By Andi Anderson

Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) organized an Agriculture Awareness Day at the Illinois State Capitol on February 18.

The event served as an important opportunity for farmers to speak directly with state leaders about key issues that affect their work, including biofuels, estate taxes, crop protection tools and funding for conservation programs.

Throughout the day, farmers shared their experiences, concerns and priorities with lawmakers who help shape agricultural policy in Illinois.

During the event, farmers interacted with several state leaders, including Leader Tony McCombie of the Illinois House Republicans, Charlie Meier, the Republican Spokesperson for the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee, and Doris Turner, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

These conversations helped farmers communicate their real-world challenges and hopes for future legislation.

Rob Shaffer, District Director and Government Relations Committee Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), emphasized the value of these interactions.

“When policymakers hear directly from farmers at the state capitol, it provides the opportunity to create real relationships and make real impact on issues,” he said. “At the Ag Awareness Day, we were able to establish new relationships, strengthen current relationships and communicate farmers’ priorities.”

ISG is a voluntary membership organization led by elected soybean producers from across Illinois. Its main goal is to advocate for farmers and ensure that policies at both the state and national levels support agriculture and rural communities.

The group encourages farmers and agriculture professionals to get involved. “We encourage any livestock or row crop farmer, or even agriculture industry folks not directly involved on a farm, to consider joining ISG,” said KJ Johnson, ISA’s Director of Government Relations & Strategy. “Your voice matters and makes a difference.”

Shaffer added that farmer involvement has a meaningful effect. “As a farmer who has been actively involved in state and national farmer-boards for several years, I know the time I spend engaging on ag issues with policymakers and regulators is time well-spent,” he noted.

For those interested in learning more or becoming members, ISG provides resources and contact information through ilsoy.org/illinois-soybean-growers. The event’s lunch and reception were supported by ISG’s Corporate Partners, including Farm Credit Illinois, Bayer, and ADM.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski