(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Executive Insights: Strength through soybean community
February 3, 2026 | Kirk Leeds
After a challenging 2025, it would be easy to dwell on what went wrong. Volatile markets, low prices, and the constant pressure of making sound decisions tested farmers.
Yet I found plenty of reasons for optimism while attending the Iowa Soybean Association’s annual awards banquet last December. Recognizing eight leaders for their positive impact on ISA and the soybean industry left me encouraged and feeling genuinely positive about the future of agriculture in Iowa.
What stood out were the stories of each person being honored and the attributes they collectively represent — from emerging leaders and innovators in production ag to those who’ve excelled in conservation, policy advocacy and leaving a positive legacy in agriculture.
Emerging leadership speaks to momentum. It signals that new voices are stepping forward with curiosity, energy and willingness to learn. Strong communities make room for the next generation to contribute, ask questions and lead in their own way. When emerging leaders are supported, experience and fresh perspective combine to keep an industry relevant and resilient.
Conservation represents commitment to the land, neighbors and future generations. Communities grounded in conservation understand that productivity and stewardship are inseparable, and that shared responsibility for natural resources is a long-term commitment that builds trust and credibility far beyond the farm gate.
Innovation reflects adaptability and problem-solving. Innovative communities are willing to try, test, evaluate and improve. They learn from success and failure and share those lessons with others. Innovation happens incrementally, through better systems and smarter decisions.
Policy engagement speaks to responsibility beyond the field. When producers participate in policy discussions, they ensure agriculture’s perspective is heard and understood. This engagement strengthens the community’s voice and reinforces that leadership includes showing up, even when it requires extra time and effort.
The legacy of leadership represents continuity. Communities are built by people who volunteer, mentor, and serve over decades. Honoring that legacy reminds us that the organizations exist because others chose to get involved.
Communities aren’t strengthened by awards alone, but by everyday involvement. Participation can look different for everyone — serving on a board, attending meetings, mentoring a young farmer, engaging in conservation, or simply sharing experiences with neighbors. Every contribution matters. When individuals choose to participate, they create connections, build trust, and turn shared values into collective action.
Participation is also uplifting. In difficult years, community provides perspective and support. In good years, it creates momentum. Being part of an association, organization, or congregation reminds us that the positive impact of individual effort multiply when combined with others.
The attributes of momentum, stewardship, innovation, engagement, continuity and participation form the backbone of a strong soybean community. After a difficult year, that sense of connection and shared purpose offers real encouragement and confidence in the future of Iowa’s soybean industry.
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