Congressman Sorensen discusses key issues with Illinois soybean farmers

Bloomington, Ill. - November 12, 2025 - 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.

###

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.

Media Contact Betsy Osman Illinois Soybean Association [email protected]