An experience of a lifetime

June 19, 2025 | Kriss Nelson

Josh Blair actively supports Iowa agriculture. The Kiron-area farmer has experience serving on the Sac and Crawford County Farm Bureau boards, but the young farmer was looking to learn more about the industry he makes a living in and also serves.

Blair took advantage of his Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) membership and explored some of the association's programming opportunities. The association's Experience Class appealed to him.

"I was interested to learn more about the Iowa Soybean Association, and their Experience Class taught me how our checkoff dollars work. It also showed me how ISA partners Iowa State University, companies and individuals in our state and across the nation," he says.

Blair, his wife Taylor, and a few dozen other ISA farmer members took part in an eight-stop three-day Western Iowa tour. The tour gave the group of farmers a firsthand look at various aspects of the agricultural industry, including ISA on-farm, university and industry research, transportation and soybean crushing.

Blair says the networking opportunities were a highlight of the program.

"I became friends with other farmers I am still in touch with," he says. "It is interesting to talk to other producers around the state and see what they are doing and what is working for them or not working for them. It's an opportunity to learn about a new practice I can implement into my operation or vice versa - all by just talking with them."

Looking toward the future

Blair became an ISA Advocate member in 2025. He served as an ISA voting delegate and attended ISA's Winter Soy Summit.

"It's been an eye-opening experience," he says. "Being a part of the policymaking process helped me learn more about how it's developed with and for our farmer members."

The Experience Class and becoming an advocate member is just the beginning of Blair's ISA involvement.

"I plan to take advantage of the ISA programming. I am considering joining the Grassroots Fellowship next year," he says. "My end goal is to become a board member to continue serving farmers.

With two young children, a three-year-old daughter, Brogan, and a four-year-old son, Mason, the Blairs raise soybeans, corn and hay and operate a cow-calf business.

Key takeaways participants can expect to gain from participating in Experience Class:

• Understanding of how the soy checkoff works and how the ISA 22-farmer member board directs funds
• Connections with state and national soy industry partners, including the American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board, U.S. Soybean Export Council, Soy Transportation Coalition and more
• Connections to ISA resources
• Knowledge of ISA policy developments and directives
• Networking opportunities with industry partners and ISA supporters
• Relationships with current and veteran ISA leaders

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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