Sarah Rickelman, a Farm Bureau mem­­ber from Black Hawk County and a manager at Degener-Juhl Farms in Hudson, testified last week in Washington, D.C., before the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade for the U.S. House Committee on Small Business. The subcommittee, chaired by Iowa Rep. Rod Blum, heard Rickelman’s testimony as part of its look at issues facing farms and other small businesses.

Here are some excerpts from Rickelman’s testimony about the need for a strong farm safety net, concern about tax policy changes and the importance of trade:

Strong safety net needed

While I couldn’t be happier with my decision to farm with my family, we face significant challenges and threats to our livelihood. Being a young farmer, I’m concerned...