Executive Insights

Mindset of Gratitude

Kirk Leeds, ISA Chief Executive Officer kleeds@iasoybeans.com

As we put the final touches on this year’s harvest, we look forward to spending time with friends and family over Thanksgiving and the opportunity it provides to reflect and appreciate the many blessings in our lives.

Cultivating a sense of gratitude can significantly impact our mindset and success. Amidst the ups and downs of agricultural life, giving thanks can help farmers stay positive, resilient and connected to their work.

It’s important to give thanks to the people who support you and your farm. This includes family, friends and the larger agricultural community. Whether it’s help during planting season or emotional support during tough times, recognizing this support can reinforce relationships. Expressing gratitude can be as simple as a heartfelt note, shared meal, or verbal acknowledgment.

Farmers have a unique relationship with the land. Appreciating the soil, seeds and harvest can deepen this connection. Giving thanks for our natural resources fosters a greater sense of responsibility and commitment to continuous improvement. A simple walk through the fields to reflect on the beauty of the land or the satisfaction of growing crops can spark gratitude for the hard work that goes into farming.

No matter how small, celebrating achievements is crucial. Whether it’s a successful planting day, timely rain, or a healthy crop, recognizing these moments can uplift spirits.

Challenges are a part of farming and offer valuable lessons. When setbacks occur — like a disappointing harvest or a difficult market — it can be easy to feel defeated. However, reflecting on what can be learned from these experiences is essential. Finding gratitude in the lessons learned can turn challenges into steppingstones for future success.

Finally, giving thanks is about hope. Recognizing past successes and support lays a foundation for optimism. As farmers look to the future, expressing gratitude for the possibilities ahead can inspire creativity and innovation. Setting new goals and imagining what can be achieved in the upcoming planting season fosters a positive outlook.

Your Iowa Soybean Association staff gives thanks as we wrap up a year-long celebration of the organization’s 60th anniversary. Farmers who came together in 1964 to create ISA saw the need to build demand for Iowa soybeans and increase production and profitability. They deserve our thanks as the soybean sector in Iowa has seen incredible growth and expansion.

As we navigate these difficult times, your ISA remains driven to deliver. Past challenges make us thankful to be involved in such an important industry and confident that better days will return.