Marco Rubio announces ag leader endorsements

Some of Iowa’s top agriculture leaders are endorsing Marco Rubio, among 24 in the industry who recently threw their support behind the Florida senator, the campaign announced Friday.

They include: Iowa Soybean Association CEO Kirk Leeds, American Soybean Association Chairman Ray Gaesser, Iowa Biodiesel Board Executive Director Grant Kimberly, and Iowa Corn Growers Association Chair Jerry Mohr. Mohr had previously endorsed Jeb Bush.

Gage Kent, chairman and CEO of the Kent Corp., and Iowa Senator Tom Shipley, former policy director of the Iowa Cattleman's Association, also endorsed Rubio.

The endorsements come two months after questions emerged over Rubio’s support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, which is the ethanol industry's top priorities. Rubio’s has since clarified his stance on the program, saying he’d support the RFS through 2022.

Corn and soybeans are Iowa's two leading crops. Almost half of Iowa's corn is used to ethanol production, while roughly one-sixth of the state's soybeans are used in biodiesel.

Supporters of the RFS believe increased ethanol and biodiesel production would help raise corn and soybean prices, as well as preserve 73,000 jobs.