ATKINS, Iowa (KCRG) - Wednesday was the first time TV9 spoke with Iowa Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst since she announced she would not be seeking re-election in 2026.

TV9 talked to Ernst while she toured Bloomsbury Farm in Atkins to present the owners with her “Small Business of the Week” award.

Ernst said one of her priorities before leaving office is getting the Farm Bill passed.

Congress keeps extending the bill that includes crop insurance, farmer disaster relief and social service programs like SNAP.

But lawmakers haven’t passed a new farm bill since 2018 and Ernst says that’s her priority for the rest of her time in the Senate, with an eye on the budget.

“Government efficiency is really important, and making sure we aren’t wasting taxpayer dollars. We know that the fe

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