Illinois Soybean Association Seeks New Farm Bill Amid Rising Input Costs
The Illinois Soybean Association is pressing for a new farm bill to provide stability and support for farmers amid rising input costs.
Tim Scates, District 16 director of the ISA, expressed concern about the outdated legislation, which has been extended multiple times since its original passage in 2018. The current farm bill addresses various aspects of agriculture, including commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, and research.
Scates noted that commodity prices have seen little change relative to input costs since the last farm bill was enacted. For example, while corn prices averaged $3.47 per bushel in 2018, they increased only slightly to $4.29 per bushel by 2025.
The ISA also emphasizes the importance of incorporating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into farming practices while ensuring that these advancements do not compromise farm safety and stability.