Rob Sand Will Be the Governor Iowa Farmers Can Count On

DAVENPORT, IA – Tonight on the debate stage, nominee for governor Rob Sand is making the case for why he’s the best candidate for Iowa farmers after the last decade of one-party rule that has left Iowa’s farmers behind. Iowa’s federal and state representatives have put their party bosses over the needs of Iowans, including their support for the disastrous tariffs that have wreaked havoc on Iowa’s agricultural economy, and the ongoing war in Iran that is sending fuel prices – particularly diesel – skyrocketing, costing Iowa farmers an additional $1,000 every day – both policies that Zach Lahn supports.

“Rob Sand knows how hard our farmers work, but for too long, have been ignored by our state and federal leaders. That changes when Rob Sand is elected the next governor of Iowa,” said Rob Sand Deputy Campaign Manager Emma O’Brien. “Rob is the only candidate in this race with plans to support farmers – it’s why he’s earned the support from dozens of farmers across the state and political spectrum. Meanwhile, Zach Lahn has stood by his party bosses and allies and supports the harmful agenda of tariffs and the ongoing war that are wreaking havoc on Iowa farmers. Farmers know a thing or two about rotating crops, and this November, they’ll do that in the governor’s office.”

Rob Sand is the only candidate in this race with specific plans to better support Iowa farmers and producers. His “Opportunities for All” plan includes the following proposals to better support Iowa farmers:

Implementing multiple revenue streams on farms, including agri-tourism, land-based services, and equipment rentals to help farmers increase their revenue while boosting local economic and workforces across the state.
Further investing in sustainable commodities to allow farmers to turn manure into something they can sell.
Further investing in renewables.
Increasing local/regional food programs to maximize efforts to grow food that can be consumed locally, as well as regional food business centers tasked with supporting and advocating for farmers.

Rob has also outlined key ways to help better support farmers who want to be part of the water quality solution in his “Healthier Iowa for All” plan, including:

Expanding investments in conservation programs and providing tax credits to farmers to help foot the bill for conservation efforts.
Investing in digester technology.
Implementing transparent manure management plans.

Earlier this year, a report from ISU found that farm incomes fell 53 percent over three years. The steep drop in income is attributed to high input costs, depressed corn and soybean prices, and an uncertain trade economy. Farm bankruptcies more than doubled last year, and the report found that 19 percent of mid-size and large Iowa farms were considered financially vulnerable in December 2025 — more than double the 7.7 percent identified in 2022. The fiscal pain is likely to continue through 2027, the report found.

Farmers are getting hit by significantly increased production costs, with corn growers paying 37 percent more for items like seed, fuel, and fertilizer and soybean producers paying 36 percent more since 2021. These rising input costs have left many family farms in the red or barely breaking even. As the nation’s largest corn-producing and second-largest soybean state, Iowa farmers are being hit particularly hard.

Farmers know they can count on Rob Sand, which is why over 50 agriculture leaders from across the state and political spectrum came together to endorse his campaign.