Jacob Welper is a lifelong North Iowan and is running for House District 59.
For a farm family, a foreclosure notice can put far more than a business at risk. It can threaten a home, a livelihood and land that holds generations of family history.
In North Iowa, the consequences extend beyond the farm gate. Local businesses, schools and communities depend on the families who work the land.
When financial trouble reaches that point, farmers deserve clear information and practical support. They also deserve to know that asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of.
The first step is to act promptly. Open every letter from your lender, keep copies and write down the deadlines. If you receive court papers, get legal help immediately. A conversation with the bank does not replace a response required by the court.
Contacting your lender early may create an opportunity to discuss a payment arrangement or restructuring. Bring a realistic picture of your operation’s finances, including loan documents, expenses, assets and projected income. Ask for proposed agreements in writing so you can review them with an adviser.
Iowa also has a farm mediation process. For agricultural debts covered by the law, creditors generally must request mediation before initiating certain foreclosure or collection proceedings, subject to exceptions.
Mediation gives farmers and creditors an opportunity to discuss whether an agreement is possible. It does not guarantee that a farm can be saved, but it is an option worth understanding before making decisions under pressure.
A farmer who receives a mediation notice should respond promptly and ask what information is needed. Before waiving mediation or signing an agreement, seek advice about what that decision would mean.
An attorney who handles agricultural debt can explain which protections apply, what deadlines must be met and whether a proposed agreement protects your interests. An accountant or financial adviser can help evaluate whether the operation can support a revised repayment plan. Iowa Legal Aid handles some foreclosure defense and can be reached at 800-532-1503 to ask whether they qualify for free assistance and whether they will take your case. Representation isn’t guaranteed.
For some eligible family farmers, Chapter 12 bankruptcy may offer a way to reorganize debt. It is not appropriate for every situation, and it cannot promise that every farm will remain intact. But farmers should be able to discuss that option with a qualified attorney before assuming foreclosure is inevitable.
The important point is to understand the choices before signing away rights, surrendering property or making a major sale. Decisions involving land, equipment and debt can also carry tax consequences that deserve careful review.
The strain on a family matters, too. Financial distress can make people feel isolated precisely when they most need support.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Iowa Concern service offers free, confidential help, including stress support, legal and financial education, and referrals. Farmers and family members can call 800-447-1985 to get connected.
As a teacher and candidate for the Iowa House, I believe useful public service includes making sure people know where to turn when their livelihood is threatened.
Iowa should maintain accessible farm mediation, financial education and support for rural families. We should also listen to farmers about the pressures on their operations and take those concerns seriously when making policy.
No public official can promise to prevent every foreclosure. We can insist that farmers have access to accurate information, a fair process, and an opportunity to explore their options.
If your farm is facing foreclosure, reach out now. Get the paperwork together, get advice and bring someone you trust into the conversation. You deserve help while there is still time to make informed decisions.
Editor’s note: Bleeding Heartland welcomes guest commentaries by any Democratic candidate running for office in 2026, or by their supporters. Please read these guidelines and contact Laura Belin if you are interested in writing.