State Senator Jeff Edler (R-State Center), Jeffrey Johnson, chief executive officer Iowa Premium, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tama Mayor Mike Carnahan following a tour of the beef packing facility and discussion of the industry at Tama on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Chronicle/John Speer

From a recent stint showing a steer in the Governor’s charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) continued in the beef industry with a tour of the Iowa Premium plant and meeting with company officials at Tama on Thursday, Aug. 24.

She was joined by State Senator Jeff Edler (R-State Center) and Tama Mayor Mike Carnahan.

“This is a fantastic operation. I got to meet employees on the floor,” Ernst said following the tour. She complimented the workforce on what she observed was their dedication to the quality beef products and their jobs.

In questions from The Chronicle on Thursday Ernst was asked if the Farm Bill timeline predicted by Senator Chuck Grassely to Tama county Farm Bureau members in June was holding up.

“It could bump up,” Ernst said. “We may get in before the senate before Christmas.”

On action on health care in Congress she said, “we’ll take it up again in September.” She said the impact of those who are or will be unable to get coverage requires action.