WEST UNION, ILL. (AUGUST 26, 2024) – On August 15, Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL 12th District) visited Rainbow Acres Farm, owned and operated by Brad Daugherty. The visit provided an opportunity for Bost to engage directly with Illinois soybean producers and discuss issues critical to their industry Representatives from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) also attended to provide insights on the challenges and opportunities facing soybean farmers in Illinois.
The visit included a guided tour of the operation, showing Congressman Bost firsthand the functions of a working soybean farm. After the tour, representatives from ISA led a discussion on vital issues for soybean producers throughout Illinois. The conversation explored effective strategies to ensure soybean farmers and rural communities receive the resources needed to thrive in today’s global economy.
Host Brad Daugherty, who serves as Vice Chairman for the Illinois Soybean Board, shared “It was my pleasure to host Representative Bost for a tour of our family’s farm. We enjoyed in- depth conversation about the issues impacting Illinois soybean farmers and how he can continue to represent us on the House Agricultural Committee and in Congress.”
“In order to be the most effective voice I can be for Southern Illinois farmers, it’s essential to meet these hardworking folks where they’re at to get a firsthand perspective of the challenges they face,” Rep. Bost said. He continued, “Tours like the one at Rainbow Acres helps better equip me to fight for a Farm Bill in Congress that provides the support needed to grow our farming operations. With Illinois being the top soybean producing state in the country, I know there are stories similar to Brad’s all across our state. I appreciated all input we received from Illinois Soybean Association representatives on hand today.”
The farm visit represented ISA’s ongoing collaboration between federal legislators, industry leaders, and the agricultural community, aimed at fostering a supportive and sustainable environment for the state’s soybean farmers.
Daugherty concluded his remarks by thanking the Congressman for his visit. “My family and I appreciate Congressman Bost’s investment in Illinois farmers, and his dedication to making progress on our behalf.”
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About the Illinois Soybean Association: The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program and the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) actively advocate for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state, and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research, and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations.
Media Contacts:
Michael Whitmer, Illinois Soybean Association: michael.whitmer@ilsoy.org
Kadin Asbery, Office of Congressman Mike Bost: Kadin.Asbery@mail.house.gov
