On October 29, 2024, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Small visited Steven Stierwalt’s farm in Sadorus, Illinois, to explore the vital role of conservation and research in modern agriculture. Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) hosted the visit, which emphasized sustainable farming practices and the role of checkoff-funded research in advancing these efforts.
Conservation was a central topic, with Stierwalt highlighting initiatives aimed at improving soil health and water quality. As Chairman of his local Soil and Water Conservation District Board and co-founder of the Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR) program, Stierwalt provided expert insights to the delegation on the importance of conservation funding for practice adoption and technical assistance at both the state and federal levels. The group toured the farm to see firsthand how these conservation measures are applied in day-to-day farming activities.
Congresswoman Budzinski and Deputy Secretary Small also learned how ISA-funded research is driving agricultural innovation, helping farmers adopt environmentally friendly practices while maintaining productivity. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges Illinois soybean farmers face, particularly as they strive to balance economic pressures with environmental stewardship. Budzinski reaffirmed her commitment to supporting policies that fund research and conservation programs, ensuring that farmers can protect natural resources while remaining competitive.
ISA is grateful for this opportunity to share the story of Illinois soybean farmers with Congresswoman Budzinski and Deputy Secretary Small. Through outreach and education activities such as this, ISA can uphold the interests of Illinois soybean farmers working to ensure their profitability now and for future generations.
About Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR): The STAR Program encourages farmers to implement conservation practices like no-till and cover cropping, helping reduce nutrient run-off. Stierwalt explained how both programs have helped integrate sustainable practices into his farm, preserving land for future generations.
About Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD): The network of 97 Illinois county SWCDs lead local conservation efforts providing technical assistance to Illinois’ farmers and agriculture stakeholders.
Providing officials a first-hand look at why conservation funding is critical at both the state and national level are: (from left): Andrew Larson, ISA Director of Government Relations & Strategy: Greg Stierwalt, Illinois farmer: Nikki Budzinski, Congresswoman of the 13th Illinois district; Brad Daughtery, ISA Vice Chairman; Xochitl Liana Torres Small, USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture; Steve Stierwalt, Illinois farmer, Chairman of Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District and Co-Founder of Saving Tomorrow Agriculture Resources (STAR); and Abigail Peterson, ISA Director of Agronomy.
