A Seat at the Table

A Seat at the Table

RYAN FRIEDERS | BOARD DIRECTOR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Planting season is finally here, my mind is already on the harvest and the market opportunity of my soybeans and what that could mean for my family’s bottom line. While I farm full-time and continue my seventh-generation farm, every year I also serve to direct and engage the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program. The checkoff funds programs that support farmers like me, from agronomy, educating growers about the latest soybean production issues to market development, ensuring that I have diversified markets to sell my soybeans. There is a third leg of ISA, though, one I have had the opportunity to participate in more at lobby days in Springfield and Washington, D.C., I view the role of ISA’s Government Relations efforts as a group that is ensuring I have a seat at the table. Come with me as I walk you through our first quarter “menu” and the opportunities that await farmers like you.

At the state level, ISA has hosted several opportunities for farmers to interface with legislators and promote our pro-agriculture policy priorities. Farmers support biodiesel and renewable fuels because we know this is an emerging market for our soybeans and an opportunity to save money at the tank. Estate taxes in Illinois are at an unsustainably low threshold, with the federal tax exemption being nearly three times higher than the state level; this means higher taxes for transferring on the legacy of the family farm to the next generation. ISA is fighting to get the state tax level closer to the federal tax exemption level, but it will take growers like you and I calling our legislators and advocating for this change to move the needle forward. It’s critically important to engage with our local governments on transportation issues as well, encouraging bridge bundling and other means of replacing rural bridges across this state. Finally, please join me in encouraging our lawmakers to preserve the rights of our livestock farmers and relieve the burdens placed on them as they seek to expand their operations and meet the massive demands of our consumers.

Federally, it’s the year of the Farm Bill which means it’s the year farmers like you and I need to make our voices louder than ever to ensure the protection of crop insurance, expanded opportunities for trade with increased MAP/FMD funding, and sufficient funding for locks and dams. In March, I visited Washington, D.C., and our delegation of ten farmers met with nearly every Illinois legislator to make our priorities known. I personally had an opportunity to meet with several offices, but I know it can’t just be my voice advocating for farmers. In addition to the work of our Government Relations staff, it will take every farmer in the state advocating for the passage of a pro-agriculture Farm Bill to continue the success of the family farm. Please take a minute of your time today and call your Representative, asking them to advocate for the family farm and support a timely and practical Farm Bill. You can find out more about our policy asks at www.ilsoy.org/focus-areas/government-relations.

This year, the dish at the table is piping hot, with an ever active Illinois General Assembly and a Congress considering another opportunity to pass a pro-agriculture Farm Bill. The Illinois Soybean Association is working for farmers, from the field (agronomy), to the market (market development), to the table (government relations). I’ve taken my seat at the table and will continue to advocate for farmer-friendly policies. I welcome and urge you to join me.