News

The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) convened farmer leaders from across the state at the Ohio Statehouse for its annual Legislative Day, bringing grower voices directly to lawmakers to advocate for policies critical to Ohio’s soybean industry.

Throughout the day, OSA leaders met with legislators to discuss pending legislation and priority policy issues for soybean producers.

OSA President Bennett Musselman emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This is one of the most important things we can do as members of an advocacy organization like OSA. We need lawmakers to understand how policy impacts our farm operations and there is no better voice than our own.”

The day included conversations about pending legislation including OSA-supported House Bill 575, which proposes several improvements to the Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) program. The bill aims to reduce administrative burdens for farmers by eliminating annual renewal forms, requiring counties to offer online applications, providing notification to recipients when valuations change, and simplifying the process for farms operating across multiple counties.

The central focus of the day was strained markets, high production costs and strategies Ohio can implement to create new opportunities for soybeans in Ohio. Farmers told lawmakers there is opportunity in enhanced domestic markets.

Farmer leaders encouraged lawmakers to consider state-level policies that would expand soy-based biofuel production. OSA is collaborating with end users, fuel producers, and other stakeholders to identify incentives that could help grow Ohio’s biofuels sector.

In addition, OSA urged legislators to explore opportunities to attract industries that utilize renewable agricultural feedstocks—such as soy—in the manufacturing of consumer and industrial products.

“Other states have created comprehensive plans to encourage the growth of biomanufacturing,” said Brandon Kern, OSA Deputy Executive Director and Senior Policy Director. “Those plans have been organized and facilitated through public-private partnerships, and we need more collaboration like that here to make sure Ohio capitalizes on this opportunity to create new domestic markets for soy-based products.”

The day also included a special presentation of Senate Resolution 268 on the Senate floor, where senators recognized the Ohio Soybean Association in honor of its 60th anniversary and its longstanding service to Ohio’s farmers.