Rooted in Membership, Sustained Through Connections BY BETHANY BARATTA
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ndrew Lauver distinctly remembers learning about the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) at the dinner table with his family. His father Kevin worked as an ISA membership recruiter then and shared stories of the work ISA was doing to help farmers be productive and profitable. Through his own membership, Lauver has learned that ISA’s mission and focus on farmers haven’t changed. “I’m proud to be associated with ISA and the great work they do on more fronts than profitability,” says Lauver, an ISA farmer member near Rockwell City. He got involved with ISA in 2012 as part of the District Advisory Council (DAC). Since then, he’s formed strong,
deeper relationships with fellow farmers and ISA staff. Connections with other farmers in his area and across the state provide opportunities for greater understanding and camaraderie. He thinks of ISA District 4 Director Jeff Frank of Auburn as a leader not only in the community, but as a mentor to him within the ag community. There’s also Sam Showalter, who Lauver met in college and continues to maintain contact with through ISA. In fact, Lauver and Showalter have both received the ISA New Leader Award for their involvement and commitment to promoting the soybean industry and agriculture. Opportunities to connect with
other farmers either through research forums, policy advocacy discussions or through the various programs like Communications Squad and ISA Experience Class cultivate valuable relationships. “There are several opportunities to rub elbows with other knowledgeable producers and ISA members,” says Reed Burres, an ISA farmer member from Humboldt and member of the ISA District Advisory Council. These interactions have helped me become a better farmer, he adds. “Farmers who are more involved are also more involved with farm management practices,” Burres says. “Because of that, I’ve picked up on more tools to add to my existing crop management toolbox.” Burres also received the New Leader Award from ISA. Being an ISA member means having the news and information to help
I am Driven To Deliver an opportunity for our next generation.
28 | SUMMER 2020 | IASOYBEANS.COM
– Andrew
