Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addresses soybean farmers at ISA's annual Winter Soy Summit. (Photo: Joclyn Bushman/Iowa Soybean Association)
ISA Lauds Gov. Reynolds' Commitment to Responsible Oversight, Economic Growth and Innovation
January 10, 2024
Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA president, seed business owner and a sixth-generation soybean, corn and livestock farmer from Farmersburg, issued the following statement in response to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds delivery of the 2024 Condition of the State Address on Jan. 9:
“Gov. Reynolds’ calls for responsible government oversight and strengthening economic growth bode well for all Iowans, including the state’s 40,000 soybean farmers. We look forward to working with her and the Iowa legislature on these efforts to position producers and our industry for continued success.
“With tightening soybean margins and growing marketplace competition, what happens at the Iowa Statehouse in 2024 could have a massive impact on the livelihoods of farmers and the agricultural industry. Whether its modernizing Iowa’s Grain Indemnity Fund to protect producers from catastrophic financial losses, securing long-term, dedicated investment to scale conservation adoption, or championing biodiesel by expanding renewable fuels infrastructure, ISA will support legislation that grows farmer opportunities and drives soy demand.
“ISA will continue to monitor legislative proposals related to foreign ownership of Iowa farmland. As we consider our relationship with other countries, including China, in the context of food and agricultural trade, we must do so strategically with a firm understanding of our country’s national and agricultural interests. Farmers rely on strong international partnerships to keep operations productive and profitable. We must be deliberate and thoughtful in navigating issues that could have real consequences to these partnerships and U.S. farmers. Soybean farmers support legislation that governs foreign ownership of farmland and business that protects U.S. farmers, consumers and national security and economic interests. These policies can be advanced without hindering soybean market access or industry research.
“We thank Governor Reynolds for her continued leadership in fostering profitable opportunities for Iowa farmers. We also extend thanks to ISA Advocate-members for their continued engagement with their state legislators on these issues.”
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Not funded by the soybean checkoff
The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 40,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.
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