2026 Director Elections - At-large candidates - Race 1
July 1, 2026
Aimee Bissell (Incumbent) - Bedford
Aimee Bissell grows soybeans and corn with her husband, Klint, and their two sons. They emphasize maintaining profitable sustainability on their farm.
Bissell earned an associate degree in respiratory therapy from Des Moines Area Community College, and worked for Montgomery County Memorial Hospital as a registered respiratory therapist, certified asthma educator, and pediatric advanced life support instructor.
She serves on the Iowa Soybean Association’s board as secretary and also as the chair of the demand committee. Bissell is also a member of the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) advisory committee. She has participated in ISA’s District Advisory Council, Experience Class, Communications Squad, Iowa Food and Family Project, Policy Leaders Fellowship and served as a voting delegate at ISA’s Winter Soy Summit. She currently serves as treasurer for the Adams-Taylor County Corn Board and District 7 Corn Board.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
While serving the past three years on the ISA board, I have seen firsthand the value of conversations with purchasers, nutritionists, and exporters around the world to continue to sell our products both domestically and internationally. I would feel privileged to represent soybean farmers, promoting our products, developing
and expanded markets, and upholding the integrity of the soybean checkoff.
What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now, and how can the board address it?
There is currently a large supply of soybeans and soybean meal that need to find a home. U.S. soy products are not always the lowest cost, but definitely have an advantage when it comes to quality and digestibility. Highlighting this can increase demand for our product, ultimately leading to more stability in our market.
Cole Olson - Brooklyn
Cole Olson grows soybeans and corn and raises cattle with his wife, Kayla, and their two daughters. They credit family member Roger VanErsvelde for the opportunity to get their start in farming in Poweshiek County.
He graduated with a bachelor’s in agriculture system technology at Iowa State University.
Olson is an Iowa Soybean Association Advocate member, and a member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I’m interested in serving the Iowa Soybean Association board because I care about the long-term success of Iowa soybean farmers. Through my participation in the Iowa Soybean Association’s Grassroots Fellowship and the United Soybean Board’s See for Yourself trade mission to Egypt, I gained valuable insight into policy, advocacy, and global demand for Iowa soybeans. I want to bring that perspective to the board, represent farmers in my area, and help strengthen profitability and opportunities for soybean growers across Iowa.
What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now, and how can the board address it?
The biggest challenge I see right now is profitability. We're raising good crops, but margins are tight with lower soybean prices and high input costs. Iowa farmers rely heavily on exports, which creates uncertainty, so expanding demand is critical. The Iowa Soybean Association should continue investing in renewable fuels, new uses for soybeans, and expanding export markets. If we can create more demand and strengthen markets, we help improve profitability for every soybean farmer in Iowa.
Back