Naig talks market, water quality
Ag secretary visits Fort Dodge
Trending
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said he will continue to push for better markets for Iowa farmers and improved water quality in the state if voters return him to office in November.
And during a visit to Fort Dodge Tuesday, the Republican said he will seek to expand a program that helps farms pay for turning some row crop land into cattle pastures.
"You're taking marginal land out of production and expanding the beef herd," he said.
Naig, who is seeking his third term in office, met with a small group of supporters Tuesday afternoon at the Community orchard north of Fort Dodge.
He faces Democrat Chris Jones in the November election.
He said he is motivated by two things. The first is keeping Iowa's agriculture economy strong.
"All Iowans benefit from a strong ag," he said. "When ag is strong, Iowa is stronger."
Naig said the second thing that motivates him is the belief that "you're responsible for leaving something better than you found it."
He touted the creation of the Choose Iowa program he saturated three years ago to highlight Iowa grown and processed foods.
Naig also reminded the group that the state has recently implemented a plan to get locally grown food in Iowa schools and food pantries.
He also addressed the issue of water quality.
"Clean water is non-negotiable,” he said.
But he added that water quality must not become a "blame game situation" between the state's urban and rural areas.
He said in 2013, Iowa implemented a Nutrient Reduction Strategy that has resulted in 4 million acres of cover crops being planted to hold down soil and fertilizer that used to end up in the state's waters.
He added that 150 wetlands which serve as natural water filters, have been built in the last 20 years.