Ernst discusses trade issues during Iowa feedlot tour

Trowbridge said price discovery is a big concern for Iowa cattlemen.

“We are one of the top states when it comes to selling negotiated cattle,” he said. “We need more transparency when it comes to mandatory price reporting.”

He expressed some concern over a bill proposed by Sen. Charles Grassley that would prohibit packer ownership of cattle. Trowbridge suggested a better option would be to encourage transparency with price reporting, rather than prohibiting packers from owning cattle.

Trade was also addressed in the wake of President Donald Trump removing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Ernst said she has some concerns about the path the administration has taken.

“I know NAFTA is a worry with a lot of people, and it has been very beneficial for Iowa with sales of beef, pork and grains,” she said. “I would encourage the administration to take a long look at agriculture and, for lack of a better term, not throw ag under the bus.”

Ernst said the president’s recent meetings with representatives of China and Japan are encouraging.

She expects Sonny Perdue to be confirmed soon as secretary of agriculture, and hopes Robert Lighthizer, Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Trade Representative, is also confirmed in the near future.

“We’ve met with Mr. Lighthizer, and I don’t know that he’s as well informed on ag issues as he should be,” Ernst said, adding it is up to her and other legislators from ag states to educate Lighthizer on the importance of trade to agriculture.

Farmer also expressed concern over large numbers of acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

“It’s a nice retirement program, but that’s not what the program is for,” Ernst said. “We need to look into that.”

Fremont County farmer David Newlon talked to Ernst about the flood of 2011 and the Endangered Species Act.

“The (Army) Corps of Engineers seem to be more concerned about birds and fish,” he said.

Ernst said a balance needs to be struck between caring for endangered species as well as humans along the Missouri River.

Health insurance was also on the table. Ernst called the debate “the most emotionally driven issue I’ve seen” during her two years in the Senate.

“The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was not affordable,” she says. “More money is not going to help a failing system.”

Ernst suggested a return to the pre-ACA system might be better.

“You buy the insurance you want, and we make sure we are helping those who need it,” she said, adding several options are on the table for negotiation.