News

Farmer leaders from the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) successfully advanced critical policy positions at the American Soybean Association (ASA) Voting Delegate Session during the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, CO. Delegates from across the country overwhelmingly supported several Ohio-led proposals aimed at ensuring fair treatment in biofuel regulations and international trade policies.

OSA secured approval for a proposal requiring a more accurate assessment of life cycle carbon emissions for fuels made with waste feedstocks. Currently, carbon emissions from soybean cultivation and processing are deducted from the fuel’s overall benefit, while waste feedstocks are not subject to the same calculations, creating an uneven playing field.

Another Ohio-led resolution supports eliminating the Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) penalty applied to soybeans under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard. Ohio farmers argue that deforestation and land-use changes tied to biofuel expansion are largely a South American issue, not a U.S. concern. Removing the ILUC penalty would allow U.S. soybeans to be more fairly assessed in carbon reduction models.

Additionally, Ohio delegates proposed a resolution urging U.S. trade officials to negotiate reasonable sustainability compliance measures that do not place an undue burden on farmers. This is in response to regulations like the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which restricts trade in commodities linked to deforestation. Ohio farmers, who already follow strong sustainability practices, fear the EUDR could create unnecessary trade barriers.

“These policy wins are a testament to the power of Ohio’s soybean farmers working together to protect and strengthen our industry,” said OSA President and Williams County farmer Rusty Goebel. “By leveling the playing field in biofuel regulations and pushing for fair trade policies, we’re ensuring that our hard work is recognized, and our soybeans have the opportunity to compete globally.”

Farmer delegates from Ohio included David Clark (Warren County), Dustin Converse (Union County), Trish Cunningham (Union County), Rusty Goebel (Williams County), Dave Green (Crawford County), Bennett Musselman (Pickaway County), Ryan Rhoades (Marion County), Bob Suver (Clark County), and Jennifer Wilson-Oechsle (Van Wert Couty). Additionally, Ross County farmer Scott Metzger led the delegate session as the Vice President of ASA.

“It was an honor to lead the delegate session and create policy resolutions that will benefit soybean farmers across the country,” Metzger said. “These resolutions will ensure a sustainable future for U.S. agriculture while continuing to meet the growing global demand for our product.”