A mixing of legislators and agriculture
It’s always good when legislators at the state and national levels are exposed to agriculture.
Hats off to the Illinois Soybean Association for hosting the annual “Soy Latte Day” in Springfield recently. ISA staff and farmers served more than 100 soy lattes, which were enjoyed over conversations with several legislators discussing the many benefits of soy.
We can expect to see similar outreach efforts from the Illinois Pork Producers Association later this year with a bacon promotion in the works. IPPA officials also had the chance to mingle with state legislators during a reception at the recent Illinois Pork Expo.
The soy latte platform was appropriate to remind state lawmakers that soy helps feed the world. Illinois farmers spoke of their dedication to growing a reliable, sustainable product for markets across global value chains. Soy helps meet protein demands for human nutrition, animal feed, biofuel production and more.
“The relationships we are building in Springfield are of utmost importance to us and the support of our elected officials is crucial when it comes to meeting the global demand for soy,” said Brad Daugherty, ISA District 14 director and Government Relations chair.
Daugherty feels this was the ideal time to remind policymakers that Illinois soy is a homegrown, renewable energy solution that is sustainably produced by local farmers using innovate conservation practices.
The 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers deliver high-quality products each year and are driving the economy, growing new market opportunities around the world and bringing money back to Illinois.
ISA especially thanks Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) for their hospitality during the recent event in Springfield.
Membership programs and the checkoff through ISA represent Illinois soybean farmers and the checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of farmers at various levels. ISA upholds interests of soybean producers through advocacy, promotion and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability.
More on the industry can be found at www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
For the latest ag news, blogs, market updates and podcasts, visit www.centralillinoisfarmnetwork.com.