Iowa Soybean Association, Biodiesel Industry Welcome Kim Reynolds as Iowa Governor

ANKENY, Iowa – With the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Terry Branstad as U.S. Ambassador to China, the Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Soybean Association welcome Kim Reynolds as the 43rd Governor of Iowa. Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President Rolland Schnell of Newton and Grant Kimberley, ISA Director of Market Development and Executive Director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, issued the following statement:

Rolland Schnell

“Gov. Kim Reynolds is a proven advocate for farm families, supporting Iowa jobs and improving the prosperity of our local communities. Her experience as lieutenant governor and state senator provides her with a unique understanding of agriculture’s role as a catalyst for employment and economic development in Iowa.

“She also knows the important role trade plays in supporting Iowa jobs and economic prosperity. She has been a staunch supporter of the soybean industry, participating in numerous trade missions while welcoming international delegations to Iowa. Soybean farmers look forward to accompanying her on a trade mission to China this summer as we continue to build relationships and business with key markets.

“Gov. Reynolds is also keenly aware of the leadership role Iowa plays in producing and selling soybeans and how soybean farmers are demonstrating efficient production with improved conservation and water quality practices. We will work closely with her to establish dedicated and sustained funding to drive greater adoption of conservation practices to the betterment of all Iowans.”

Grant Kimberley

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Kim Reynolds as Governor of Iowa. We have no doubt she will be an extremely capable governor who will continue to care deeply about science, agriculture and biofuels, recognizing the benefits these key industries bring to our state.

“Having worked with her on trade missions abroad and on biofuels issues at home, she has shown herself to be a natural-born leader in her own right. Governor Reynolds has steadfastly supported the comprehensive state biodiesel policies that help make Iowa the number one biodiesel-producing state. At the federal level, we’re confident she will be an outspoken proponent of the Renewable Fuel Standard, as was her predecessor.  

“The State of Iowa is fortunate to have her take the helm from Governor Branstad, who we heartily thank for his decades of strong leadership. His work made Iowa a better place, and we look forward to many productive years ahead working with Governor Reynolds on issues critical to Iowa’s economy and environment.” 

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The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) implements programs, activities and policies improving the competitiveness of the soybean industry to the benefit of Iowa’s nearly 40,000 soybean farmers. Priorities include production research, market development, environmental programming, producer outreach, consumer engagement, transportation and policy. The association, founded in 1964 and governed by an elected, volunteer board of 22 soybean farmers, is funded by the soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources. It is fact-based and data driven, dedicated to honesty and transparency and committed to sustaining a strong and vibrant soybean industry through collaboration and partnerships.

The Iowa Biodiesel Board (www.iowabiodiesel.org) is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry. Biodiesel – made from a variety of resources including soybean oil, recycled cooking oil and animal fats – is the first EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide.