(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
The power of one voice advocating for ag
January 6, 2026 | Kriss Nelson
Morey Hill of Madrid has spent more than two decades dedicating his time and voice to representing Iowa soybean farmers in the policy arena.
The former Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) director has testified before lawmakers at the State Capitol in Des Moines and met with leaders at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Hill has made it his mission to ensure farmers' perspectives are heard in decisions that shape agriculture's future.
That dedication was recently recognized with the ISA's Policy Champion award.
Making a difference
Hill says his passion for policy stems from a desire to make a difference and speak up for the people around him.
"You've got to have the interest that you want to try and make a difference," he says. "Way back when, even before I was on the soybean board, I was interested in being a voice for the ag community, my neighbors and friends around me. And so, I just kind of embraced that and went forward from there."
Hill says his focus has often been on ensuring government policies are practical and reflect the realities of farming life.
"In this world we live in, government overreach and regulation can have unintended consequences, even when our elected officials are well-intended," Hill says. "It's imperative that they hear how the decisions made in Des Moines or D.C. affect those of us in the ag community who are just trying to make a living and help people do better."
Finding his voice
With each trip to Washington, D.C., Hill became more at ease speaking directly with lawmakers about issues affecting farmers.
"Sitting in Senator Chuck Grassley's office or, back during the first Trump administration, visiting the Commerce Department and talking with the Commerce Secretary was overwhelming at first," he says. "But the more you do it, the more comfortable you get. Then I realized they're people just like me. Just because someone sits in a big office or holds elected office doesn't mean we can't have a conversation and be civil. I've tried to take that perspective with anyone I meet; we're all just trying to help everyone do better."
Hill recalls one issue that stands out as a success story.
"I recall before COVID, Argentina was importing biodiesel and essentially dumping it into the U.S. market, undermining what we were producing here at home," Hill says. "That loophole finally got closed. It happened because of the hard work of the biofuels coalition, including Iowa Biodiesel Board, and, at the time, the National Biodiesel Board (now called Clean Fuels Alliance America). They worked tirelessly to get that loophole closed and protect our domestic market. That's a real success story."
One of the most significant recent victories for soybean farmers came when Congress considered eliminating the soybean checkoff program.
"About two years ago, there was an anti-checkoff measure introduced in the House of Representatives, with a companion bill in the Senate," he says. "Thanks to strong advocacy from Iowa and the American Soybean Association, we were able to stop it and make sure the checkoff stayed intact so those funds could continue supporting the work we do."
During those discussions, Hill says his message was clear.
"Not everyone agrees with how the checkoff is collected," he says. "But it's a vital piece of how we fund efforts to promote the use of soybeans around the world. It's not a slush fund. Those dollars are used to do important work that benefits all soybean farmers."
He credits collaboration and strong relationships in Washington for that success.
"Because of relationship-building and consensus, the entire Iowa delegation, in both the Senate and the House, got behind our message," he says. "We were able to stop the amendment that would have started the process of dismantling the soybean checkoff. That was a really important win and a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together through organizations like ours."
Speaking for agriculture
While Hill has championed many issues, he stays involved to represent farmers across Iowa and give a voice to the entire ag community.
"Because this isn't just Morey talking," he says. "This is Morey talking for my friends, neighbors and fellow farmers from around the state and across the country. I'm a voice for the ones who aren't there. That's why it's important. Farmers make up a small minority, but what we all do is incredibly important, and our collective voice needs to be heard."
Inspiring future advocates
Hill, a U.S. Army veteran, encourages other farmers to step up and become the next generation of advocates.
"I hope to encourage others. When I first started advocating, I looked up to the more seasoned people. I want to do the same for others following me," Hill says. "Don't be intimidated. Remember, they're a person just like you, and no matter what letter they have behind their name, most are trying to do the best they can. You've just got to have a conversation, get to know them, and it'll pay off along the way."
About Morey
Morey Hill has been a dedicated advocate for Iowa soybean farmers for many years, serving nine years as an ISA director and continuing his leadership today through his active roles with the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH).
Through his work with WISHH, Hill has advanced soybean trade and represented Iowa farmers on a global stage, focusing on using soy as a protein source to help people live and eat better. He frequently welcomes international trade teams to his farm, sharing his story as an Iowa soybean farmer.
Recently, he served as a panelist at a Farmers for Free Trade event, emphasizing the importance of trade to Iowa's farmers. Located just 35 minutes from the Iowa State Capitol, Morey is often called upon as a trusted voice to testify before subcommittees and to engage directly with legislators.
Written by Kriss Nelson.
Back