Sorensen discusses key soy issues

Congressman Eric Sorensen, serving District 17, affirmed his support of Illinois farmers while visiting a farm in central Illinois. 

Opey Rowell, a corn and soybean farmer in Manito, Ill., and member of Illinois Soybean Association’s Environmental Policy Task Force, showcased his regenerative agriculture practices to the Congressman on Nov. 10. 

On his farm, Rowell grows cover crops, strip-tills and does liquid fertilizer placement, when nutrients are applied directly to each row for greater efficiency and environmental benefit. Overall, Rowell discussed with the Congressman the importance and need for conservation funding while highlighting how conservation is not one-size-fits-all.

“Illinois farmers are some of the hardest working people that I know and I’m proud to work just as hard representing on the House Agriculture Committee,” said Congressman Sorensen. “What guides my work in Washington is meeting farmers where they are and listening to their stories, experiences, and concerns because they know better than anyone what does and doesn’t work. It’s through collaboration and partnership, that we’re able to deliver effective policy solutions, whether it’s identifying new markets here at home and overseas or bringing down production costs.”

"The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) would like to thank Congressman Sorensen for taking the time to come to Opey’s farm to discuss trade, the ag economy and conservation issues that impact our farmers,” said Rob Shaffer, ISA Government Relations Committee Chairman. “We need to continue to work together to keep Illinois farmers competitive in global markets and sustainable here at home.”

Sorensen’s district spans central and northwestern Illinois.