Soy Squad offers fields of learning

June 30, 2025 | Kriss Nelson

Jairus Davis had an appetite to learn more about the world of agriculture outside his college classes. One way he has worked to feed that hunger is through extracurricular leadership development opportunities.

Davis is entering his senior year at Graceland University, where he is studying ag business and business management.

He dedicated much of his collegiate career to playing for the Graceland University Yellowjacket football team. He's also the treasurer of the Agribusiness Club - a club designed to promote premier leadership and academic growth within the realm of agriculture. Taking it another step further, Davis became a member of the 2024-2025 Iowa Soybean Association's (ISA) Soy Squad.

The Soy Squad program provides a unique opportunity for college students interested in learning about the Iowa Soybean Association.

"My experience with Soy Squad was insightful," says Davis. "I learned a lot about how policy heavily affects different areas of Iowa, and talked to a variety of professionals within the ag industry."

Besides learning of ISA's various components, Davis valued the friendships he developed with colleagues.

"It was a great networking opportunity that I believe others should have to enjoy and learn from," he says. "I met a lot of people from Iowa State, Des Moines Area Community College and other colleges. It was a good way to meet people my age who were entering the same profession. And it was a great way to step outside my comfort zone."

Davis has a sales internship with Titan Machinery this summer. After graduation, he aspires to remain in the ag industry. He wants to establish a career and the opportunity to help run his family's row crop and sheep farm near Osceola.

This is just the beginning of his experience with ISA, Davis says.

"Soy Squad has allowed me to see exactly what the Iowa Soybean Association does for farmers," he says.

He hopes to become more involved in the policy side of ISA, become an advocate member and continue working on behalf of Iowa soybean farmers.

"I can communicate better what farmers' checkoff dollars do and be an advocate for them," Davis says.

He encourages other college students to submit their application to take part in ISA's Soy Squad.

"I think it is a great value," he says. "Take a chance. Be willing to go out and talk to people. Soy Squad is a great opportunity to learn something you may not learn in school."

About Soy Squad

Soy Squad is a unique opportunity for collegiate students looking to gain insight into the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). The Soy Squad meets three times a year, and the topics of discussion include, but are not limited to: an ISA overview, research, demand, policy, education and personal/professional development.

Requirements:

• Have the ability to attend all regular scheduled meetings.
• Must be attending a two or four-year college/university in the state of Iowa.
• Pursuing a major in an agriculture/agriculture-related field.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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