Budzinski Hears 4th-Generation Illinois Farmers Press for E15, Crop Insurance

1 articles · Updated · Capitol City Now · Aug 7

Waggoner, Illinois farmers told Rep. Nikki Budzinski that low crop prices and a weak farm economy are making it hard to stay profitable, with fourth-generation farmer Wayne Rosenthal calling conditions the worst he has seen.
Budzinski said younger and beginning farmers are struggling especially hard, and framed federal support as critical to keeping their bottom lines afloat.
E15 expansion emerged as one proposed fix because the corn-based fuel uses billions of bushels a year, though critics argue wider use could disrupt fuel markets.
Crop insurance and conservation programs were also central concerns as growers face weather swings — from too much rain to too little — while trying to protect yields and soil.