2026 Director Elections - District 9
July 1, 2026
Jeff Hedges – Oakville
Jeff Hedges grows soybeans and corn with his wife, Kim, in Des Moines County. He worked as a district and regional sales manager in the seed business for 30 years before returning to the family farm full-time in 2021. He owns and operates Hedges Ag, a seed and agronomy sales business.
Hedges earned a bachelor’s degree in ag business from Iowa State University.
He currently serves as a trustee on the Two Rivers drainage district and also as a trustee for his local township. Hedges has served on the Mediapolis FFA alumni committee.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I'm interested in serving on the ISA board because of my passion for agriculture and the opportunity to give back to a great organization. I want to help ISA be a vital organization that serves farmers and the next generation of farmers. My background in production ag and agronomy, coupled with my leadership experience in ag sales management, will provide valuable insights in this role.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now, and how can the board address it?
One of the biggest issues facing soybean farmers is maintaining global soybean demand to market our products. The board must continue building markets domestically and internationally to strengthen soybean demand.
Brent Pacha – Richland
Brent Pacha grows soybeans, corn and hay and integrates cover crops on his farm in Jefferson County. He also raises a 50-head cow-calf herd.
Pacha earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy and a master’s in crop production and physiology from Iowa State University.
He is president of the Greater Jefferson County Fair board and was on the board for his local church. He works full-time as an integrated solutions manager for Sinclair Tractor.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I partnered with the Iowa Soybean Association while working toward my master’s degree at Iowa State University, and I have been a featured speaker for several ISA 4R Stewardship Field Days. I want to give back to ISA through service on the board. I support ISA’s extensive research and promotion efforts and want to be involved in helping create new markets and new avenues for soybean producers to expand market opportunities and profitability potential.
What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now, and how can the board address it?
Selling our soybeans to exporters will continue to be important, but as Brazil and others expand production and sales, we must do a better job of selling and using our products domestically. Building robust domestic demand is essential to protect local markets from large price swings caused by increased Brazilian production or fluctuating sales to China. The board can continue to explore and invest in domestic uses that provide value-added opportunities for our crop and open up new markets for producers to grow soybeans in a way that benefits everybody by ensuring a more consistent, reliable bottom line regardless of global trade volatility.
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