District 9 Candidates

Tom Adam of Harper, Iowa

Tom Adam | Harper, Iowa

Tom Adam grows soybeans, corn, wheat and hay on his farm near Harper. He earned his bachelor’s in finance from the University of Iowa. For the past six years, Adam has served as an Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) director, serving on the executive, supply, and information and education committees in various roles. He currently serves as secretary of the Soy Aquaculture Alliance and is involved locally as a township trustee and a Holy Trinity Cemeteries board member.

Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?

ISA is a diverse organization, focusing on all aspects of soybean production from demand growth and production research to transportation, conservation and government policy. My education and experience have prepared me to contribute in a positive way to accomplish the goals of the organization; it is an honor to represent Iowa soybean farmers.

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

Strong export demand from China, robust domestic feed demand and a growing biofuels industry have all contributed greatly to the recent spike in profitability of soybean farmers. We must continue to diversify foreign sales throughout the world, particularly in developing and emerging markets where incomes are beginning to rise and diets are hugely protein deficient. As we expand demand for soybean oil through biofuels, we need to continue to research new diverse uses for the product. And we must continue to support the domestic livestock industry whenever possible.

Jeff Hodges of Oakville, Iowa

Jeff Hodges | Oakville, Iowa

Jeff Hedges grows soybeans and corn in Des Moines County. He earned his ag business degree from Iowa State University and operates his own seed and agronomy sales business.

Hedges worked as a district and regional seed manager for 30 years before recently deciding to commit more time to the farm and his own seed business. He is involved in his local township as a trustee and serves on the Mediapolis FFA alumni committee.

Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?

I’m interested in serving on the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board because of my passion for agriculture and the opportunity to give back to a great organization. I want to help ISA be a vital organization that serves farmers and the next generation of farmers. My background in production ag and agronomy, coupled with my leadership experience in ag sales management, will provide valuable insights in this role.

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

One of the biggest issues facing soybean farmers is maintaining global soybean demand to market our products. The board must continue building markets domestically and internationally to strengthen soybean sales.