January 2025
January 6, 2025
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In this issue...
On the Cover
Rolland and Riley Schnell talk farming and legacy. Rolland's retirement created an opportunity for his grandson, Riley, to fully transition into the family farm. In this issue, read more about how the next generation is getting their start in agriculture.
Accountability Matters
The Iowa Soybean Association prides itself in being accountable to the farmers we serve. I’ve experienced it firsthand since joining Team ISA in 2010. It starts at the top with our 22 farmer directors and CEO and is woven throughout the organization.
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Rural Route 2: A future to believe in
I experienced FFA first as a spectator. My brother, who served as a chapter officer, took the stage to present his retiring address and conclude his year of service as the chapter’s sentinel.
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Managing risk in 2025
It’s no secret that farmers face several headwinds heading into the new year. Higher grain supplies, a sticky inflationary environment, a stronger U.S. dollar and continued higher interest rates are all putting pressure on returns.
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From one generation to the next
For more than 50 years, Rolland Schnell has worked the land in Jasper County and the surrounding area, raising hundreds of thousands of bushels of soybeans and corn. He’s made a living, supported his family and continued a legacy.
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Navigating the road to succession
For so many experienced farmers, they have spent nearly their entire lives building a business and caring for the land. They have created a legacy. Younger generations, meanwhile, are just starting out, learning to navigate farm life, the complexities of acquiring land, raising a crop, and establishing their own legacy.
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Probing for soil health
Concerns about soil compaction and its potential effects on his family's farm productivity prompted Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmer member Josh Jeske to take action.
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Carbon to nitrogen ratio: The key to unlocking your soil potential
As today’s farmers continue to implement cover crops on their farms, the effect of the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio must be understood.
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Agriculture's rising star
The newest Rising Star award recipient was chosen based on applications and essay submissions from high school seniors or college students.
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Farmer recognized for efforts in advocating for soybean industry
Perhaps it’s because his family’s roots run deep in agriculture. Maybe it’s his competitive, play-to-win mentality. Perhaps Dave Walton’s doing it for the eighth generation on his family’s farm, his son, Brad. Maybe it’s a combination of everything.
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Farm Forward
To provide insight into global trends and domestic policy changes that could impact farmers’ return on investment in 2025 and beyond, ISA is hosting the Farm Forward Conference on Feb. 3 in Des Moines.
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Innovating for safety and efficiency
At just 22 years year old, Caleb Renner of Klemme is making his mark in the world of ag innovation with his invention of the AgriNet — a solution to keep farmers out of grain bins during the clean-out process.
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The gold standard
The National FFA Organization's mission is to help students by developing their potential for “premier leadership, personal growth and career success.” The organization's mission resonates with Ryan Wicklein, an 18-year-old senior at Southeast Valley High School and member of the Central Plains FFA chapter in Gowrie.
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