Q: What is the outlook on this year’s harvest?
A: The spirit of cooperation that existed between the Native Americans and the pilgrims led to a bountiful harvest and the celebration of our nation’s first thanksgiving. As the combines and wagons come in from fields across Iowa, it appears as if our state is set to have yet another bumper crop. The fruitful harvest from the breadbasket of the world will not only feed millions but it will produce a cornucopia of renewable energy that will help fuel our economy.Iowa’s centrality to both the world's fuel supply and growing renewable fuel industry is truly something to be thankful for. I'm hopeful that we can ensure a bright future for farmers and ranchers in the 2007 farm bill. I'm thankful that one of my sons and my 23-year old grandson followed in my footsteps and entered into the business of family farming. One of my biggest priorities in the farm bill is to make sure young people can also enter farming. One way to help provide this opportunity for young farmers is through responsible payment limitations. I recently introduced an amendment with Senator Dorgan ofNorth Dakotathat puts a hard cap on payment limits at $250,000. For too long the largest farms have reaped the majority of the benefits raising the price of land and increasing the capital required to enter farming. I'm optimistic the Congress can work in the cooperative spirit of the holiday and create a responsible limit on farm program payments. This will help inspire a new generation of farmers who will continue the institution of the family farm that is so vital to our economy and culture.
Q: What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
A: Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the things you are thankful for. I am thankful that this year, I celebrated my 53rd year of marriage to my wife Barbara. 20 years ago, Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer, and today she is a lucky survivor. She continues to be an outspoken advocate of early detection and screening and I’ve joined her in this battle. Barbara and I have been blessed with five children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. I am looking forward to hosting another Grassley Thanksgiving this year as family members travel from near and far to join us in New Hartford. Beyond my family, I am grateful for the trust Iowans place in me to represent our state in the United States Senate.