By Andi Anderson
Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) leaders recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and press for vital agricultural priorities.
Their visit focused on the proposed reconciliation bill’s ag provisions, tax extensions that benefit farmers, and ensuring agriculture is represented in major national reports like the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report.
IFB President Brian Duncan highlighted support for farm-friendly tax policies but emphasized the need for a complete five-year farm bill. “We’re also defending programs like the University of Illinois research lab and climate-smart conservation support,” Duncan said, referencing USDA budget cuts that threaten key programs like the Soybean Innovation Lab.
Delegates also raised concerns over delays in the FSA young farmer loan program. Stephen Riskedal, IFB Young Leader Chair and a first-time visitor to the capital, spoke about the lack of pre-approval for these loans, saying, “We’re trying to fix this problem to make the program truly usable for everyone.”
The delegation also discussed immigration reform, reliable ag labour, and expanding markets for biofuels and trade. Meetings included U.S. Representatives Sorensen, Ramirez, Casten, Miller, LaHood, Underwood, Jackson, and Senators Durbin and Duckworth, who both pledged continued support for Illinois farmers.
“Our message was clear—production agriculture must have a voice,” Duncan said, especially regarding the MAHA report’s scientific shortcomings. He stressed the need for agriculture to be part of policy discussions moving forward.
With follow-up visits scheduled this summer, Duncan added, “We are upping our presence in Washington, D.C. as these very important issues move forward.”
This strong advocacy effort signals IFB’s ongoing push for policy solutions that benefit all Illinois farmers.
Photo Credit: illinois-farm-bureau
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy