(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Executive Insights: What Iowa soybean farmers are telling us
April 30, 2026 | Kirk Leeds
The Iowa Soybean Association asks its farmer leaders annually to reflect on pressures, opportunities, and long‑term trends shaping soybean production. Insights shared during our most recent exercise were clear and candid and point us toward several essential priorities for the months and years ahead.
The challenge of maintaining adequate margins amid high input costs and uncertain markets leads the way. Rising cost structures, volatile energy markets, and persistent inflationary pressures are squeezing profitability. Global uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade alliances, and changing demand signals add complexity to marketing decisions. Directors noted how rapid production growth in South America is reshaping global supply dynamics. As a result, farmers are scrutinizing every line item and investment to ensure they improve efficiency and the bottom line.
A second priority surfaced by directors is deepening two‑way engagement between ISA and the farmers we serve. Too many farmers lack a clear understanding of the full breadth of ISA’s work, the services available to them, and how ISA’s research, policy and market development projects impact their bottom line. Iowa soybean farmers are incredibly busy, and the environment they operate in is changing rapidly. Therefore, ISA must meet farmers where they are, provide tools and insights that are meaningful and easy to access, understand, and apply and communicate the value proposition of engaging with ISA more effectively.
Directors also affirmed three key areas where ISA can deliver the greatest impact.
- Expand demand domestically and abroad. From biodiesel and renewable diesel to feed, exports, and new uses, farmers are clear that demand growth must remain at the center of ISA’s strategy.
- Strengthen trade relationships and secure market access. We must maintain strong relationships with our existing partners, open doors in new regions, and ensure Iowa soybeans are recognized globally for their quality and consistency.
- Be aggressive and effective advocates for policy that advances biofuels, improves transportation, infrastructure, soil and water quality, and competition throughout the input supply chain. In short, ISA must step up, show up, speak up, and fight harder for farmer interests.
Iowa soybean farmers are operating in an increasingly complex and competitive world. This offers ISA a tremendous opportunity. We must engage more farmers more often, communicate more directly and transparently, and share insights that help farmers become more profitable. We must relentlessly focus on demand, ROI, and Iowa’s competitive edge. We must live our mission more boldly. With strong farmer leadership guiding our work, we are well‑positioned to deliver.
Written by Kirk Leeds.
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