U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a family farmer, completed his two social media series called #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch that gave followers an inside look at farming operations on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa. His 20-week series highlighted the progression, from planting to harvest, of the farm’s corn and soybean crops.
“Most people have never stepped foot on a family farm, let alone know about all the complexities that go into planting, growing and harvesting a bountiful crop. The purpose of my #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch series was to highlight how this small group, only 2 percent of Americans, do the work that feeds and fuels the world.
“The process of seeing a crop from beginning to end is one that many wouldn’t have an opportunity to see, including most of my colleagues in Washington. My hope is that everyone was able to learn more about farming through my #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch series’ and how important farming is to the country’s success.”
While this is the second year in a row that Grassley has featured his #CornWatch series, this is the first year that he launched his #SoybeanWatch series. Grassley created #SoybeanWatch to help provide additional education about another important crop to Iowa.
As one of only two farmers in the Senate and the senior senator of one of the top agricultural states in the country, Grassley has been an outspoken advocate for farmers and Rural America. Grassley has been a steadfast proponent of the Renewable Fuel Standard. He’s continued to act as a watchdog over the EPA so they do not undercut ethanol and biodiesel production. Grassley’s also been a champion for the biodiesel industry, ensuring that the biodiesel tax credit was guaranteed by Congress through 2022.
Grassley also took action when there was a liquid propane shortage in Iowa this fall. After hearing concerns from people from every corner of the state, he joined his colleagues, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Gov. Kim Reynolds in pushing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to begin an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process to address the shortage. Following the ADR process, FERC announced that it would work to send additional propane shipments to the Midwest.
Farmers play a critical role in their communities, with many people relying on them. Unfortunately, more than ever, they are facing tough times with sinking commodity prices, unpredictable natural disasters and varying trade disputes. Seeing this first-hand, Grassley partnered with the only other farmer in the U.S. Senate, his colleague, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana), to author a bill focused on farmer mental health and suicide prevention. The Seeding Rural Resilience Act aims to curb growing rates of suicide in Rural America by implementing a voluntary stress management training program, creating a PSA campaign to raise awareness and directing the Secretary of Agriculture to work with state and local groups to identify best practices when responding to farm mental stress.
To see his #CornWatch series in its entirety, click here.
To see his #SoybeanWatch series in its entirety, click here.
