Farming with a voice

June 30, 2025 | Bethany Baratta

When Jarret Horn steps into his ag education classroom at Lynnville-Sully High School, he's not just preparing students with textbook ag curriculum, he's providing insights from his own agricultural experience: his farm.

Horn grows soybeans and corn on his farm near Newton with his father, James, his wife, Chania, and their three young children: Henry, Hattie and Myles. They also grow cereal rye for cover crop seed and raise cattle and sheep.

Horn was first introduced to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) as an intern for Key Cooperative. Back then, ISA helped research corn rootworm. As an educator, Horn became more familiar with ISA as a supporter of FFA, as a founding partner of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, and through the Iowa Food & Family Project.

Recently, he took the next step in his familiarity with ISA. Horn took part in ISA's Communications Squad. Geared toward those who want to gain the confidence and communication skills to relay the story of agriculture to their peers, Horn's motive for joining the program was different.

"As an ag educator, I really wanted to see what things could I gain from Iowa Soybean Association to make my students more aware of the industry, but more importantly, more aware of the uses of soybeans," he says.

Also of interest was exploring how the industry might change in the next 10 or 15 years here in Iowa and in the context of the global market.

Being involved in ISA's Communications Squad helped fill in the gaps, utilizing industry experts to provide essential context. "It was really beneficial," Horn says. "From an education and professional development standpoint, it's really important that we stay connected to the industry that drives what we do in the classroom," Horn says.

ISA's Communications Squad delivered.

"I learned more about the biodiesel industry, soy-based products, and much more. Perhaps one of the biggest takeaways was the realization of the resources that are available to me as a teacher through ISA's website and through the Iowa Food & Family Project," he says.

Future farmers

In 2024, Iowa soybean farmers harvested 598 million bushels, representing 13.6% of the U.S. total and making Iowa the second-largest soybean producer in the nation. Farmers routinely prove they can raise a crop, but talking about the industry to those less familiar might be a tall task. ISA's Communications Squad makes it easier.

"For a farmer, oftentimes we get so busy working on our farm that we forget to work for the farm," Horn says. "Being able to communicate and promote our industry is crucial if we're going to continue to have an industry, particularly as the number of producers is shrinking across the country."

Uncertainties surrounding global trade and demand for soybeans makes the ability to communicate about the industry all the more important, he says.

"We need people who can stand in the public sphere and push for policies that are going to give us a competitive edge as producers," Horn says.

"We're not just competing against our neighbors; we're competing against people in other countries. We need to be able to express the importance of our industry and how we can compete globally. If we don't do it, I don't know who will."

What to expect in Communications Squad

• Spokesperson training that empowers you to address industry misconceptions, engage with consumers and media, advocate for pro-farmer policies and be a leading voice for Iowa agriculture.
• Insights on trending industry topics and news from ag leaders, ISA staff and other guest presenters.
• Skills-building activities and best practices to improve your writing, social media and spokesperson abilities.
• Learn how your soy checkoff investment is driving farmer profitability and productivity.
• Connections with fellow farmers, industry partners, and state and national soy organizations including the American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board, U.S. Soybean Export Council and the Soy Transportation Coalition.

Written by Bethany Baratta.

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