Iowa Soybean Farmers Appreciate CR Passage, Favorable Ag Provisions

December 23, 2024 | Brock Johnston

Ankeny, Iowa – Congressional lawmakers passed a continuing resolution Dec. 21 to avoid a government shutdown. The resolution contains provisions important to Iowa’s soybean farmers, including a farm bill extension and economic assistance. Tightened margins amid sluggish commodity prices have continued to plague U.S. farmers, including soybean growers.

Brent Swart, president of the Iowa Soybean Association and soybean farmer from Spencer, issued the following statement:

“Congress has delivered a bipartisan package that ensures the government remains open and gives Iowa farmers some certainty heading into the new year. While we had hoped for a new five-year farm bill this year, we are thankful for a one-year extension that includes critical ag provisions and look forward to completing an enhanced farm bill in 2025 that addresses our needs. This continuing resolution comes at a critical time, but there is much work to be done – from strengthening U.S. trade to advancing demand and production of homegrown biofuels of which soybean oil is an essential and renewable ingredient. We thank Congressional leadership for their efforts and appreciate the support of Iowa's congressional delegation on this resolution. We are eager to engage with lawmakers in the new year.”

Pending President Biden’s signature, the bill will keep government funding in place through March 14, 2025. The package includes approximately $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers and $21 billion in disaster assistance.

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Not funded by the soybean checkoff

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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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