Farmers leading the conversation

July 1, 2026 | Kriss Nelson

For Summer Ory, communication is more than a skill. It is a passion rooted in storytelling and connection.

“Communication is my love language,” says Ory, Iowa Soybean Association District 8 director. “I love to ‘talk story’ and even more so, talk farm stories.”

That mindset led her to join ISA’s Communication Squad program, where the Earlham farmer found opportunities to expand her understanding of agriculture. Through conversations with farmers across commodities and backgrounds, the experience reinforced a shared foundation.

“When we all sit around the table and share our experiences, backgrounds and stories, we find common core values that unite agriculture into the same tapestry,” she says.

After the training opportunities provided through ISA’s Communication Squad, Ory finds herself more confident in interviews and in her writing. She’s written articles for Fresh Pickings magazine, participated in interviews with national outlets like the Wall Street Journal, and has even made multiple trips to Washington, D.C., to engage with policymakers.

Those experiences, she says, have helped put her training into practice while expanding her reach beyond the farm.

“There is so much more work to be done, and communication is the most effective tool to start with,” she says.

Finding her voice

Ory recalls sitting in a D.C. office, prepared to share the challenges on the farm with those involved in policy decisions.

“I sat in Senator Grassley’s office and truly soaked in the moment, sharing what we were facing on the farm and in the marketplace,” she says. “Knowing that message was going directly to the single most important ‘ag-vocate’ in Congress was incredibly humbling — yet it was also motivating, because there is still more work to be done by good people.”

That experience reinforced what she believes many farmers already know but may not always act on.

“I don’t think it’s a trade secret; farmers do have a voice,” Ory says. “And we are hopeful that our role in this country is supported from Washington to the businesses that we rely on, and support, to keep wheels turning.”

Closer to home, her involvement in ISA’s Communication Squad helps her inform others about how her family approaches conservation and stewardship, giving consumers a clearer understanding of modern farming practices and the steps farmers take to protect natural resources.

Extending impact

She adds that agriculture’s reach extends far beyond the farm.

“Farmers touch everything from banking to health care to transportation to consumer goods,” she says. “We are a pivotal part of the equation, and we want to work hard and continue farming for generations to come.”

Ory adds that continuing to improve farming practices, strengthen networks and grow businesses in an ethical and profitable way benefits today’s operations and future generations.

“We want to leave things better than we found them,” she says.

Telling the story

For her, the message to other farmers is clear: Telling agriculture’s story matters.

“Farmers, especially the next generation, need to be able to communicate their story and understand how we fit into the larger picture of American consumerism and global supply chains,” she says. “Because we are a commoditized market, we need strong trade, fair markets and sound economics to fuel our family farms for years to come.”

Trained farm communicators are essential, Ory says.

“I encourage the communicator of the farm family to join ISA’s Communication Squad and be better prepared to share their story with colleagues in other industries,” she says, further demonstrating the connectedness of agriculture to all other industries. “We all need each other. A high tide raises all boats.”

Why your voice matters

Sharing the story of agriculture plays a critical role in shaping how the public understands farming today, says Iowa Soybean Association Public Relations Manager Brock Johnston.

“By opening your farms and experiences to the media, you highlight the hard work and innovation that goes into soybean production, and your role in creating a more food-secure world,” Johnston says.

In a time when many consumers are disconnected from agriculture, firsthand farmer perspectives help bridge that gap.

“In a world increasingly disconnected from agriculture, telling our story is vital,” he says. “Your accounts bring to life the challenges and triumphs of farming and foster a deeper appreciation for the work you do.”

That’s where ISA’s Communication Squad program comes in.

“Together, we can ensure agriculture’s voice is heard and valued,” Johnston says. “Lending your voice and leadership helps support the growth and vitality of the soybean industry for generations to come.”

Farmers interested in strengthening their communication and spokesperson skills are encouraged to apply for ISA’s Communication Squad program, held each spring and summer.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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