July 2026
July 1, 2026
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In this issue...
On the Cover
A soybean field in the summer spotlight near Madrid and a flag flying high bring the imagery of “America the Beautiful” to life. Photo by Joclyn Kuboushek. Photo illustration by Susan Langman.
The wisdom of looking both ways
Big family milestones and America's upcoming birthday teach the same lesson: the past still has something to teach us.
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Rural Route 2: Pedaling past the fear
Learning to ride a bike without training wheels requires believing you can do hard things.
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2026 Iowa Soybean Association director election voting guide
Your participation in this election determines the future of checkoff investments and priorities.
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2026 Director Elections - District 1
Meet the two candidates who are running for the District 1 seat on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
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2026 Director Elections - District 2
Meet the two candidates who are running for the District 2 seat on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
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2026 Director Elections - District 4
Meet the two candidates who are running for the District 4 seat on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
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2026 Director Elections - District 5
Meet the two candidates who are running for the District 5 seat on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
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2026 Director Elections - District 7
Meet the two candidates who are running for the District 7 seat on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
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2026 Director Elections - District 9
Meet the two candidates who are running for the District 9 seat on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
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2026 Director Elections - At-large candidates - Race 1
Meet the two candidates who are running for the first at-large seat on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
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2026 Director Elections - At-large candidates - Race 2
Meet the two candidates who are running for the second at-large seat on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors.
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Chasing bushels or chasing profit?
When disease and insect pressures are low, the probability of economic return of treatments are low.
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Chris Gaesser tests new practices to build a resilient operation
Lenox farmer Chris Gaesser uses on-farm trials and curiosity to improve profitability and manage risk.
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Red crown rot emerges as a disease to watch in soybeans
A new soybean disease is spreading north. Learn how to identify red crown rot and what farmers can do to stay ahead.
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Why crop scouting pays off
Field scouting helps farmers identify pests, avoid unnecessary inputs and make better field management decisions.
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Farmers leading the conversation
Communication Squad supports farmer communicators to connect with consumers and policymakers and strengthen ag's voice.
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