In-District Congressional Event with Senator Grassley

The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce co-hosted Senator Chuck Grassley for a tour of Kaysen Family Farms and a discussion on the 2023 Farm Bill. As part of its advocacy efforts, The Partnership is working with all members of Iowa's Congressional delegation to plan events in Greater Des Moines (DSM) to discuss featured policy priorities for the region. This event focused on The Partnership’s Federal Featured Priority of Farm Bill Reauthorization, inviting Partnership Investors, Madison County Chamber Members and other key community stakeholders to discuss the importance of this priority.

The In-District Congressional Event kicked off with a small, guided tour of Kaysen Family Farms, led by the Kaysen Family. Senator Grassley, Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair and members of The Partnership Team experienced first-hand the mission of Kaysen Family Farms, who strive to instill confidence in customers by raising pigs humanely and to educate others about their farm practices and the pork industry.

Following the tour, event attendees gathered for a discussion on the 2023 Farm Bill. Perhaps the biggest question raised regarding the 2023 Farm Bill Reauthorization was the timeline. Traditionally, the Farm Bill is reauthorized once every five years, with the most recent reauthorization occurring in 2018. Senator Grassley noted that reauthorizing the Farm Bill is among the top priorities of several top congressional leaders, but there is no bill text yet. If efforts to reauthorize the bill in 2023 are unsuccessful, the existing Farm Bill will likely be extended into 2024. Even so, Senator Grassley reiterated the broad bipartisan support of the Farm Bill and optimism that reauthorization will occur in 2023.

The Madison County Chamber and The Partnership would like to thank Senator Grassley, the Kaysen Family, business and community leaders who gathered to discuss this important issue. Stay tuned for The Partnership’s future In-District Congressional Events with other members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.