“Protect Iowa's Land”
The Des
Moines Register finished their two-part Sunday series on the coming
demographic changes that Iowa will have to face in the next 10-15 years
as farmland owners begin to turn land over to the next generation of
farmers – corporate or otherwise.
This editorial sums up recommendations made as part of the special series. I might have comments later, but for now, I'll simply recap and point out the full editorial for further reading – and leave comments open for your thoughts.
CAP FARM SUBSIDIES
Nearly
three-fourths of the $16 billion in federal farm payments go to only 10
percent of farms. These mega-operations then reinvest in even more land.
REVAMP TAX LAW
The
so-called 1031 exchange allows landowners who have sold pricey real
estate elsewhere to defer capital-gains taxes by reinvesting in other
real estate – increasingly, Iowa farmland. These cash-in-hand investors
run up the price and outbid local landowners.
STEP UP RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Most
farmers or their spouses need off-farm income to keep their operation
afloat. That requires good jobs within driving distance.
CAPTURE THE WEALTH
Many
older Iowa farmers have spent their lives giving back to their
communities, as 4-H leaders, church deacons and simply good neighbors.
With encouragement, they'd do so again.
TAKE CHARGE LOCALLY
As
Iowans have long known, it's not enough to wait for the state and
federal governments to act. An Iowa State University study last year
found that the healthiest Iowa communities have strong,
roll-up-their-sleeves local leadership. Farmers and businessmen should
work together to support entrepreneurs, attract industry and provide
job training through community colleges. For good examples, look no
further than Algona, Hampton or Orange City. [Ed: or Swaledale!]
Blog For Iowa 