Sen. Annette Sweeney (R-Iowa Falls).

As your State Senator representing District 27, one of the unique privileges of this role is gaining firsthand insight into innovative technologies and opportunities emerging across North America. With the Iowa legislative session set to begin in January 2026, I’ve been reflecting on upcoming challenges and proactive solutions. In my view, we face a clear choice: proactively embrace forward-looking strategies to capitalize on these opportunities, or erect barriers that risk long-term economic stagnation.

A Personal Reflection on Agriculture and Innovation

As a lifelong agriculture enthusiast and family farmer who assumed the management of our operation 42 years ago, I’ve lived through tough times. The 1980s farm crisis brought crushing inheritance taxes, skyrocketing interest rates, falling land values, and – most critically – an oversupply of corn and soybeans. We persevered, but initially hesitated as neighbors invested in modern hog facilities, biofuel production, and GMO crops. Those innovations ultimately transformed our industry: enabling reduced tillage, locally sourced organic fertilizers, lower costs,improved soil health, and strong demand for Iowa commodities. These lessons from the past resonate strongly today as we explore new energy frontiers that could directly benefit or passthrough our state.

Recent Insights into Emerging Energy Technologies

My recent travels and discussions have highlighted several promising developments:

-Clean coal mining and land reclamation in Wyoming

-Coal-powered plants equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS)

-Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production using corn ethanol as a feedstock – a potential game-changer for creating new markets for Iowa corn

-Soy-based biodiesel advancements for heavy equipment and trucking

-Expanded oil and natural gas from western Canada, with Iowa serving as a key transit hub

-Enhancements in solar and wind renewables

-Iowa sourced hydrogen exploration and technology research

-Hydrogen applications as zero-emission fuel or in ammonia (NH3) production

-Restorations and advancements in nuclear energy facilities

Our current administration supports an “all-of-the-above” energy approach, recognizing that reliable, abundant energy drives economic growth and national security. Iowa is in the crosshairs and perfectly positioned to complement our hierarchy as a food production leader with energy production and transfer. We must only embrace it.

Parallels to Today’s Agricultural Challenges

Our current ag outlook echoes the 1980s: oversupply, softening demand, and global competition. We stand at a crossroads – risking decline or unlocking prosperity. Iowa can choose to be a 36-million-acre farm museum, or evolve into a dynamic energy leader, boosting farm incomes through new demand streams like low-carbon fuels.

Commitment to Property Rights and Balanced Progress

My record demonstrates unwavering support for private property rights – that remains my guiding principle. In the upcoming session, I aim to facilitate responsible infrastructure development with strong safeguards prioritizing landowner voluntary participation wherever possible. A vast majority of Iowa farm families will voluntarily enjoy a renewal in farm profitability in the years to come. A small and fiercely resistant minority may be force-fed prosperity.

Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable – please reach out anytime at sweeney4senate@gmail.com.

State Sen. Annette Sweeney (R-Iowa Falls) represents District 27, including Hardin, Grundy, Black Hawk, Tama, and Poweshiek Counties. She is Chair of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee.