FROM THE BOARDROOM CHAIRMAN Ron Kindred, Atlanta District 9 VICE CHAIRMAN Brad Daugherty, West Union District 14 SECRETARY Tim Scates, Carmi At-Large TREASURER Bryan Severs, Potomac District 7 ASSISTANT SECRETARY-TREASURER Dwayne Anderson, Lynn Center District 3 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR Steve Pitstick, Maple Park District 2 MARKET DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR Brian Atteberry, Carmi District 16 SOYBEAN PRODUCTION COMMITTEE CHAIR Brady Holst, Plymouth At-Large
David Niekamp, Coatsburg | District 8 Elliott Uphoff, Shelbyville | District 10 Matt Murray, Paxton | District 11 Brock Willard, Pittsfield | District 12 Heath Houck, Nokomis | District 13 Jeff Parker, Belleville | District 15 Nick Harre, Nashville | District 17 Rick Rubenacker, McLeansboro | District 18 AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Betsey Emerick, Vandalia Jeff O'Connor, Kankakee David Wessel, Chandlerville UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD (USB) Dwayne Anderson, Lynn Center Gary Berg, St. Elmo Lynn Rohrscheib, Fairmount David Wessel, Chandlerville AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION (ASA) Stan Born, Mahomet Daryl Cates, Columbia Jered Hooker, Clinton Jim Martin, Pontiac Bill Raben, Ridgway Rob Shaffer, El Paso Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Nebo Bill Wykes, Yorkville
DIRECTORS Ryan Frieders, Waterman | District 1 Buck Hill, Grand Ridge | District 4 Mark Read, Putnam | District 5 Jim Martin, Pontiac | District 6 STAFF CREDITS Publisher | Michael Whitmer Managing Editor | Betsy Osman Staff Contributor | Olivia Key Staff Contributor | Brynna Sentel Staff Contributor | Anita Sharkey Staff Contributor | Stephanie Porter OTHER ISA STAFF Chief Executive Officer | John Lumpe Director of Operations | Dustin Scott Director of Market Development | Todd Main Director of Finance | Kati Owen Director of Government Relations & Strategy | Andrew Larson Director of Agronomy | Abigail Peterson Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is owner of Illinois Field & Bean, a publication for Illinois soybean farmers, designed and written to provide timely and useful industry information. Illinois Field & Bean is published by the Illinois Soybean Association, 1108 Trinity Lane, Bloomington, IL, 61704. For address corrections, contact Illinois Field & Bean at 1108 Trinity Lane, Bloomington, IL, 61704. Phone 309-663-7692. Web address: www.ilsoy.org. Email: ilsoy@ilsoy.org. Comments and statewide news articles should be sent to the above address. Advertising space reservations must be made by the first of the month preceding publication. In consideration of the acceptance of advertisement, the agency and the advertiser must, in respect of the contents of the advertisement, indemnify and save the publisher harmless against any expense arising from claims or actions against the publisher because of the publication of the content of the advertisement. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Michael Whitmer Publisher Email: michael.whitmer@ilsoy.org
4 December 2023
STEVE PITSTICK | GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
Why There’s Power in Numbers Illinois has a rich history in agriculture and, as our Illinois Field & Bean readers know, plays a crucial role in soybean production. To protect and advocate for the interests of Illinois soybean farmers, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) works to increase farmers’ profitability as well as protect our interests and freedom to operate through legislative advocacy, public policy initiatives and education. As the backbone of our nation's food and fuel supply, farmers deserve a strong voice in shaping policies and protecting their livelihoods. ISG is at the forefront of promoting positive and impactful legislation favoring Illinois soybean producers and the broader ag community. Their efforts revolve around electing pro-agriculture, pro-farmer candidates across Illinois, holding policymakers accountable to agricultural needs, and safeguarding the future generations of farmers by stopping harmful legislation before it happens. The reason for this focus is simple: Illinois soybean farmers are essential to our economy and global food production, and their success is tied to the prosperity of our state and nation as a whole. The challenges Illinois farmers often face are immense. Legislative pressure, new taxes, and ever-changing regulations can force thousands of family farmers off their land. The consequences of these pressures are felt not only on the farm but also in the communities, businesses and organizations that serve them. ISG exists to stand up for farmers, ensuring that national and state legislation doesn't come at the expense of the very people who power our nation's agricultural sector. The strength of ISG lies within our numbers. With the support of farmers, we create a formidable force advocating for the Illinois agriculture industry. By actively participating as members of ISG, farmers are not just lending their support but also adding their voices to a collective effort that safeguards our rights and interests. ISG recognizes that the ability to drive change and protect the interests of soybean growers is tied to the number of farmers who actively participate. This principle holds the promise of more effective advocacy, greater impact and a more secure future for the Illinois soybean industry. Illinois soybean farmers work tirelessly to feed and fuel the world, and ISG is the torchbearer of their interests, drawing strength from the unity of their members. The involvement of farmers isn't just an option, it's an imperative. Together, as a collective, we can ensure that our voices are heard, our needs met and our industry flourishes. To become a member of the Illinois Soybean Growers, visit ilsoygrowers.com/members/.
