Dept. of Agriculture comments on layoffs across Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Over the last several weeks, several layoffs in Iowa Agriculture have resulted in hundreds losing their jobs.

Secretary Mike Naig with the Department of Agriculture said this comes as the industry sees “historic” pressure.

”It’s certainly a sign of the times, we knew that coming into 2024 that we would see downward pressure on farm income,” Naig said. “USDA projecting as much as a 25 percent reduction in farm income.”

He says a variety of factors have contributed to the layoffs around the state, ranging from the drought to the state of the national economy.

As farmers are selling corn and soybeans at a lower price, they are still paying more for fertilizers and equipment, leading to a “squeeze” on how much money farms are actually able to make.

“This is something that unfortunately folks that are involved in agriculture have to weather from time to time,” Naig said.

Naig said he is optimistic the year could end on a high note, as the status of the industry can change with the weather.

“Demand around the world, you know, will continue to be strong, and we’ll continue to work for that,” he said.

Iowa funds a variety of resources for those who are laid off.