District 1 Candidates

Paul Kassel of Spencer, Iowa

Paul Kassel | Spencer, Iowa

Paul Kassel grows soybeans and corn in Clay County. His soybean crop is planted no-till. Cereal rye has been grown as a cover crop on part of the soybean acres the last five years.

Kassel earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and a Master of Science in Agronomy from Iowa State University. He is involved at Spencer Grace United Methodist Church and is a member of the Spencer Daybreakers Kiwanis. He retired from his agronomy position at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?

The Iowa Soybean Assocaion (ISA) has addressed many relevant farm issues in Iowa. I would like to see this research and education continue. Some of these topics include the reduction of soil and nutrients from Iowa farm fields, agronomic research and pest management, the Iowa livestock industry, transportation and infrastructure, market discovery and market development.

What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now, and how can the board address it?

One big issue is the need to continue research, education and market development to ensure that Iowa soybean production will continue to be profitable in the future.

Randy Kroksh of Akron, Iowa

Randy Kroksh | Akron, Iowa

Randy Kroksh grows soybeans, corn and alfalfa and raises cow/calf pairs, meat goats and laying hens in Plymouth County.

He earned his bachelor’s in agricultural education from South Dakota State University. He’s a member of the Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Cattleman’s Association, the Plymouth County Zoning Board and Akron-Westfield FFA alumni.

Kroksh taught agricultural education and FFA at Akron-Westfield for 18 years. There, he was named a finalist for the Golden Owl Award, a national award highlighting ag teachers who go above and beyond for their students.

In 2011, he was recognized with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, presented from the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.

Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?

I’m interested in serving on the ISA board to learn all aspects of the soybean industry from generating marketing to promoting Iowa soybeans.

What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now, and how can the board address it?

I think the largest aspect facing Iowa soybean farmers are weed control measures and marketing. I believe the board can research aspects of these topics and work with growers to implement the measures.