By Blake Jackson
For Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) President Doug Rebout, sharing the beauty and purpose of his farm with legislators feels natural.
“When you’re in Madison, you look around, you see other buildings,” Rebout said. “This is my office view every day. I get sunrises. I get sunsets. I get to see wildlife every day."
Recently, Rebout hosted a delegation of Wisconsin legislators and staff at his family farm near Janesville, offering them a firsthand experience of modern soybean farming. The tour provided an inside look at planting equipment, soil conservation methods, and the vital role soybeans play in both local and international markets.
The visit drew members from both the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate, as well as Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski. Attendees included Reps. Ann Roe, Brienne Brown, Joan Fitzgerald, Margaret Arney, Karen DeSanto, and Darrin Madison, along with Sens. Mark Spreitzer and Melissa Ratcliff. Staff from the offices of Rep. Roe, Sen. Jeff Smith, Sen. Johnson, and Rep. Subeck also participated.
“We opened an invitation to our more seasoned legislators as well but just to connect with people where they are, literally on the farm,” Rep. Roe said.
During the visit, Rebout discussed key issues influencing farm profitability, including biodiesel, trade opportunities, and transportation infrastructure. Lawmakers also engaged in discussions about input costs, supply chain challenges, water quality initiatives, and permitting concerns.
“WSA directors have been active this year, whether it has been doing media interviews, testifying in Madison, to hosting legislators,” Rebout said. “We need to continue to tell the story of Wisconsin farmers and push for policies that help us, not hurt us, on our farms.”
As the 2025 legislative session nears, WSA leaders stressed the need for continued cooperation on policies supporting family farms such as expanding biofuels, funding agricultural research, and protecting right-to-farm laws.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Soybeans, Government & Policy