Feenstra Talks Ag, Economic Development in Manson

When Representative Randy Feenstra wanted to get the scoop on Calhoun County constituents’ concerns, he dropped by Double D’s Ice Cream Co. in downtown Manson one mid-afternoon in August.

“This is representative government in action,” Feenstra told a group of more than a dozen citizens who stopped by to visit with him about ag issues, small-business concerns, veterans’ issues and more.

Feenstra, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, emphasized that he and his fellow lawmakers are trying to get a new Farm Bill passed. To help more federal lawmakers better understand Iowa agriculture, Feenstra invited his fellow committee members to meet at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. “They came from Staten Island, New York, Arizona and other states. They were impressed when they got to see what agriculture is all about.”

Manson-area farmers commended Feenstra for his support of programs that promote more small-scale meat processing. They also raised a number of concerns, from animal health issues affecting turkey production to the challenge of getting insurance coverage on livestock barns.

Insurance coverage has become a big issue, Feenstra noted. “We’re looking at public-private partnerships similar to crop insurance and are studying ways to make it actuarily sound.”

Theresa Hildreth, executive director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation, shared some of the challenges that local small-business owners are facing. She cited the Manson Hometown Grocery, which is a cooperative. “Opportunity zones can create more options in cases like this,” Feenstra said.

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 established a new economic tax incentive called Opportunity Zones. The incentive is designed to encourage long-term, private investments in low-income census tracts by providing a federal tax incentive for taxpayers who reinvest unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds, which are then invested into opportunity zones. Calhoun County is part of an opportunity zone, Hildreth noted.

Other meeting attendees shared concerns ranging from soaring childhood obesity rates to mental health care needs in rural Iowa. Along with telemedicine options, Feenstra noted the success of Brain Health programs, which have been implemented in Dubuque schools and a number of other Iowa school districts.

It’s important to help young people understand that brain health issues and disorders, aren’t character flaws or personal weaknesses. They have a biological and neurological basis and often can be successfully treated.

Brain Health Retreat Rooms℠ in schools can create a place where high school students and staff can feel comfortable and safe. They foster a place where people’s feelings, thoughts and problems are accepted without judgment, and students are encouraged to learn new self-regulating techniques.

“This is a different dynamic than going to see the counselor,” Feenstra said. “These Brain Health programs have really taken off and offer students more options.”

Feenstra stressed to the people who gathered in Manson that he welcomes their phone calls, emails and visits to his office in Fort Dodge. “Since I represent you, I want to hear from you. I want to be your voice.”