Over the past decade-plus that I’ve had the opportunity to work on Illinois farmers’ behalf in Springfield, we’ve always asked the question, “Do legislators actually listen to farmers?” At times, it can feel like the answer to that question is no. However, the real answer lies much deeper in the policy discussions and issues that are being addressed in the capitol building.

For the past few years, we have heard loud and clear from farmers about the need to have a simplified and less onerous estate tax in Illinois. The current system makes the planning for the transition of estates and farms to the next generation challenging and expensive. In conversations with legislators, this issue has resonated. They often see the challenges faced by families keeping their farms and businesses together in the face of large tax bills to simply keep what you have. These issues are not unique to farming but are faced by many small family businesses as they get passed on to the next generation. The connection and compassion for these situations has been bipartisan and across the state. Legislators from the north Chicago suburbs and downstate have sponsored legislation to realize estate tax relief. With their attention to this issue, we remain optimistic that the issue will see action.

The economic role of biofuels, especially soybean oil-based biodiesel, has long been an issue on which urban and rural legislators can find common ground. In 2022, with the support of State Rep.. Eva Dina Delgado (D, 3rd District-Chicago) and State Sen. Patrick Joyce (D, 40th District- Essex), the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) passed an extension and expansion of our state support for soybean biodiesel. This law has increased biodiesel blends from B11 to now B17 and higher for much of the year. This increase can support close to 100 million more gallons of B100 fuel. Legislators listened to farmers and saw an immediate opportunity to use a drop in fuel that had cleaner emissions. This legislation was a win-win for both urban and rural Illinois.

Another major conversation in Springfield over the past few years has been on conservation funding. Investments in programs such as the Fall Covers for Spring Savings program have provided an opportunity for agriculture and environmental advocates to work together. This program has provided a voluntary incentive for farmers to learn how to incorporate cover crops into their operations while receiving a discount on their crop insurance. As a result of this cooperation, legislators have made efforts to engage ag groups when they spot proposed laws that could negatively affect farmers. The fact that legislators are listening and opening their doors to understand the impact of proposed legislation is a huge example that, indeed, agriculture’s voice is being heard.

Yet while we do know legislators are listening and we are being heard on many key issues, it is also imperative that we remain active and engaged. Over the past few legislative sessions, the team here at ISG has been even more aggressive reaching out to legislators and sharing farmers’ concerns. It is our daily mission to represent you and Illinois farmers in Springfield. However, we need your engagement to keep up the momentum. Engaging in legislative advocacy opportunities, attending town halls and even simply being a member of ISG helps ensure you are being heard.

For more information, visit www.ilsoy.org.