the biggest obstacle to young and beginning farmers.”

As more farmers approach retirement, farm succession is critical. Neighboring Illinois is pushing the Family Farm Preservation Act to help keep family farms in family hands through estate tax reform, a challenge facing many farmers across the Midwest.

Watch the clip here:

While the legislation didn’t make it into the final budget package, agricultural advocates say the debate highlights a larger issue facing farmers across the Midwest.

06/12/2026

Iowa's cancer rate is the second highest in the nation, and we are one of just a handful of states where rates of cancer are increasing.

Learn about the role that environmental risk factors (what's in our water, soil, and air) play in Iowa's high cancer rates — and what it means for Iowans' health now and in the future. In this special Wapello County conversation, authors of the new report "Environmental Risk Factors and Iowa's Cancer Crisis" will present findings on pesticides, nitrate, PFAS, and radon, and their associations with cancer in Iowa.

Learn more and RSVP at iaenvironment.org/wapelloco.

06/12/2026

Learn about the role that environmental risk factors (what's in our water, soil, and air) play in Iowa's high cancer rates — and what it means for Iowans' health now and in the future. In this special Jefferson County conversation, authors of the new report "Environmental Risk Factors and Iowa's Cancer Crisis" will present findings on pesticides, nitrate, PFAS, and radon, and their associations with cancer in Iowa.

Plus, we'll share actionable ways you can get involved in the movement for change.

Iowa's cancer rate is the second highest in the nation, and we are one of just a handful of states where rates of cancer are increasing. If you've been impacted by cancer or you are concerned about Iowa's future, this session is for you. Attendance is free and open to the public, but your RSVP is appreciated.

Learn more and RSVP at iaenvironment.org/jeffersonco.

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

Today at 12:30 pm CT! Join Iowa Farmers Union and Tatum Watkins for a conversation about generational leadership in agriculture and the future of family farms in Iowa.

Register here:

During this week's Lunch & Learn, join us for a conversation with Tatum Watkins about generational leadership in agriculture, from her great-grandmother's pioneering work to the emerging leaders shaping Iowa's future today. Tatum grew up on Pinhook Farm, a fourth-generation heritage farm near Clarin...

06/10/2026

What does emerging leadership look like in Iowa agriculture today? This Thursday at 12:30 pm CT, join Iowa Farmers Union for a conversation with Tatum Watkins about generational leadership, from her great-grandmother Jessie Field Shambaugh, who pioneered 4-H youth education over a century ago, to the next generation of young leaders shaping agriculture's future.

Tatum grew up on a heritage farm near Clarinda and is now involved in rural leadership work. She'll discuss what emerging ag leaders are thinking and what young people need to engage in agriculture.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WvrAk3DuR2eM-koOEiFXgg