2016 has had its share of challenges and opportunities for Iowa farmers. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey says looking back on the year the record crop was certainly a bright spot, but supplies continue to bring economic challenges or farmers. He says in the year ahead he’s hoping expanded export market opportunities will help.

Northey says the growth in renewable fuels continues to be a priority into a new year from the policy level, but also building out the state’s infrastructure.

He says another positive they’ll carry into 2017 is the commitment to the Iowa Water Quality Initiative and the push to find long term funding. He expects the state legislature to identify a funding source.

Northey says with the Republicans in control he doesn’t expect a tax increase to pay for the Water Quality Initiative, but he thinks lawmakers will try to find a source within the budget.