ICGA, M&P focus on policy so farmers can focus on row crops

BY KHYLA GOODMAN

Farmers wear many hats to get the job done, both literally and figuratively. To be a farmer means you are a caretaker, business owner, mechanic, heavy equipment operator, salesman, conservationist, etc. The list goes on. It’s apparent that farming is more than a career, it’s a lifestyle. Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership & Policy Committee (M&P) can help delegate the role of policy advocate, so farmers have one less hat to wear. By joining these organizations, they work for Indiana corn and soybean farmers to advocate on policy so farmers can continue to focus on feeding the world.

ICGA and M&P are separate from the checkoff organizations because checkoff dollars cannot fund policy advocacy efforts. The policy organizations receive funding from corporate sponsors and farmer membership dues.

Our staff has a team dedicated to policy with an extensive background and imperative connections to the agriculture policy world. Our jobs are to work on advocating for Indiana farmers at the Statehouse in Indianapolis and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Our strength is in numbers. The more members we have, the more impact we can make.

Becoming a member of ICGA and M&P means farmers also have access to other farmers. We host policy events
throughout the year that members receive exclusive invitations to attend. This gives Indiana farmers the opportunity to meet with other farmers across the state to connect with and collaborate.

At these events industry leaders, stakeholders, and legislators attend to discuss agricultural policy. They want to hear from our farmer members. This provides the opportunity for farmers to talk directly with Indiana senators and congressmen representing all nine districts in the state. The best way to make an impact is to have farmers provide examples from their farms to show how important policy issues are and how they impact those businesses.

A membership provides many perks and benefits to farmers. Part of the membership dues go into paying the national organizations’ dues to become a member of those organizations, as well. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and American Soybean Association (ASA) are the two national organizations that represent corn and soybean growers across the country. These two organizations have a large presence in Washington, D.C. to advocate for corn and soybean policy on behalf of farmers.

Again, the power of numbers helps make them be so impactful when talking with legislators. Also, they provide benefits and discounts from national companies to farmer members as an incentive and way of saying thanks for being a member. An investment in a membership more than pays for itself from the benefits. Being a member of ICGA and M&P farmers have a lobbyist in agriculture policy, a network of farmers to connect with, exclusive policy events throughout the state, opportunities to connect with legislators directly, and exclusive discounts on national brands.

Interested in joining? Contact Khyla Goodman at kgoodman@indianasoybean.com or go online at the ICGA
website to incorn.org/icga/join-icga or the ISA website to indianasoybean.com/memberships.