Grubbs is committed to sharing the story of Iowa soy

January 6, 2026 | Kriss Nelson

Brock Grubbs isn't one to sit on the sidelines. In just a few short years, the Boone County farmer has become involved with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), taking every opportunity to learn, lead and share the story of soy.

His journey with ISA began with a single opportunity that opened his eyes to the organization's reach and impact.

"I had always heard about the Iowa Soybean Association and seen the advertisements, but I never really knew what ISA was or did until I went on the Experience Class trip in 2023," Grubbs says. "As we toured different facilities around the state, it really started to hit home how much farms like ours matter, not only here in Iowa but across the world."

Since then, Grubbs says he's made it a point to share what he's learned with not only his wife Caley and their three children, but with friends, neighbors and fellow farmers.

"When you experience these programs firsthand, you realize how connected we all are," he says. "I enjoy bringing those stories back home and helping others see the bigger picture of what we're part of."

Grubbs was recently awarded the 2026 ISA New Leader Award for his involvement in ISA and outstanding leadership.

Finding his path

Grubbs grows soybeans and corn with his dad on their home farm north of Perry. It's a path he says he didn't always see coming.

"My story of how I started farming is a little different," he says. "I didn't grow up on the farm since I lived with my mom, and most people, including me, never thought I'd end up here. After I graduated from college in 2013, my dad asked if I could help with harvest. After the first day working with him, I told him I was never leaving. The patience he's shown as I've learned along the way has meant more than I can ever say."

From Iowa fields to Colombian mills

Grubbs has participated in several ISA programs, including the Experience Class, Trade Team Taskforce, Grassroots Fellowship and the United Soybean Board's See for Yourself program.

"My biggest takeaway from being involved with ISA is seeing and experiencing firsthand how much each of our farms matters," Grubbs says.

He says his "ah-ha" moment came when he was in Medellin, Colombia, with the United Soybean Board's See for Yourself program. The group toured Grupo Bios, a processing plant that imports 1,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans every day to grind into meal.

"What I'll never forget about that day was my visit with Julio, who is second in command at the plant," he says. "We were talking about efficiency, logistics and the overall operation. Then I asked him about their employees."

Julio's answer, Grubbs recalls, left a lasting impression.

"He explained that because of U.S. soybeans, they're able to run their plant more efficiently," Grubbs says. "That allows them to pay their employees around $600 a month, compared to the regional average of about $300. Then he almost started to tear up when he said, 'You guys really don't know how much your soybeans mean not only to our facility but to this country.' "

It's a moment Grubbs says he'll remember for the rest of his life.

"That statement moved me in more ways than I can explain," he says. "Our checkoff dollars really matter. There are people all over the world counting on us and that experience continues to prove it every day."

Grubbs says this is why he's still involved with ISA.

"ISA opens doors for farmers to learn, grow and see the bigger picture," he says. "When you see firsthand the impact U.S. soy has globally, it makes you proud to be part of something larger than your own operation. It reminds you that what we do here in Iowa truly matters."

Making connections

Grubbs is motivated to be involved in ISA because he wants to make a difference, which he does by hosting trade teams.

"I have always believed people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," he says. "When someone visits our farm, I want them to know that we truly care about them and appreciate them being there. My family has worked extremely hard to build our farming operation and I am so proud to be part of it and share our story."

Encouraging involvement

Grubbs encourages more farmers to get involved with the Iowa Soybean Association and its leadership programs.

"If you’re on the fence, just try it," Grubbs says. "The great thing about ISA is that you can make your membership whatever you want it to be. As a young farmer, opportunities like these help me learn more about our industry and promote what Iowa farmers are all about."

About Brock

Brock Grubbs has shown great interest and commitment to the Iowa Soybean Association throughout the past year and beyond. Brock first interacted with ISA through the 2023 Experience Class, where he got an overview of ISA and saw soybean checkoff dollars in action.

Since then, he has joined the Trade Team Taskforce where he has hosted multiple trade teams to his farm. Brock was also selected to be a part of the 2024 United Soybean Board’s (USB) See For Yourself Program. He presented his main takeaways to the ISA Board of Directors at the 2024 September board meeting. Brock participated in the Iowa Grassroots Fellowship program, expanding his knowledge of government and legislative processes.

Brock also participated in the Kluis Grain Trading Academy in 2025. Lastly, Brock has volunteered at the Iowa State Fair the past two years at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) booth to make connections with consumers.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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