Rep. Lauren Underwood Visits Starved Rock Lock and Dam to Discuss the Importance of Infrastructure Investment for Agriculture and Industry

OTTAWA, Ill. — On October 11, 2024, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to host Rep. Lauren Underwood at the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. During the visit, Underwood toured the lock and dam system and discussed the system’s vital role in the transportation of agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, grain, and other goods critical to the state’s economy.

As the largest soybean-producing state and second largest corn-producing state in the country, Illinois plays a critical role in feeding both domestic and international markets. Efficient infrastructure at locks and dams like Starved Rock is vital not only for Illinois farmers but for all American farmers, ensuring that U.S. crops, including corn and soybeans, can be transported swiftly and cost-effectively, keeping American agriculture competitive on the global stage.

 ISA and ICGA leadership joined the Congresswoman for discussions on the future of infrastructure investment and the need for federal support in modernizing and maintaining the locks and dams across the Midwest to support corn and soybean farmers.

“Illinois farmers feed our nation and the world, and they count on our infrastructure being modern and efficient to get their goods to market,” Underwood said. “The Starved Rock Lock and Dam here in our community is a vital pathway that's built and maintained by skilled union workers. They make sure the Lock and Dam runs smoothly and safely for us all, and I’ll continue to support them and work to bring home federal investments for this critical infrastructure.”

"The Illinois Soybean Association is proud to convene this important discussion and tour," said Andrew Larson, ISA director of government relations and strategy. "Modern infrastructure is crucial to the success of Illinois farmers, and today's visit underscores the need for ongoing investment to ensure the efficient and safe movement of our crops."

“Illinois corn farmers export more corn out of the state than any other state in the union,” said Jim Tarmann, managing director of the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA). “ICGA appreciates Congresswoman Underwood’s attention to the needs of our inland waterway system because it continues to be the US’s comparative advantage in the global marketplace. “The farm economy is already in a bad place so any unforeseeable disruptions impacting the export of corn, just makes a bad financial situation worse.”

The ISA and ICGA remain committed to advocating for policies and investments that benefit Illinois soybean and corn farmers, respectively, and the agricultural community at large.

About the Illinois Soybean Association: 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 and the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) actively advocate 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.

About IL Corn Growers Association: IL Corn Growers Association is a state-based organization that represents the interests of corn farmers in Illinois, maintaining a high profile on issues in Washington, D.C., and Springfield, Illinois. Through grassroots advocacy, ICGA creates a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully. In order to fulfill this mission, the organization conducts governmental affairs activities at all levels, market development projects, and educational and member service programs. For further information regarding their work and involvement, visit their website www.ilcorn.org.

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