Help Us Honor Iowa's Best in Agriculture - Nominate a Soybean Leader Today

August 18, 2025 | Brock Johnston

Ankeny, Iowa – Do you know a student passionate about supporting agriculture? How about a farmer dedicated to protecting natural resources? If so, now is the time to nominate deserving individuals for one of eight Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Leadership Awards.

Nominations can be submitted on the ISA website and will be accepted until Thursday, Oct. 2. A committee comprised of ISA farmer leaders will review all nominees. Recipients will be recognized at the annual ISA Leadership Awards and Industry Celebration Banquet in December.

“Many people are driven to deliver for Iowa soybean farmers,” said Brent Swart, ISA president and farmer from Spencer. “As a farmer-led organization, it’s important to recognize individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and advocacy within our industry. Celebrating these achievements highlights the vital contributions of farmers and industry leaders driving our industry forward.”

Nominations are sought for:

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: ISA farmer member with a history of advancing the goals of the association and demonstrating a passion and longstanding commitment for growing the soybean industry in Iowa, nationally and internationally.

RISING STAR: High school senior or college student taking an active role in promoting Iowa agriculture and intends to remain involved in the industry through future personal or professional activities. The award includes a $2,000 educational stipend for educational expenses. This award requires an application, which can be found here.

NEW LEADER: ISA farmer member who has deepened their involvement in ISA programming while enhancing their commitment and service to the industry and their community.

INNOVATOR IN PRODUCTION RESEARCH: Individual or organization that has shown outstanding leadership in the use of precision agriculture and has worked to validate and effectively manage practices to improve profitability. Nominees with active involvement in ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) are preferred for this award.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER: ISA farmer member improving on-farm environmental performance and leadership in the use of conservation practices and precision agriculture technology. Must be an ISA member with current or past participation with ISA’s RCFI, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund or Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance.

FRIEND OF THE IOWA SOYBEAN FARMER: Elected leader, reporter or ISA partner who has shown a deep understanding of issues facing Iowa soybean farmers and has supported them through their actions and efforts.

ADVOCATE FOR IOWA AGRICULTURE: ISA member, individual, organization or company who effectively and accurately shares the story of modern agriculture and actively builds bridges between Iowa farmers and consumers.

POLICY CHAMPION: Recognizes an ISA advocate member who works to advance policy and regulatory issues benefiting the soybean industry. Nominees have a proven track record of engaging with elected leaders as a knowledgeable and trusted resource on soybean industry policy.

View past award recipients and complete a nomination form here.

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Partially funded by the soybean checkoff

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The Iowa Soybean Association is Driven To Deliver market demand, production research, information and insights and regulatory action benefiting Iowa's 37,000 soybean farmers and the industry. For more information, visit iasoybeans.com.

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