By Andi Anderson
Kenneth Hartman Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association, and Rodney Weinzierl, Executive Director of IL Corn, recently testified before Congress, discussing the economic difficulties faced by farmers and advocating for policy changes to strengthen the agricultural sector.
Hartman spoke before the Senate Agriculture Committee, addressing key concerns such as falling crop prices, rising input costs, and tax policy changes that may impact farmers. He emphasized the importance of an updated five-year farm bill that increases funding for farm programs, ensuring a stable agricultural economy.
Hartman also highlighted the need for science-based regulations to support crop protection, fertilizers, and biotechnology. He urged Congress to extend provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, warning that farmers could face tax increases if these measures expire.
Weinzierl presented his testimony before the House Agriculture Committee, focusing on the urgent crisis in farm economics. He pointed out that input costs remain high while corn demand remains stagnant, making it difficult for farmers to sustain their operations. Weinzierl stressed the importance of renewing investments in ethanol, livestock, and exports to ensure stable demand.
He also raised concerns about high fertilizer costs, urging transparency in pricing to protect farmers’ profits. He called for reforms in crop insurance and Title I programs to create fair competition for Midwest farmers.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of trade expansion, noting that U.S. agriculture is expected to face a $42.5 billion trade deficit in 2025. They urged Congress to strengthen international markets to support farm incomes.
IL Corn remains committed to advocating for Illinois farmers in Washington, D.C., ensuring that policies are updated to promote economic stability and growth in the agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, General