PEORIA MAGAZINE July 2023

SEED AND SOIL

A Q&A WITH RON KINDRED OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

INTERVIEW BY ROB SHARKEY

A gricultural commodity groups have the power to impact the economy, influ ence critical legislation and inspire market trends, all in the service of supporting farmers, landowners and business owners. Meet Ron Kindred, a farmer from At lanta, Illinois, who also serves as vice chairman of the Illinois Soybean Associ ation. Some people think they don’t need to join a commodity group because they pay into different checkoffs, but what you may not realize is how these groups can positively impact our farms and our everyday operations. Organizations such as the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) provide a platform where farmers can be heard and work to increase profit ability while protecting the freedom to operate through legislative advocacy, public policy initiatives and education. ISG and the Illinois Soybean Board (ISB) are two separately funded organizations housed under the Illinois Soybean Asso ciation. ISG and ISB are farmer-focused,

striving for achievement in every part of the soy sector. However, ISG relies solely on voluntary paid memberships. ISB is funded through the checkoff and those funds can be used for communication and education only. Advocating and lob bying for critical policy work affecting farmers and agriculture are prohibited. Illinois soy producers created ISG as a means to positively influence policy and regulatory matters at both the state and national level. From federal trade issues to supporting biodiesel, ISG works every day to make a difference in state, national and global agriculture. What follows is our Q&A with Ron Kindred of ISA: Rob Sharkey (RS): Ron, why did you join the Illinois Soybean Growers? Ron Kindred (RK): I wanted to join an organization that protected my family’s interests and be a part of the policy making process. I wanted to expand my knowledge on soybean-specific issues and play a role in which I am part of the

solution instead of just complaining about the problem. RS: How long have you been a member of the Illinois Soybean Growers? RK: I joined the Illinois Soybean Association 30 years ago. I have been a director on the Illinois Soybean Growers and Illinois Soybean Board for 17 years and am finishing my second year as vice chairman. I represented Illinois as a director for nine years on the American Soybean Association Board, serving four years on the Executive Committee. I’ve had opportunities to lobby in Springfield and Washington, D.C. and I am constantly amazed at the impact we have had. I was there in person when the Illinois General Assembly unanimously passed the first biodiesel tax credit, and actively lobbied for the recently passed legislation that ramps up the credit from a B11 to B20 blend. But I would say some of the most important wins over the years have been in stopping onerous regulations

12 JULY 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE