An Iowa landowner is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture claiming the federal government’s “swampbuster law,” which requires farmers to either leave wetlands untouched or forfeit certain federal benefits, is unconstitutional. Jamie sits down with James Conlan and his attorney, Loren Seehase, to hash it all out. Is it government overreach or not? And what would it mean for farmers if the statute was overturned?

The “swampbuster” statute was introduced in the 1985 Farm Bill as part of the Wetland Conservation Compliance Provisions. Learn more here.

Chapters & Episode Topics:
00:00   
00:30  Welcome Loren Seehase and James Conlan
01:08   Swampbuster
01:30   The lawsuit explained
02:20   Where in Iowa?
03:00  The back story
05:00  The 5 claims
08:30   Woody vegetation
10:00   Just compensation
11:00   A really big stick
13:00   Sodbusters
14:40   Small farm support?
16:20   What if you’re successful?
17:30   Why Swampbusters in the first place?
18:30   New policy
19:30   The last word.

Related Content: 

• Swampbusters Case Page
• Farm Journal Article

Find us on social media! 

• Facebook 
• Twitter 
• Instagram

Listen on these Podcast Platforms:

• Apple Podcasts 
• Spotify 

Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.