A voice for farmers: Henkenius visits Iowa Capitol

By Cassandra Kyser

Kaylynn Henkenius joined Calhoun County Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors in December. Just two months into the role, she was at the Iowa Capitol, advocating for the state’s farmers. 

Henkenius shared details of her Feb. 19 visit, a day that was designated as Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol. 

“We began with a briefing at 10:30 a.m at the Historical Building across from the Capitol. During the session, we reviewed four key topics to discuss with our legislators. After that, we walked to the Capitol and submitted requests to meet with our representatives,” she said.

Henkenius put in requests to meet with Mike Sexton and Tim Kraayenbrink, but Kraayenbrink was unavailable.

She did meet with Representative Sexton, who represents Iowa’s House District 7. That district consists of Calhoun, Sac, and Pocahontas Counties, and a portion of Webster County.

“Our conversation with Sexton focused on the Grain Indemnity Fund and necessary reforms for Iowa farmers. Since he helped write the bill, he was very knowledgeable and offered his insights,” said Henkenius.

Iowa’s Grain Indemnity Fund was created in 1986 and offers financial protection to farmers who have grain on deposit in Iowa-licensed warehouses and grain sold to state-licensed grain dealers. 

Rallying for farmers comes naturally for Henkenius, who grew up on a farm between Lake City and Rockwell City, where her family raises corn and soybeans. She and her husband Josh help out on the farm, and someday hope to run it. 

“In high school, I had feeder cattle and laying hens. I was also an active member of the Logan Larks 4-H club from 4th grade through high school,” she said.

Henkenius attended South Central Calhoun High School, where she served as the FFA president during the 2019-2020 school year. She graduated from SCC and then attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. 

Reflecting on her day at the Iowa Capitol, Henkenius said, “Overall, it was a valuable experience. It was my first time visiting the Capitol to speak with legislators, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for all the work that happens in Des Moines.”