(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
History is the best teacher
January 6, 2026 | Aaron Putze, APR
Spending time in France is a nonstop history lesson.
Cathedrals and basilicas, some constructed in the 1100s, welcome a solemn procession of visitors from throughout the world. The Louvre displays nearly 500,000 artifacts and 38,000 works of art, some dating back to 7000 BC. The Eiffel Tower, an engineering marvel completed in 1889, attracts tens of thousands of tourists daily. And standing on the beaches of Gold and Omaha outside Normandy offers a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifice tens of thousands of allied soldiers made to stop tyranny's march nearly 82 years ago.
In early November, my wife Crystal and I joined members of our Waukee faith community for an 11-day journey throughout France. It included visits to these and dozens of other points of interest. With each step, we were overwhelmed by the historical significance of what we saw and will forever treasure the memories and new friendships made.
History matters. Knowing it adds context and perspective to life, making the present more real and transient. Understanding the people and events defining previous generations also makes one more purposeful, grateful and humble (and if there are three things we need more in this world, it's purpose, gratitude and humility).
I wasn't always a fan of history, but that's changing with each birthday. I suspect that's true of others, too. Aging makes you more curious. The "Killing" series of books by Bill O'Reilly have been particularly helpful, as has the opportunity to represent the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) on trade missions to 14 countries, including China.
While authoring this column aboard a bullet train cruising through the gently rolling farmland of central France, my thoughts were of home, Iowa and the farmers I'm privileged to serve.
Ironically, our journey began Nov. 1, the same day I celebrated 15 years with ISA. Not surprisingly, the topics of tariffs, China, MAHA and soybeans were frequently raised throughout the pilgrimage as we talked with the 40 others in our group. I welcomed the conversations. Understanding the historical significance of Iowa agriculture and current affairs impacting U.S. trade with key export partners helped spur dialogue and understanding.
As 2026 begins, let's take inventory of the year that was and the events, experiences and lives that made it memorable and impactful. Knowledge and wisdom gained from them will serve us well throughout the year ahead — from growing and marketing soybeans more effectively to advancing important policies and the public's trust in all things soy and agriculture.
I wish you the very best in the new year. And if that includes a trip to France, be sure to have a few euros in hand for when you need to...well...go (history and experience are indeed helpful teachers!).
Written by Aaron Putze.
Back