Kirk Leeds Chief Executive Officer, Iowa Soybean Association kleeds@iasoybeans.com, Twitter @kirkleeds
"Driven To Deliver"
I
n last month’s column, I noted that many farmers were looking forward to saying “good riddance” to 2019. Well, here we are. Welcome to 2020 and to the start of the third decade of the new millennium. My how the years fly by. As we began a new year, I found myself reflecting upon the challenges we have experienced over the past several years and what the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) needs to stay focused on in the months ahead. We have much work to do. I also reviewed ISA’s new strategic plan and list of priorities recently approved by the farmer leaders who serve as ISA directors. Included in the plan are such things as: • Increasing the export of soybeans to new markets around the world. • Supporting livestock and poultry exports and production growth in Iowa. • Improving the cost effectiveness, reliability and competitiveness of the U.S. transportation system. • Increasing demand for biodiesel.
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• Promoting soybeans and soy foods as key components in efforts to meet global protein needs. • Improving soybean production and quality. • Partnering with others to improve water quality, conservation and soil health. • Advocating for state and national policies that support of Iowa soybean farmers. • Increasing consumer confidence in today’s farm and food system. • Developing closer relationships with farmers, industry stakeholders, elected officials and other key opinion leaders. ISA will soon be launching a new messaging platform, “Driven to Deliver.” It does a great job reflecting the historical strengths of our organization, the values of our farmer leaders and staff, and the unwavering commitment we have to the soybean farmers of this great state.
What are those key values? • Honesty • Transparency • Continuous improvement • Commitment to stewardship
• Fact-based and data driven • Collaboration and partnerships
What does "Driven To Deliver" mean?
• Developing markets and new uses • Providing farmer-focused production research and • Offering timely information and know-how
And what is that unwavering commitment?
• Building new markets and uses for soybeans • Conducting innovative, independent and objective farmerfocused research to enhance cropping and conservation systems for growers • Providing information and know-how enabling sound farm business decision-making • Deploying non-checkoff resources to advance public policy and regulations benefiting soybean farmers and the industry
In summary, ISA is “Driven to Deliver” as we continue to expand opportunities and deliver results for Iowa soybean farmers...in 2020 and beyond.
