Here in Iowa we take great pride in the fact that our farmers’ hard work fuels not just the region, but the nation as a whole. For generations, farming has been a way of life characterized by hard work, good stewardship, and the satisfaction that comes from cultivating the land to feed your family and the world. Our farmers’ hard work provides us with one of the nation’s must robust economies, but we must maintain a clear view of both the opportunities and obstacles that will weigh on our future.
Among those factors is our nation’s increasing energy development, and the transportation infrastructure upon which our region relies to get products to market. At recent IUB meetings concerning the Dakota Access Pipeline it is clear how the two are closely intertwined.