Iowa Farm Bureau President Ed Wiederstein says the federal farm program was a major point of discusion at the American Farm Bureau Federation national meeting in Washington, D.C. One of the main topics what adequate farm insurance for farmers across the state. He says there was also discussion about mergers and competition. Wiederstein says the American Farm Bureau is determined to ensure that farmers get competative prices for the products they buy and sell. Iowa farmers have been more optimistic recently with an increase in farm prices. Wiederstein says that optimism isn’t seen in every state. Wiederstein says the southern states are having a difficult time with some bad crops, leading to bad prices. Iowan Dean Kleckner failed in his attempt Thursday to win an eighth term as the president of the national organization. Wiederstein says Kleckner’s loss was unfortunate, but he is looking forward to the new leadership.