For Wisconsin Soybean Association President Doug Rebout, waxing poetically about his farm to a group of legislators comes naturally.

“When you’re in Madison, you look around, you see other buildings,” Rebout said. “This is my office view every day. I get sunrises. I get sunsets. I get to see wildlife every day.

A delegation of Wisconsin legislators and staff visited Rebout’s farm, gaining a firsthand look at modern soybean production and the challenges and opportunities facing the state’s farmers.

The visit brought together members of both the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate, along with Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski. Attendees included Reps. Ann Roe, Brienne Brown, Joan Fitzgerald, Margaret Arney, Karen DeSanto and Darrin Madison, as well as Sens. Mark Spreitzer and Melissa Ratcliff. Additional legislative offices were represented by staff from Rep. Roe, Sen. Jeff Smith, Sen. Johnson and Rep. Subeck.

“We opened an invitation to our more seasoned legislators as well but just to connect with people where they are, literally on the farm,” Rep. Roe said.

Hosted at the Rebout family’s operation near Janesville, the tour offered lawmakers a close look at planting equipment, soil conservation practices and the role soybeans play in local and global markets. Rebout also discussed how biodiesel, trade expansion and transportation infrastructure shape the profitability of Wisconsin farms.

The event served as part of WSA’s ongoing effort to connect elected officials with the realities of on-farm decision making. Lawmakers asked questions on topics ranging from input costs and supply chain pressures to water quality programs and permitting timelines.

“WSA directors have been active this year, whether it has been doing media interviews, testifying in Madison, to hosting legislators,” Rebout said. “We need to continue to tell the story of Wisconsin farmers and push for policies that help us, not hurt us, on our farms.”

With the 2025 legislative session approaching, WSA leaders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration on policies that keep family farms competitive, including support for biofuels, research funding through the state’s ag export program and safeguarding right-to-farm protections.