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News Brief

Aug. 12, 2025 |  By: KXCV/KRNW News Staff

Politics at the Iowa State Fair

Iowa State Fair sign

Photo courtesy of Iowa's News Now

The world famous Iowa State Fair is taking place this week in Des Moines. It kicked off last Thursday and runs through the 17th. Iconic traditions are on offer, from the life sized butter cow, to the pie contests and livestock shows. And of course, there is the annual crop of politicians, even in an off-cycle election year.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley has made it to the fair each year since 1974. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network Grassley said the recently passed GOP Reconciliation Bill was full of programs supporting farmers.

Grassley says, "We included an increase in reference prices, improved the crop insurance program, then included money for research and development, and money for the production of agricultural exports."

Meanwhile, the Farm Bill, an agribusiness subsidy package passed by Congress every five years is set to expire in 2025. Grassley said little progress has been made on renewing the farm bill so farmers may have to wait until 2026. But, he says, there's still time.

"I can say on the other hand, more positive, is we are about 18 months ahead of where we were the last congress.", says Grassley. 

Across the political aisle, Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego was also at the fair this week stoking speculation of a future presidential bid.