(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Executive Insights: Honoring our past, investing in our future
August 3, 2026 | Kirk Leeds
Earlier this year, I was deeply honored to receive the Master Farmer Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award during the 100th year of the Wallace’s Farmer Master Farmer Award program. As I accepted the award, I reflected on the role I’ve been fortunate to play over the past three and a half decades as the Iowa soybean industry has experienced remarkable growth and transformation.
The recognition reminded me that no individual accomplishes anything alone. The Iowa Soybean Association, backed by the investment and leadership of soybean farmers and the organization I’ve been humbled to lead, has enabled the industry to flourish.
August is Soybean Month in Iowa, a time to celebrate one of our state’s most important crops and the farmers, researchers, industry leaders, and partners who propelled Iowa to become a global leader in soybean production and innovation.
The development and adoption of soy-based ink made headlines early on — literally. What began as an innovative effort to create new uses for soybeans evolved into a product that’s preferred by printers (including the one that prints the Iowa Soybean Review). It demonstrated the tremendous potential of farmer-led innovation and value-added markets.
The soy-based biodiesel and renewable diesel industries fueled the next wave of success. The journey began in the early 1990s when many of us anticipated an excess supply of soybean oil driven by strong global demand for soybean meal. Through research, demonstration projects, advocacy, and industry partnerships, soybean oil found a home in renewable fuels, making it the major driver of soy’s overall value.
Our markets continue to diversify on the dinner table, too. Driven by growing consumer interest in nutrition and sustainability, soy has become a global staple — powering everything from non-dairy milk alternatives to advanced plant-based protein ingredients.
The national soybean checkoff program, which will mark its 35th anniversary in September, helped create these and countless other efforts that have increased demand for soy. This farmer-directed, self-funded investment has played a critical role in expanding demand for U.S. soy around the world while being a catalyst for research that’s helping farmers better manage pests and diseases, improve production practices, and enhance sustainability.
Iowa soybean farmers, backed by the soybean checkoff, have partnered with countless state and national organizations to improve transportation infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, and advance practical solutions for water quality improvement. These efforts reflect our industry’s longstanding commitment to stewardship and continuous improvement.
While I’m proud of what Iowa soybean farmers have accomplished, agriculture has a way of keeping us grounded. Even after a successful harvest, farmers understand there’s always another season ahead, challenge to solve, and opportunity to improve.
As we celebrate Soybean Month in Iowa, let’s reflect and celebrate how far we’ve come. Let’s also recognize the innovations, partnerships, and investments that have strengthened our industry and created value for farmers and consumers.
Most importantly, let’s recommit ourselves to the never-ending journey of continuous improvement. The future of Iowa soybeans will be shaped by the same spirit of innovation, leadership, and farmer-driven vision that brought us to where we are today.
There is much to celebrate this August — and even more to accomplish in the years ahead.
Written by Kirk Leeds.
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