(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Farmers invited to help shape ISA policy priorities
October 29, 2026 | Kriss Nelson
Iowa soybean farmers have an opportunity to help shape the policies that guide the Iowa Soybean Association's advocacy efforts during a series of policy-focused events scheduled across the state starting next week.
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The meetings will give farmers a chance to weigh in on issues affecting their farms, review existing policy resolutions and identify priorities ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Each event will also feature a live demonstration of SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting foam.
Matt Herman, ISA chief officer of demand and advocacy, says the roundtables come as the association begins its annual review of policy resolutions.
Several resolutions are set to expire this year, making farmer input especially important as ISA evaluates whether to renew, strengthen or modify its positions.
“We want farmers to tell us what matters to them, whether that means strengthening existing policy positions or identifying new issues that need our attention,” Herman says.
Farmers help set priorities
Topics Herman expects to spark discussion include water quality, data centers and farmer data ownership.
ISA has key resolutions on water quality expiring this year, an issue receiving attention during Iowa's gubernatorial campaign. Herman is interested in hearing farmers’ perspectives on the association’s position, including whether or not the policy position ought to be updated. Right to repair and farmer data ownership are also expected to return as legislative issues after receiving attention during the previous session.
Herman says conversations with farmers help ISA better understand where members want the organization to focus its advocacy efforts.
Previous roundtables have demonstrated the value of that input.
A few years ago, ISA worked with directors and members to strengthen and clarify its policy resolution concerning the Grain Indemnity Fund.
“That was incredibly important because it allowed us to advocate really effectively,” Herman says. “We knew exactly what the farmers wanted from those meetings.”
He credits that direction with helping ISA advocate for legislation that passed during the following session.
The meetings will also dive into federal policy, including the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit.
“I'll provide an update on 45Z, answer farmers' questions and share what we're advocating for at the federal level,” Herman says.
SoyFoam takes center stage
Beyond policy discussions, farmers attending the roundtables will get a firsthand look at how soybean checkoff investments are helping develop new uses for soybeans.
Each meeting is expected to feature a live test burn demonstrating SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting foam developed as an alternative to conventional firefighting products.
Herman says the demonstrations are an opportunity to connect farmers with soybean-based products that have reached commercialization and to discuss how new uses for soybeans can intersect with public policy.
Farmers who serve on local fire departments may also have an opportunity to take SoyFoam samples home for testing and provide feedback to ISA.
Upcoming ISA Policy Roundtables and SoyFoam demonstrations
Join ISA for a policy roundtable and SoyFoam demonstration events near you. Find a convenient location below and click the button to register.
All events run from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with check-in beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Kirkwood Continuing Education Center, 101 50th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Register for the Cedar Rapids Event
12517 220th St., West Union, IA 52175
Register for the West Union Event
Corn Belt Seed Solutions, 520 N. College St., Agency, IA 52530
Register for the Agency Event
2945 170th St., Villisca, IA 50864
Register for the Villisca Event
7201 SE 52nd St. Carlisle, IA 50047
Register for the Carlisle Event
2203 Hancock Ave., Eagle Grove, IA 50533
Register for the Eagle Grove Event
The Party Barn, 2284 Elkland Ave., Lytton, IA 50561
Register for the Lytton Event
If you have any questions, contact Kennady Henry at 515-491-3539 or khenry@iasoybeans.com.
Written by Kriss Nelson.
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