Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Steve and Amy Swenka of Double G. Angus Farms in Tiffin today. The multigenerational farm family was recognized for their long-standing leadership in conservation, animal care, and community service. Congratulations to the Swenka Family!

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued the following statement after the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) confirmed a detection of the parasitic New World Screwworm in Texas:

“I appreciate Secretary Rollins’ leadership and all the work her team at USDA is doing to quickly respond to this case and work to prevent the spread of the parasitic New World Screwworm fly. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is closely monitoring the situation in Texas, and our team stands ready to respond as needed to protect Iowa livestock and our farm families’ livelihoods. Consumers should know that there is no food safety risk associated with New World Screwworm and properly cooked meat remains safe to eat and enjoy.”

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Nathan and Jacklyn Nieuwendorp of Lyon County today at the World Pork Expo. The Nieuwendorps were recognized for their commitment to conservation practices, responsible animal care, and active community involvement, which support Iowa agriculture and their community. Congratulations to the Nieuwendorp Family!

This morning, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig spoke to CEOs at the Land O'Lakes, Inc. Iowa and Missouri Managers Meeting in West Des Moines. He provided a legislative recap, promoted the use of the N-FACT nitrogen optimization tool, and encouraged their continued support of conservation and water quality efforts.

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Three cheers for cheese! Celebrate and support Iowa dairy farmers by buying delicious cheese produced near you. Visit ChooseIowa.com and search the Find Local directory to find a dairy producer near you.

Iowa leads the nation in pork production and hosts the world's premier pork industry event - the World Pork Expo. Today, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig spoke to several groups at the event, including pork producers at the National Pork Producers Council Luncheon and international guests at the evening dinner. He highlighted Iowa's leadership in pork production, foreign animal disease preparedness and response, and conservation. He also thanked Iowa Pork and its members across the state, who play a vital role in Iowa agriculture and the state's economy.

Today, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig welcomed farmers, trade experts, and government officials who gathered at the World Pork Expo for a USMCA Round Table. Panelists from the National Pork Producers Council, Iowa Soybean Association/USSEC, and Farmers for Free Trade discussed the importance of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, which governs agricultural and other goods traded with our two largest trading partners.

Happy and hooray for Iowa, which leads the nation in egg production! Thank you to Iowa’s egg producers who bring fresh, nutritious eggs to our tables. Visit ChooseIowa.com and search the Find Local directory to support egg producers in your area.

Following the signing of the bipartisan Iowa Farm Act by Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement:

“The signing of the first-ever Iowa Farm Act is an important step forward for Iowa agriculture. I appreciate the strong support this legislation received from both Republicans and Democrats in the Iowa Legislature, as well as the leadership of Gov. Reynolds in getting this comprehensive bill across the finish line. The Iowa Farm Act reflects the priorities and feedback I’ve heard directly from farmers and rural communities across the state. It expands opportunities for Iowa agriculture, reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens, and helps strengthen the long-term vitality of rural Iowa. This legislation positions Iowa agriculture for continued growth and success while ensuring farmers have greater certainty and tools to plan for the future.”