The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Board of Directors recently recognized Iowa Gov., Kim Reynolds; presenting her with their Distinguished Service Award for her unwavering support of Iowa agriculture and her dedicated advocacy on behalf of soybean farmers. “Gov. Reynolds is a true champion for Iowa agriculture and among the strongest voices nationally for the needs of soybean farmers and rural communities,” says ISA President, Jeff Jorgenson of Sidney. “She has an impressive track record of pro-agriculture support and policy accomplishments.” Jorgenson pointed to Reynolds’ support of biodiesel, signing an executive order in 2019 requiring all new state-owned, diesel-powered vehicles be able to use biodiesel blends. Then one year later, she signed into law the historic extension of the biodiesel fuel tax differential. She has been supportive in many other ways as well, securing an additional $7 million in federal CARES Act funding for renewable fuel expansion, and much more. “And she’s stood side-by-side with farmers throughout floods, the pandemic and historic derecho that last August devastated nearly one-third of Iowa’s soybean acres,” Jorgenson adds. ISA Policy Director, Michael Dolch, says Reynolds’ was the ideal recipient of the ISA’s most prestigious award. “She has demonstrated the grit and tenacity necessary to position the agriculture and soybean industry for sustained success,” he says. “And she’s done so despite a trade war, derecho and pandemic.”
