Iowa Soybean Association President Suzanne Shirbroun (Farmersburg) commented on behalf of the state's soybean growers after lawmakers batted down an anti-checkoff amendment to the House Ag spending bill. (Photo: Iowa Soybean Association/Joclyn Bushman)
Iowa Soybean Farmers Applaud House Lawmakers for Defending Commodity Checkoff Programs
September 28, 2023 | Brock Johnston
Ankeny, Iowa – The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) today commends Iowa U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-04), Ashley Hinson (R-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-01), and Zach Nunn (R-03), for defending farmer-funded research and promotion programs in the U.S. House Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration Appropriations bill.
Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA president, seed business owner and a sixth-generation soybean, corn and livestock farmer from Farmersburg, issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Iowa Soybean Association, I commend our state’s U.S. House delegation for working to protect the future of commodity checkoff programs that provide value and opportunities for farmers. For decades, these programs have resulted in longstanding, proven track records for promoting agricultural products in support of American farmers, including the state’s 40,000 soybean growers.
“Iowa’s soybean farmers know the significant value of the checkoff in driving demand for commodities, conducting innovative research, finding new markets and uses, and building customer preference around the world. Every dollar invested in the soybean checkoff provides $12.34 in added value for U.S. soybean farmers. Iowa farmers continue to see additional value as a result of their checkoff investments at the state level. From the nationally recognized research at ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation, to the increasing use of biodiesel that secures our status as the nation’s leading producer, Iowa farmers have seen their checkoff dollars generate a real and meaningful return on investment.
“We sincerely thank Iowa’s representatives in the U.S. House for their commitment to the state’s soybean farmers, and continued opposition to poison pill amendments like those made by Congresswoman Spartz (R-IN) that threaten the future of our state’s thriving agriculture industry and the checkoff-funded work supporting farmer profitability, productivity and sustainability. We also extend thanks to ISA Advocate members for engaging with their representatives 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 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.
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