Ron Kindred, an Atlanta farmer, says Commodity Classic allows him to do two things at once.
“It’s a chance to see what’s new in agriculture and to set policy for the next year,” the chair of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) told FarmWeek.
Getting the farm bill across the finish line is one of the biggest focuses this year, Kindred said at the event in Houston themed “New Frontiers in Agriculture.” Commodity Classic attracted a record crowd of more than 11,000 people last week.
“Farm country is a little restless right now,” said Caleb Ragland of Kentucky, American Soybean Association (ASA) vice president. With lower prices and higher inputs, farmers are concerned. “They don’t want a handout, but a safety net in the farm bill,” he said.
ASA President Josh Gackle of North Dakota agreed that crop insurance should be “robust” in the farm bill. “Regulatory issues and the farm bill dominate our life right now,” Ragland said.
Policy affecting infrastructure and trade go hand-in-hand in helping the U.S. compete with South America, Kindred said of other top priorities in the farm bill.
“Protecting tools in the toolbox,” is also a concern, Kindred said of herbicide regulations.
Kindred, also an ASA director, said both groups look to the future of soybeans with growth of sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and biodiesel.
Ragland, calls fuels using soybeans “an amazing opportunity” for our economy and our country. “It’s a pro-America thing — good for everybody,” he said.
The increased soybean crush for oil and fuel will decrease the price for soybean meal, which will help livestock producers. “Livestock is our No. 1 consumer,” Kindred said.
This year ISA will be celebrating its 60th anniversary with various events recognizing 60 years of success. “We’re proud of what we’ve done, and we are doing more than ever before for soybean growers,” Kindred added.
The U.S. Soybean Export Council also held its annual meeting ahead of Commodity Classic and seated the new board of directors for 2024-25. Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare of Nebo represents the American Soybean Association on the board.
