Iowa Secretary of Ag candidate Zumbach visits Creston

Dan Zumbach of Ryan is in the running to be Iowa’s next Secretary of Agriculture.

Zumbach, a Republican state Senator and relative of Creston resident Galen Zumbach, stopped by the Creston News Advertiser Friday to share his opinions on a variety of ag-related issues, and to say why he believes he’s best suited for the job.

“You know, there’s five of us running on the Republican side and they’re all good advocates ... five really good guys that all care about agriculture,” Dan Zumbach said. “But I have a unique experience that none of the rest of them have — I spent six years in the Iowa Legislature. I’m the only one who’s had their name on a ballot to be elected by the people of the state of Iowa.”

Aside from Zumbach’s belief that this experience sets him apart from the other candidates, he said he’s built a record of accountability during his time in the Iowa Senate.

“I’ve done what they ask me to do, and I can stand on that record,” Zumbach said. “People know that I say what I do, and I do what I say. ... And with that comes relationships that I already have built with the governor, with the House, the Senate and the Department of Agriculture. So I can hit the ground running.”

In addition to Zumbach’s six-year legislative career, he is a lifelong farmer in the Ryan (northeast Iowa) area. He has farmed full time for 40 years.

Tariff debate

Zumbach said the pending trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are of utmost importance to Iowa’s ag economy. He is hopeful of a positive breakthrough, but said the state may have to exhibit some patience before it sees one.

“Well, what’s going on here certainly raises questions or concerns,” Zumbach said. “But I think it’s important that we keep our eye on the end-game, and not so much the process. President Trump has a record of having success when it’s all said and done, but not a conventional way to get there. And so I think it’s important to keep our eye on the end-game of open, free, transparent trade — that’s what we need.”

Zumbach expressed positivity in how the current free-trade issues will resolve. He said he’s both observed and discussed firsthand with foreign diplomats the demand there is for Iowa agricultural products in China, and is confident Trump will see the trade negotiations through.

“We have a willing seller, we have a willing buyer — we’re going to come together with a good trade agreement,” Zumbach explained. “We have to be patient as we work through this process, and ensure that the end-game stays in focus. ... When it’s all said and done, we want the president to be successful in this trade negotiation.”

Zumbach joins four other Republicans in seeking the party’s nomination. Running against him in the primary will be Chad Ingles, Craig Lang, Mike Naig and Ray Gaessar, who was previously featured in the CNA.

Tim Gannon, the only Democrat in the running, stands to challenge whoever wins the Republican nomination. The primary election will be held Nov. 6.

“I’ve tried to have what I call a gentle and genuine approach to things,” Zumbach said of his legislative style. “If you look at the bills that I’ve run through the Iowa Senate, the vast majority are bi-partisan. I try to drive good, agriculture policy in the Senate ag committee because I have some collaboration skills that have really developed. I’ve really learned how to bring people along, and bring folks together to end up with good policy.”