Illinois Soybean Association: Atlanta Farmer

Atlanta Farmer Uses his Voice for Soy

of Illinois soybean farmers via a prethe Illinois economy, since biodiesel Ron Kindred

Since 1999, Atlanta, Illinois farmer written email that can be personalized Washington in support of the federal Ron Kindred has been advocating and sent directly to each farmer’s biodiesel tax credit. for legislation and policies on behalf of lawmakers. When ISA issues an action the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). request, those in the network receive a After serving more than 20 years on However, 2020 may always be the year message from the group that it is time the ISA board, Kindred now believes that stands out. COVID-19 social to take action and send the email. If engaging with new and young distancing measures and sheltering in a phone call action request is placed, members is key to ISA’s ongoing, place have forced Kindred and other phone numbers and issue details are successful outreach with elected farmers to find new ways to connect, distributed for farmers to call their officials. communicate and educate lawmakers. respective legislators. “I really enjoy being involved and Kindred anticipates Voice for Soy will generation on our family farm, so I being in the know when it comes to be a critical tool in the coming year, understand the dynamics of sharing agriculture policy,” says Kindred, who too, given a new farm bill is on the my experiences. Young farmers are serves as a director for the association horizon. By sharing ISA’s priorities with good at a lot of things I am not good and is chair of ISA’s Government farmers and then with lawmakers, the at and I think I am good at some of Relations Committee. “I have information gets shared in committee the things they are not so good at,” witnessed how much of a difference it meetings and gives farmers a leg up on he says. “If we share our knowledge makes when we lobby. And given the farm policy. as mentors, we will be a better events of 2020, it is vitally important, organization and shape better policy now more than ever, that we let our “It is critically important for legislators for future generations. legislators know how policies and who shape the future of farm policy regulations impact farmers and our to hear directly from farmers about “The experiences I have had have been industry. It cannot be underestimated.” how programs like crop insurance extremely rewarding,” Kindred sums. affect them,” he says. “Some farmers “It is a humbling and tremendous One of the innovative ways Kindred used crop insurance for the first time opportunity to speak to national and and others have been able to effectively in 2019 and in 2020. By sharing how international audiences on behalf of get their message out is through ISA’s beneficial the crop insurance renewal Illinois soybean farmers and to elevate Voice for Soy Action Center (www. act was for them, farmers help protect Voice for Soy so we can expand its use. voiceforsoy.org). The online resource the program for future generations.” I hope people who knew me 20 years allows participants to efficiently ago and still know me today have deliver a consistent message without Biodiesel is another example. Biodiesel watched me grow as a person and as personal contact. production and use are critical to a leader.” “Voice for Soy is a great way for farmers is made in Illinois from soybean oil. Kindred encourages all Illinois to contact elected officials. The site By supporting the industry, Kindred soybean supporters to sign up for Voice arms farmers with the most current says farmers help create a strong for Soy. Using a smartphone, send a information so they are equipped to marketplace and strengthen the price text to 52886 with the word “SOY.” take immediate action,” says Kindred. of soybeans. Voice for Soy has been A response will be sent immediately engaged in maintaining the state sales back with a link to complete a profile Voice for Soy provides a pathway for tax exemption for biodiesel blends of so the new user can begin advocating its participants to share the position more than 11 percent and again in for soybeans. “We are transitioning to the next www.centralilag.com · Volume 8 Issue 1 12