"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!]
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