Summer 2020

July 10, 2020

In this issue...


On the Cover

Mylie, Tarin, Ryan, Morgan and Sloan Tiefenthaler represent an Iowa family whose membership in the Iowa Soybean Association plays an integral part in the future of the organization.

Membership Matters (pg. 14)

ISA is your organization, founded and led by farmers just like you. When you join ISA, you choose how engaged you want to be — and we deliver the right information and programs to you. Hear what a few of our members had to say about the value ISA membership has delivered.

A Letter from the President (pg. 16) 

Farming is an act of faith, say Rippey soybean farmer Tim Bardole. One thing he has learned about faith is that help along the way makes all the difference — that's where ISA comes in — a helping hand, a resourceful phone call, a family. 

District Advisory Council: Kieth Lovrien, Clarksville farmer (pg.20)

The District Advisory Council (DAC) is made up of farmer leaders in each of Iowa's nine crop districts, representing all 99 counties. DAC members are farmers who have stepped forward to do more with ISA and get involved in ways that best fit their interests, skills and schedules. 

Communications Squad: Ethan Crow, Marshalltown farmer (pg. 21)

The Communications Squad — you may hear it referred to as "CommSquad" — is driven to empower farmers to be more effective spokespersons for the soybean industry. Participants gather four times per year to get the latest industry updates on agricultural issues, converse with television, radio and newspaper reporters and share their farming stories. 

ISA Experience: Tarin Tiefenthaler, Carroll farmer (pg. 22)

The ISA Experience is an opportunity to immerse yourself in what ISA has to offer. Whether you are interested in on-farm research, getting involved in policy, understanding the impacts of transportation, talking to the media, or growing leadership skills, this program is for you. We want to get you where you need to be and connect you with staff and farmer leaders who can help you succeed. 

ISA Research: Clint & Aimee Bissell, Bedford farmers, and Rob Stout, Washington farmer (pg. 23)

Using your investment in the soybean checkoff and leveraging it through a variety of public and private partnerships, the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation applies their combined expertise, experience and expansive data to serve ISA farmer members.

Advocate Member: Ray Gaesser, Corning (pg. 26)

Your advocate membership empowers ISA to positively influence policy and regulatory matters impacting the U.S. soybean industry. We leverage your non-checkoff investment with additional partnerships to engage at the state and federal level to enhance the competitiveness of your farm. 

Board of Directors: Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney (pg 27)

Serving on the ISA Board of Directors is an opportunity to elevate your leadership efforts and provide direction for your organization. Directors represent the soybean farmers in their crop reporting districts and determine where checkoff dollars are invested and leveraged.

Rooted in Membership, Sustained Through Connections: Andrew Lauver, Rockwell City farmer, and Reed Burres, Humboldt farmer (pg.28)

Two young ISA members share how membership has paid off in the form of trusted partnerships and support from ISA staff focused on making their farm profitable and productive. 

The Last Word: A Personal Invitation (pg 31)

Editor's notes by Ann Clinton.

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