SPECIAL EDITION
IOWA
SOYBEAN Director Election 2021
Growing ISA’s Future: Vote in Upcoming Election
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Dear Soybean Farmer, Thank you for opening this edition of the Iowa Soybean Review. It features everything you need to know about the annual Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors election and the importance of your participation. Just like with any election, our involvement determines the results. When we elect farmers to the ISA board, we are choosing the people who decide how to spend our checkoff dollars. And those checkoff dollars couldn’t be more important. We’ve seen the direct benefit they have on our bottom lines right here in Iowa. I’m proud to report that for every one checkoff dollar invested on international marketing, we see a $17.95 rate of return. These decisions have a real impact on us and should be taken very seriously. We need to keep increasing global demand for our products; leading research on our production practices and communicating to consumers what farmers are doing. There are two ways you can make a difference in how our checkoff dollars are used.
on investment. These farmers oversee not only financial decisions, but strategically create and innovate new, industry-leading ideas to keep Iowa’s soybean farmers on the cutting edge. Second, run for the board. Serving on the board wasn’t on my radar, but has provided me a broader understanding of soybean production and how our industry plays a role locally, nationally and globally. We all know being a farmer is placing one foot in front of the other, every single day to make progress happen. You can make those steps more meaningful by getting involved in the election process and with ISA. Best regards,
Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney, IA ISA President
First, cast an informed vote for the directors who represent you on our board. These are the people who are charged with fulfilling that return
IOWA SOYBEAN REVIEW® | 3
See Yourself as a Member The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is your organization, founded and led by farmers just like you! When you join ISA, you choose how engaged you want to be. From receiving topic-specific information to presiding over a 22-farmer board of directors, your journey is entirely up to you. We need you. The future of our industry depends on supporting each other along the way.
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The Iowa Soybean Association is a family of soybean farmers “Driven To Deliver” and strengthened by a common cause — to help farmers produce and sell more soybeans at a competitive price. We deliver opportunities to you, our members, to help
What matters to you matters to us because ISA is directed by the soybean farmer and powered by the soybean checkoff.
you make the most of your membership — and your checkoff investment. Our programs connect you with fellow farmers, develop and hone your leadership skills, provide the latest industry information and help you see yourself in places you never thought possible.
IOWA SOYBEAN REVIEW® | 5
Why vote?
Voting for the farmer who best represents you is how you can be part of the checkoff process. The board of directors determines how your checkoff gets invested. Whether its increasing market demand, agronomic and conservation research to consumer outreach, your vote will impact the future of soybean farmer priorities. Your participation in this election determines the future of checkoff investments and priorities.
How to vote:
If you live in district 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 or 9: You’re electing one ISA director in your crop district and one At-Large director. If you live in district 4, 5 or 8: You’re electing one At-Large director. 1. Ballot(s): Complete and enclose in the small envelope. Do not enclose anything else in the ballot envelope. 2. Soybean Producers Affidavit: Read, sign and enclose with your ballot envelope. This is required and qualifies you as a voter. 4. Farmer Member Form: Complete to validate or activate your membership. This allows us to better serve you throughout the year. 5. Place the ballot envelope, affidavit and member form in the enclosed return envelope. To qualify, all ballots must be postmarked no later than July 31, 2021.
LYON
KOSSUTH
OSCEOLA
DICKINSON
EMMET
O’BRIEN
CLAY
PALO ALTO
CHEROKEE
BUENA VISTA
POCAHONTAS
WINNEBAGO
WORTH
HANCOCK
CERRO GORDO
WRIGHT
FRANKLIN
MITCHELL
HOWARD
FLOYD
CHICKASAW
BUTLER
BREMER
WINNESHIEK ALLAMAKEE
SIOUX
Questions?
Districts
PLYMOUTH
WOODBURY
IDA
SAC
CALHOUN
4
MONONA
CRAWFORD
CARROLL
SHELBY
AUDUBON
HARRISON
HUMBOLDT
BLACK HAWK
WEBSTER
BOONE
GREENE
GUTHRIE
HAMILTON
DALLAS
HARDIN
STORY
POLK
5
FAYETTE
CLAYTON
BUCHANAN
DELAWARE
3
DUBUQUE
GRUNDY
TAMA
BENTON
LINN
POWESHIEK
IOWA
JOHNSON
MARSHALL
JASPER
6
JONES
JACKSON
CLINTON CEDAR SCOTT MUSCATINE
POTTAWATTAMIE
7
CASS
ADAIR
MADISON
WARREN
8
MILLS
MONTGOMERY
ADAMS
UNION
CLARKE
FREMONT
PAGE
TAYLOR
RINGGOLD
DECATUR
MAHASKA
MARION
KEOKUK
WASHINGTON LOUISA
LUCAS
MONROE
WAPELLO
JEFFERSON
WAYNE
APPANOOSE
DAVIS
VAN BUREN
HENRY DES MOINES
LEE
If you market at least 250 bushels of soybeans yearly, and you don’t receive a ballot in the mail by July 15, call the Iowa Soybean Association at 515-250-8640 to request one. LYON
OSCEOLA
DICKINSON
EMMET
KOSSUTH
WINNEBAGO
WORTH
MITCHELL
HOWARD
WINNESHIEK
Contact Carrie Kelly, ISA Producer Services Coordinator at (515) 229-2893 or ckelly@iasoybeans.com. ALLAMAKEE
SIOUX
PLYMOUTH
O’BRIEN
CLAY
PALO ALTO
CHEROKEE
BUENA VISTA
POCAHONTAS
WOODBURY
6 | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 | IASOYBEANS.COM MONONA
IDA
SAC
4
CRAWFORD
CALHOUN
CARROLL
HUMBOLDT
WEBSTER
GREENE
HANCOCK
CERRO GORDO
WRIGHT
FRANKLIN
FLOYD
CHICKASAW
BUTLER
BREMER
BLACK HAWK HAMILTON
BOONE
STORY
HARDIN
5
FAYETTE
CLAYTON
BUCHANAN
DELAWARE
3
DUBUQUE
GRUNDY
TAMA MARSHALL
BENTON
LINN
6
JONES
JACKSON
CLINTON CEDAR
DISTRICT 1
INCUMBENT
Brent Swart Spencer Brent Swart and his brother raise soybeans and corn near Spencer. They are increasing the use of cover crops, striptill and no-till systems on their fifth generation farm. Swart earned a Bachelor of Science in agronomy and a Master of Science in crop production and physiology from Iowa State University. He has participated in ISA Experience Class, District Advisory Council, ISA research trials, American Soybean Association's leadership college, and the ASA/DuPont Young Leader Program. He’s also been a member of the U.S. Soybean Export Council's Sustainability and Market Access Strategic Utilization team and an ISA representative on the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? To be a voice for farmers in northwest Iowa in research and policy decisions that affect their operations. I work with growers every day and I want to make sure their soybean checkoff dollars are spent effectively and responsibly.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers and how can the ISA board address it? Maintaining profitability. ISA can continue to be a strong advocate for increasing and diversifying markets for our soybeans, finding new uses and increasing our presence in the biofuels industry, and growing relationships with current and new trade partners. It’s crucial for ISA to be a voice for Iowa farmers as our current administration sets policies, constructs programs, and defines regulations. ISA needs to continue to maintain its leadership in research to help Iowa farmers increase yields, profitability, and sustainability.
Kipp Fehr Mallard A candidate for the District 1 board election, Kipp Fehr farms near Mallard in Palo Alto County. He rented his first farm when he was 16 years old. He switched to strip-till practices in 2013 to help conserve moisture and improve soil health on his farm. About half of his acres are irrigated with center pivots. He and his family also do custom strip-till and harvesting. Fehr has been active with the Palo Alto County Farm Bureau, serving as a board member, president, vice president and voting delegate. Fehr is also a member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? So I can continue to make a difference in agriculture and promote issues that will benefit the Iowa soybean farmer. The connections I have made across Iowa and in the state government allow me to discuss different issues that affect farmers while working toward solutions. Serving on the ISA board will allow me to help bring the benefits of good trade relations and be involved in finding new uses for the soybeans we raise.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers and how can the ISA board address it? Making sure there is a constant strong demand for our soybeans through trade with other countries as well as domestic use. Prices are in a good area currently and ISA can continue to develop strong relationships with end users—both foreign and domestic—so farmers can benefit from good prices, benefiting the entire state.
IOWA SOYBEAN REVIEW® | 7
DISTRICT 2
INCUMBENT
April Hemmes Hampton April Hemmes grows soybeans, corn, alfalfa and pasture on her farm, which is celebrating its 120th year owned and operated by her family. She practices no-till, conservation tillage and has buffer strips, wetlands and pollinators. Hemmes, a current ISA District 2 director, earned a Bachelor of Science in animal science from Iowa State University. She serves on the United Soybean Board, USDA Foreign Ag Service Ag Trade Advisory Council, Soy Nutrition Institute Board of Directors, Iowa State University Ivy College of Business Department of Management Executive Advisory Council, Iowa Beginning Farmer Center Advisory Council, Iowa State University Ag Endowment Advisory Council, Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award nominating committee, John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group Lead User Group, Franklin County Soil & Water Commission, Franklin County Farm Service Agency County Committee, Iowa Corn Growers and Iowa Farm Bureau, and is a township clerk.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? Serving the past six years, I have seen this board really can make a difference in research, demand, promotion, and policy. I can bring different insights that help bring innovative and productive projects to Iowa producers.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers and how can the ISA board address it? With my new appointment to the FAS Ag Trade Advisory Council I will vocalize farmers’ thoughts to those who develop trade policy. Our soybeans really are the best and most accessible in the world. I will work on demand of the soybeans and getting fair trade policies so producers can thrive.
Kevin Krumwiede Ledyard Kevin Krumwiede farms near Ledyard in Kossuth County. He farms with his brother-in-law raising soybeans and corn. Krumwiede has been involved in his community as a church elder as well as with several agricultural organizations including the Kossuth County Farm Bureau, where he’s been a member for more than three decades and served in positions including president. He’s also been involved with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Ag Leaders Institute, serving as an Iowa Farm Bureau voting delegate to represent Iowa at the annual American Farm Bureau meeting. Krumwiede serves as an ISA District Advisory Council member and ISA Experience class participant. Krumwiede says since becoming a DAC member, he’s never missed a meeting. He is also a member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? After taking the experience class and learning more about all that ISA is involved in, I felt the need to get more information and get involved myself.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers and how can the ISA board address it? Some of the biggest issues include markets, new uses, and new technology. We need to advance our industry by working on developing new markets and uses and help to keep the price of new technology affordable for the farmers who need it. Farmers simply need support to protect profitability to keep farming.
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DISTRICT 3
INCUMBENT
Suzanne Shirbroun Farmersburg Suzanne Shirbroun farms in Clayton County and serves as an Iowa Soybean Association District 3 Director. She is a sixth-generation farmer and raises soybeans and corn with her family. Suzanne graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s of science in agronomy and pest management. She’s served two terms on the ISA board of directors. She is currently the vice president of the NCSRP Board of Directors and has also served as secretary and treasurer. She’s a Clayton County 4-H program club leader and coach of the Clayton County crop scouting teams. She volunteers as a coach for the FFA agronomy career development event. Suzanne is a member of the Clayton County Corn Growers Association, Clayton County Assessors Review Board, and of the Norway Lutheran Church in St. Olaf.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? Six years ago I was interested in serving on the ISA board to learn how my checkoff dollars are used to fund research, develop markets and new uses for soybeans, etc. Today, the answer is still the same. It’s important for farmers to take an active role in the use of our checkoff money.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers and how can the ISA board address it? Soybean farmer profitability is the top priority. To be profitable we need demand. To maintain demand we need to be competitively priced compared to our South American competitors. To stay competitively priced, we need good transportation, infrastructure, supply and government policy. It’s a challenge to maintain all of these points, but that is why we have the ISA.
Jim Fitkin Cedar Falls James “Jim” Fitkin grows soybeans, corn and popcorn on his fourth-generation family farm near Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County. He has also raised hogs and dairy cows. A candidate for the District 3 race, Fitkin is a member of the Iowa Soybean Association’s District Advisory Council and an active participant with ISA’s Communications Squad. He has been a director for the Black Hawk County Farm Bureau for more than a decade.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? I want to help spread the story of how the soybean farmer is sustainably feeding the world and steer the government in a pro-ag direction.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers and how can the ISA board address it? Government is the biggest issue currently facing Iowa soybean farmers. But it shouldn't be. Iowa soybean farmers know how to produce the food consumed by the world in a safe and sustainable fashion. And much of the time the government issues uneducated regulations that hinder us in this task. I would like to help the ISA board educate the public and the legislature about American agriculture to help them make wise decisions concerning ag.
IOWA SOYBEAN REVIEW® | 9
DISTRICT 6
INCUMBENT
Robb Ewoldt Davenport Robb Ewoldt farms in Scott County, raising soybeans, corn and hay using strip-till and no-till systems. He also raises cow-calf pairs and has a custom hog finishing operation. Ewoldt is president-elect of the Iowa Soybean Association, and has also served as a director, treasurer, and secretary for ISA. He serves as a board member for the Soy Transportation Coalition and has been a voting delegate, treasurer, vice president and president for Scott County Farm Bureau. Ewoldt is a first responder, a member of the Calvary Church, a township trustee, and a member of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? It’s more important than ever we have a voice and lobby in D.C. to get more agfriendly policies. I have testified before the House Ag Committee regarding the trade war and the need for Market Facilitation Program payments. I advocated for renewable fuels during an EPA hearing. Those experiences helped shape the discussion surrounding those issues, and I want to continue advocating on behalf of my fellow soybean farmers.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers and how can the ISA board address it? Farm profitability. As soybean prices rise, so have input costs. There’s a need to educate about what we’re doing to cut input costs to farm profitably. There’s a lot of research and resources within the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation to show how farmers are productive and efficient.
Josh Henik Mount Vernon Josh Henik raises soybeans, corn, and cattle on the family’s seventh-generation farm. He is also a crop instructor at Kirkwood Community College, where he has developed partnerships with ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation. Josh earned his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in agronomy at Iowa State University. He is vice president for the Linn County Farm Bureau and has participated in Iowa Farm Bureau’s Ag Leaders Institute. Henik is a member of his parish council, has served as a voting delegate for Iowa Soybean Association District 6, and serves on the board of directors for the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? Engagement by our farmers through their representative organizations help shape the future of trade and farm policy, develop programs to advance commodity production, and provide a voice to the minority of individuals who provide the foodstuffs for most of the population. If my fellow producers believe that I possess the skills and experience required to represent them I would humbly serve to advance the interests of Iowa’s soybean farmers.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it? There has been an emphasis placed on issues related to climate and the environment, and ISA's history of work with conservation practices, water quality, and on-farm research uniquely positions the organization to speak to these issues. Advocating for expanded markets is critical to the future of the soy industry. To deliver on these markets, ISA must continue to push for a focus on infrastructure.
10 | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 | IASOYBEANS.COM
DISTRICT 7
Chris Gaesser Lenox Chris Gaesser raises soybeans, corn and cereal rye with his wife, Shannon, and his parents near Corning. The family raises cover crops and cleans and sells cover crop seeds. They have incorporated numerous conservation practices on their farm. Gaesser earned his Bachelor of Science in agronomy from Iowa State University. He’s dedicated to on-farm research and keeps an open mind on trying new things on his farm. A challenger in the District 7 board election, he is active in the Iowa Soybean Association’s District Advisory Council, the ISA Research Advisory board, and the Iowa Farm Bureau Issue Advisory Committee.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? I have a passion for agriculture and its image. I love research and helping communicate with the general population about the importance of agriculture and the reasons we do the things we do. I also think it's important to help increase conservation efforts to deter further regulation, so farmers are not as restricted on how they do things.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it? Continuing to expand trade opportunities so as not to become too reliant on any one country.
Lee Brooke Clarinda Lee Brooke farms near Clarinda with his son and son-in-law. They raise soybeans, corn, hay and also have a cow-calf operation, a cattle feedlot and contract finish hogs. A challenger in the District 7 board election, Brooke graduated from the farm operations program at Iowa State University. He is the current president of the Southwest Iowa Rural Water Association, and a member of the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Pork Producers Association. He has held leadership positions with a local cooperative, church, cattlemen’s board, and has served as a representative on the Land O’Lakes Executive Council.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? I want to promote market development and new uses through research of soybean products. I want to do my part in keeping the soybean industry competitive and viable in the future and for other countries.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it? All farmers, including Iowa soybean growers, are facing new challenges every day to feed the expanding population in a cost-effective way. The ISA board can help growers by being involved in making sure there is free and fair trade around the world and by keeping new regulations in check. The board can help in the development of new products/uses of soybeans to help in the profitability of soybean farmers. Consumer education from the ISA is vital to soybean growers. Another important issue is the challenge of bringing the younger generation into farming.
IOWA SOYBEAN REVIEW® | 11
DISTRICT 9
INCUMBENT
Pat Swanson Ottumwa Pat Swanson farms near Ottumwa in southeast Iowa and serves as District 9 director for the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). She farms with her husband, Don, and their families. The sixth generation to farm, they raise soybeans, corn and cattle. Swanson graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in computer science. She’s currently serving on the Wapello County 4-H Foundation, Iowa CommonGround, ISA Communications Squad, the Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee, American Soybean Association (ASA) Agriculture Communications Team, and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Board. She and her husband also own Son Risk Management, a crop insurance agency they started in Ottumwa in 2002.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? I’ve enjoyed serving on the ISA board and I feel it’s more important than ever that we advocate for Iowa’s soybean farmers at the state and federal levels with our legislators and consumers of our products.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it? There is nothing more satisfying than bringing in a big harvest after all of the hard work. We need to find more uses for our soybeans through our research projects and more markets by working with the new administration on trade policies. Programs like AgOutcomes Fund is going to be more important than ever and we need to continue our work on this creative approach to protect water quality and sequester carbon.
Lance Bell Keota Lance Bell has been farming with his wife, Kerri, for more than 30 years, growing soybeans, corn, and alfalfa. They also have a Hereford cow-calf operation that started as 4-H projects for their twin college daughters, Ellie and Sophie. An Iowa State University alumnus, Bell has served as director of the Iowa Corn Growers Association District 9, a member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association Animal Agriculture & Environment Committee, president of the Washington Keokuk County Corn & Soybean Growers Association, and treasurer for the Washington FFA Alumni. He’s a member of the County Farm Bureau, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa and National Hereford Association and Washington United Methodist Church.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? I'm interested in serving on the ISA board as I continue making connections with fellow soybean farmers across the county, district, state, and nation to make us stronger collectively and in our own family operation, too. These opportunities continue to give our daughters, Ellie and Sophie, a stronger base of communication skills, knowledge to grow and learn to make our operation better, a better work ethic, and pride in sharing our story with those who share the same passions.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it? Sustainable profitability; keeping markets open enough so that we can stay profitable. I look forward to working with the board on how best to address this issue.
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AT LARGE
INCUMBENT
Tim Bardole Rippey Tim Bardole farms with his father, brother, and son in Greene County near Rippey. They have a no-till, strip-till soybean and corn row crop operation along with two hog finisher buildings. The family uses cover crops and split-apply nitrogen to help protect soil and water resources. Bardole holds a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. A past president of the Iowa Soybean Association, he has been a director on the ISA board for five years. Tim has chaired the ISA Public Affairs, Demand, I&E, and Resolutions committees. He has also been on the American Soybean Association/World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Committee.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? I believe ISA is the best ag organization we have. The work that is done is critical to Iowa agriculture both on the production side and marketing side. ISA also works hard at reaching out to urban audiences and educating them about agriculture.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it? Farmer uncertainty. It is never easy, but with policy changes in Washington, D.C., how will they affect trade, taxes, regulations and more? These are the things that keep me up at night and ISA has a voice in Des Moines and Washington, D.C. That voice has never been more important than now.
Pat Murken Story City Pat Murken grows soybeans and corn while incorporating conservation and erosion control practices on his multi-generational farm. He attended Des Moines Area Community College before graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in industrial technology. Before starting a 40-year career with John Deere, Murken also served in the Peace Corps teaching farmers in the Philippines how to raise soybeans. Pat also earned his Master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix and completed Master’s level course work in industrial engineering. He’s the treasurer for his local Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry and chairman of the trustees at his local church, where he is also the audio-visual director. He is a member of the local Greater Community Congress and volunteers for the annual Story City celebration, Scandinavian Days. He’s been involved with ISA research trials, ISA Experience Class, ISA Communications Squad, and was a volunteer for the Iowa Food and Family Project at the Iowa State Fair.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? Soybean farmers are destined to feed the world, and I want to be an integral part of maximizing soybean production. I believe I can make a positive difference in trade and marketing opportunities while an ISA director.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it? Consistent marketing opportunities for soybeans. The second biggest issue is how we can become the lowest cost soybean producer in the world. We soybean farmers need to have a consistent, profitable return on our investment. The board can continue to support marketing strategies and process improvements. IOWA SOYBEAN REVIEW® | 13
How does the checkoff work? The national soy checkoff was created as part of the 1990 Farm Bill. The Act & Order that created the soy checkoff requires all soybean farmers pay into the soy checkoff at the first point of purchase.
FARMER SELLS SOYBEANS
1/2 OF THE MONEY STAYS IN
IOWA
AND THOSE FUNDS GO TO:
ELEVATORS PROCESSORS GRAIN DEALERS
Soybean Production Soybean Demand
AND THE OTHER HALF GOES TO
UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD Volunteer farmerleaders of the United Soybean Board are dedicated to responsibly
Information & Education Public Affairs
investing each checkoff dollar to the greatest return on investment for all U.S. soybean farmers.
1/2 OF 1% OF THE TOTAL SELLING PRICE IS COLLECTED PER THE NATIONAL SOYBEAN ACT AND ORDER
How are checkoff funds used? Checkoff funds are used for promotion, research and education at both the state and national levels. By law, no checkoff dollars can be used to fund legislative activities, so ISA generates non-checkoff funding in a variety of ways. The Checkoff Act & Order governs the soybean checkoff and is up for renewal (vote) by soybean farmers every five years.
14 | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 | IASOYBEANS.COM
The Last Word Editor’s Note by Ann Clinton aclinton@iasoybeans.com
Electing Top Soybean Leaders
I
t’s almost go time. The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors election will be taking place in July, and we are asking for your informed engagement. We wanted you to have the opportunity to learn about each candidate in a format you’re used to receiving. Therefore, we created a special edition of the Iowa Soybean Review focused entirely on the upcoming election. We’ve interviewed each candidate and allowed them to show you who they are and what they stand for related to soybean production and agriculture. We’ve outlined the election process, making it as straightforward as possible for you to research your candidates and, when your ballot arrives, cast your vote. ISA board elections have had good voter returns in the past, but we’d like it to be unprecedented this year. If you vote every year … thank you. If you’ve never
submitted a vote for the elections before, we hope this is the year you do. In this edition of the magazine, the farmers you read about are all willing to volunteer their time and energy to represent fellow Iowa soybean growers. And trust me, that’s no small ask. The decisions ISA directors are faced with are challenging and often global in perspective. The ISA has an incredible legacy of leadership, and electing the newest members of the board is how you can ensure a profitable future. The farmers you elect will be dedicated to improving your operation’s bottom-line and “Driven To Deliver” results from your checkoff investments. In a few weeks, you’ll receive an official ballot in the mail from ISA. Be watching for it, and when it comes, give it a few minutes of your time. Vote for the candidate of your choice in your district,
and then vote for a candidate running for an at-large position. Mail the form back to us per the instructions in the ballot packet, and the votes will be tallied. Winners will be announced by late August. If you market at least 250 bushels of soybeans yearly, and you don’t receive a ballot in the mail by July 15, call the Iowa Soybean Association at 515-250-8640. We will make sure you get one. Let me know if this issue of the Review helped you make informed decisions about your candidates. What more would you like to know about the role of ISA board members? Are you interested in possibly becoming a director? This is a matter of important business. Let’s talk. And vote … please vote. Stay well, my friends.
IOWA SOYBEAN REVIEW® | 15
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