I thoroughly enjoyed our political day today! Before heading to the Iowa State Capitol, we had an interesting discussion with agriculture lawyer and Iowa State University professor Roger McEowen. He told the group about some recent vexing decisions made by the Iowa Supreme Court. In February, the Iowa Court found when farmers invited people onto their land they did not enjoy any special immunity from lawsuits if unpreventable accidents occurred. As a result of the decision, farmers who invite people onto their farm to show them their operations enjoy no special immunity from lawsuits.  Obviously, some key points in Iowa’s laws need to be adjusted.  The public needs to see farms, but farmers need to be shielded from lawsuits that are not the result of gross negligence. If people get hurt on their land, the farmer gets sued even if he is clearly not their fault. Although I have not studied law, it is evident the Iowa government needs to pass a bill correcting the deficiencies in the law and protect the state’s farmers.

 After talking to Professor Roger McEowen, Annette Sweeney graciously hosted us at the capitol an hour away in Des Moines. First, we met with Joel Brinkmeyer, the new head of the Iowa Agribusiness Association. We had a great discussion about the importance of growing food and he even talked about visiting Tanzania and the plethora of that country’s food problems. Maybe Iowa could make a connection, like China, with Tanzania to help feed the starving people over there? Every single association we visited never fails to deliver the message: Iowa feeds the world. But the Iowans always speak of China; while the places in the world that are really in need are in Africa.  If Iowa could have a connection with countries in Africa, then they would really be feeding the world. Another person in our meeting with Mr. Brinkmeyer made a very interesting point about how we humanize our food. Livestock farming has been all over the national news because of animal mistreatment videos that have gone viral. Also, hog gestational crates caused a huge uproar with their confinement in such a small spaces. After visiting situations likes those presented in the videos, the animals really are cared for. We produce these animals for food – not pets. Ironically, I do not feel as bad eating them after seeing the way they are treated.

 After meeting Mr. Brinkmeyer, we drove up to the gorgeous capitol building. While on the tour, we discussed how the goldleaf dome is the largest in the nation and about the horrible 1904 fire that almost destroyed the entire building. Afterwards, we saw the House in session and were even introduced to its members. Then, we took photos with the state auditor and met with the governor for 15 minutes. Everyone we talked to was super nice and very welcoming. It was a great experience!