The 2021 Iowa State Legislative session began today and Iowa Soybean Association President Jeff Jorgenson says they’ll have to deal with the effects of the pandemic and find a way to support those harmed by it.

He says Iowa like many rural states has seen a large amount of stress among farmers and ranchers and that’s another issue state lawmakers will have to contend with.

Jorgenson says he’s hoping legislators support efforts to improve the state’s water quality but recognize positive efforts by producers and keep voluntary compliance in place rather than mandating anything.

Jorgenson says while earlier Governor Kim Reynolds had intended to work on bills to enhance conservation is holding back on that due to the impacts of the pandemic and the need to address that first.