On August 19, Congresswoman Mary Miller visited the farm of Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) At-Large Director Brady Holst in Augusta, Illinois. The visit provided a platform to discuss a range of pressing issues facing Illinois soybean farmers, from biofuel production integrity to crop insurance and voluntary conservation programs. Congresswoman Miller represents a district that produces 20.6 million bushels of soybeans annually, making her a key advocate for farmers on the House Agriculture Committee.
Why It’s Important:
Biofuels are a vital market for Illinois soybean farmers, but the rising threat of counterfeit used cooking oil entering the supply chain jeopardizes the growth of this critical industry. Addressing this problem ensures that soybean farmers can continue to play a key role in the biofuels sector, supporting the agricultural economy. In addition to biofuels, issues like crop insurance and voluntary conservation programs are crucial for providing farmers with the tools and support they need to remain competitive and resilient in a challenging agricultural landscape.
Government Relations & Legislative Focus:
While biofuel integrity was a major topic of discussion, Congresswoman Miller’s visit also dove into the broader challenges that Illinois farmers face. ISA emphasized the importance of strong, well-funded crop insurance programs, which help protect farmers from unpredictable weather events and fluctuating markets. Much like Congressman Bost’s visit earlier in the month, making sure the concern of low-loss ratios for both corn and soybeans was addressed was a key point of discussion.
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congresswoman Miller is uniquely positioned to advocate for these critical issues. Engaging with her during this visit allowed ISA to educate her and her office about the need for robust policies that support the Illinois farmer. From ensuring the integrity of the biofuel supply chain to expanding market opportunities and advancing conservation efforts, the discussions highlighted the importance of legislative action for the future of Illinois agriculture.
