April Hemmes

April Hemmes farms near Hampton in Franklin County, Iowa and serves as a district 2 director for the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). 

Hemmes has farmed for 35 years growing soybeans and corn. She is passionate about leaving her soil healthier for generations ahead and does so by practicing no-till, using pollinators, wetland and native grassland habitats and implementing filter strips around her land.  

Throughout her leadership at ISA, Hemmes has most enjoyed her participation in trade missions, advocating for U.S. soy all over the world. She enjoys seeing where her soybeans go and how they are used, especially when benefiting people in different countries. She was particularly moved by witnessing an aquaculture program ISA helped develop in China come to life, using U.S. soy as feed and increasing fish production by 300% for its citizens.  

Forging her way to national leadership, Hemmes currently serves as one of 73 farmers on the United Soybean Board, helping to direct national soybean checkoff dollars and representing the soybean industry at the national level. 

Actively involved in her community, Hemmes has also served as county soil and water commissioner for over 20 years and serves on the board of her local Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency.