Illinois Commodity Groups React to Sen. Dick Durbin’s Retirement From Congress

Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement on Wednesday, signaling the end to a 44-year career in Congress after 2026. Durbin is the Democratic Whip in the upper chamber of Congress and was first elected to the Senate in 1996. As a senator in a major farm state, Durbin has been a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee since 2018. 

While on the Ag Committee, Durbin urged for the passing of a new Farm Bill to replace the current bill passed in 2018 and encouraged Illinois farmers to enroll in conservation programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. 

As news of his retirement came out, Illinois agricultural commodity groups reacted with statements honoring the 80 year old’s dedication during his tenure in Washington, D.C. 

Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB)

The IFB provides education and information to help farmers, while supporting legislation and lobbying efforts about agricultural issues. The IFB has more than 78,000 voting members.

“Illinois Farm Bureau is grateful for Senator Dick Durbin’s leadership,” said IFB President Brian Duncan.“For decades, our members have worked with his office, visiting him on the farm and in D.C. He has always welcomed Illinois Farm Bureau and agriculture. Though our policy positions haven’t always aligned, our conversations have been respectful, with a clear understanding of each other’s perspectives. With his decision not to seek re-election, Illinois farmers lose a significant leader in the Senate. However, Illinois Farm Bureau has a strong history of bipartisanship and will continue moving forward with this positive attitude. I wish him the best in retirement.”

Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA)

The ICGA 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.

“Illinois corn farmers are grateful for Senator Durbin’s many years of service, especially for his help securing funding for the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center and for helping to direct funds to build new locks and dams on the Mississippi River,” said ICGA President and Waterloo, Illinois, farmer Garrett Hawkins. “He also showed up for Illinois farmers many times over the years, supporting initiatives that would increase biofuels usage and bringing attention to unfair funding practices that left Illinois farmers out of important conservation initiatives. Senator Durbin leaves a tangible legacy of building policies and infrastructure that promote the profitability of Illinois farm families.”

Illinois Soybean Association (ISA)

The ISA is a checkoff and membership program that represents more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois and “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,” per the organization’s website.

“The Illinois Soybean Association thanks Senator Durbin for his years of principled service to Illinoisans,” said Ron Kindred, ISA chairman and farmer from Atlanta, Illinois. “Senator Durbin has served on the Senate Agriculture Committee and has fought for Illinois farmers on farm bills and many other issues. We look forward to working with the Senator for the remainder of his term to provide better outcomes for Illinois farmers.”