March 29, 2024

Farmer leaders named Iowa Soybean Association Experience participants

ANKENY — Nine farmers from across Iowa have been named participants in the inaugural Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Experience.

The leaders — one from each of Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts — will engage in activities and discussions throughout the year that enhance their knowledge and understanding of the structure and activities of the ISA.

They’ll also join industry leaders and ISA staff in discussing topics impacting the competitiveness of soybean farmers related to production, demand, public policy and freedom to operate.

ISA Experience participants are:

Kellie Blair, Dayton

Chris Gaesser, Corning

Darcy Maulsby, Yetter

Chad Pontier, Osceola

Brent Renner, Klemme

Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg

Pat Swanson, Ottumwa

Mark Vosika, Pocahontas

Dave Walton, Wilton

“The program is an ideal way for participants to understand the mission, goal, programs and influence of the association and its structure and governance,” said ISA producer services director Heather Lilienthal. “We anticipate that participants will come away from the experience seeking new ways to serve the soybean industry including long-term involvement in the ISA.”

The pilot program kicked off Feb. 18 in Ames in conjunction with ISA’s annual research conference.

Discussions appropriately focused on supply production and research. Ed Anderson, ISA senior director of supply and production systems, explained how ISA’s analytics, Environmental Programs and Services and On-Farm Network® teams coordinate their work to the benefit of farmers.

He also provided an update on the association’s research partnerships including the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University.

Joe Merschman, president and chief executive officer of Merschman Seeds, also participated in the inaugural meeting and offered unique insight into opportunities and challenges impacting farmers and seed and trait providers.

Merschman Seeds was established in 1954 by Bill and Bernice Merschman on the farm of Bill’s grandfather near West Point. What began as 20 acres of certified seed oats now encompasses growing, conditioning and distributing soybeans, corn, wheat, alfalfa and forage seeds.

“We’re proud to take part in an activity that’s furthering the leadership skills of farmers and positioning them to have a positive impact on the industry for generations to come,” Merschman said.

The next leg of the ISA Experience will take place this spring. It will focus on policy issues and include a visit to the Iowa State Capitol.

ISA Experience sponsors are Bunge, Merschman Seeds and REG.