The power of Farm Bureau is so much money and so many members.  The TV ads are the worst portraying them as conservation champions!  When I contacted my Senator Joni Ernst, I got "you are the only one to contact me on this issue while 50 others opposing your view have contacted me."  Chuck Grassley got 700 post cards from Rural Clarke County Electric--anti cap and trade post cards  mailed to customers.  They have the edge of money and people all over the state.   I don't have 50 Sierra Club members in my area.
What is the total, combined  membership of all environmental groups in Iowa?  Cool you have listed species Cindy!  Phyllis
 
I wasn't sure whether it would be a good idea to further disseminate what's below, but a Sierra Club friend thought other club members might want to see it.   As has often been pointed out, the IFB still has major influence at the State Capitol in regard to environmental issues. 
 
As one of the many Sierrans who have worked on biodiversity issues over the years, and as a landowner who is fortunate enough to have a few listed species on my land, I have a strong visceral response to the piece below, but will let it speak for itself.
 
Cindy 
 
http://www.iowafarmbureau.com/article.aspx?articleID=50100
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