Dave Muhlbauer, who is one of three Democrats who have announced their candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Chuck Grassley, made the first stop on his 99-county tour at Queen Beans in Carroll Friday afternoon. Muhlbauer is a farmer from southern Crawford County and says he has heard from a lot of people in the area and industry about their concerns for the future of ethanol production. He says the current push for all-electric vehicles could pose some challenges for farmers, but he is confident ethanol production will be a viable market for years to come.
According to the Iowa Corn Growers Association, nearly 60 percent of the corn produced in the state goes to ethanol production. Muhlbauer says farmers in Iowa focus almost exclusively on corn and soybeans, but other crops offer new opportunities.
Muhlbauer says farmers’ worries extend to the unfair practices seen in the meat packing industry. This is an issue that Grassley has pushed hard recently. Muhlbauer says it is good these practices are getting the attention they deserve, but it took far too long for them to get the spotlight it deserves.
Muhlbauer hosted a meet and greet Friday night in Fort Dodge with the Webster County Democrats and will be at the Warren County Fair at 3:30 p.m. and in Ames at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday as he continues his tour of the state. Former U.S. Representative, Abby Finkenauer, and Minden Councilman, Glenn Hurst are the only other Democrats who have announced their intention to run for the party’s nomination. Grassley has not officially stated if he will run for re-election but expects to make a formal announcement sometime this fall. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more from Muhlbauer in upcoming newscasts.
