For advertising information contact Bethany Baratta at (515) 334-1020 or bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
June 2025 | Vol. 38, No. 8
8
Director Election Guide
Meet the candidates vying for positions on the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Board of Directors.
17 Steenhoek
Recognized for Soy Transportation Leadership
Award honors the late Tom Oswald.
22 Seeds, Savings and Strategy
Reviewing your farm budget? Seeding rate and fungicide trials provide insight.
24 California Dreaming
Golden State’s fuel needs boost demand for Hawkeye State’s soy.
On the cover:
ISA President Brent Swart on his farm near Spencer in 2024. Each candidate in the 2025 ISA Board of Directors election outlined key challenges and opportunities facing soybean farmers, along with proposed strategies the board could pursue to address them. Selected words and phrases from their statements appear on the right side of the cover. Photo by Joclyn Bushman; illustration by Susan Langman.
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Executive Insights
Kirk Leeds, ISA Chief Executive Officer kleeds@iasoybeans.com
Your Voice, Your Vote
Every summer, you have an opportunity to shape the future of your soybean industry — not from the seat of a tractor, but with something just as powerful: your vote.
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is proud to have a long and distinguished history of farmer-led leadership. Since our founding, it’s been volunteer farmer-directors who’ve charted our course, challenged us to be better, and ensured your checkoff and non-checkoff dollars deliver real value.
This summer, this tradition continues. We have a strong slate of qualified candidates stepping forward to serve as directors. These are farmers just like you who care deeply about the success of their fellow producers, the sustainability of our soil and water, and the strength of our markets here and abroad.
They’re ready to lead. Now it’s up to you.
Voting isn’t just a process or procedure, it’s your voice. Whether your passion is international trade, conservation, research, consumer engagement or new uses for soybeans, this is your chance to help select leaders who share your vision and values.
In recent years, our farmer-leaders have driven innovation across the association. They’ve supported groundbreaking research that improves yields and water quality. They’ve guided ISA’s efforts to tell the story of modern agriculture to consumers with transparency and honesty. And they’ve worked tirelessly to build demand for Iowa soybeans in global markets — showcasing U.S. soy as a safe, abundant and reliable food and feed source.
Their work — and your vote — matter.
ISA board members make important decisions that shape how your soybean checkoff investment is used to improve production, expand markets and elevate the image of farming. These decisions affect everything from the tools available to manage pests and soil fertility to the strength of relationships with overseas buyers.
Choosing who fills these board seats is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a farmer member.
It’s easy to assume that someone else will vote, or that your vote won’t make a difference. But every vote counts — especially in an organization built for and by farmers. Your participation strengthens ISA and ensures your farm, family and future are represented in the boardroom.
You can find more information about how to vote and review each candidate’s bio in this issue, starting on page 8. Your official ballot will be in your mailboxes this summer. Think of it as your invitation to shape the future of your industry. Think about what matters most to your operation and to the future of Iowa agriculture, then cast your ballot.
Your participation in this year’s director election is an indication of ISA’s vitality and grassroots engagement. Our success and leadership on issues vital to the soybean industry start with you. Be part of the process and make your voice heard.
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Editor’s Note by Bethany Baratta bbaratta@iasoybeans.com
VOTE: You Hold the Power
The agriculture world is big on acronyms. Sometimes it seems like alphabet soup.
There’s the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Risk Management Agency (RMA) and National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). There’s also the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), American Soybean Association (ASA) and United Soybean Board (USB).
But there’s another acronym I just made up. It’s not a service or an agency; you hold its power: Voice Opportunity Trust Engagement (VOTE).
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) director election is rapidly approaching. If you annually market 250 bushels of soybeans, you can expect a voting guide and additional voting instructions in the mail soon. We’ve included a preview of the process starting on page 8 in this magazine.
What makes this ballot and your vote important? Let’s refer to that acronym: VOTE.
Voice: You have a say in who leads your farmer-led association. Voting affirms your voice in the process.
Opportunity: The candidates you’ll read about in this issue have raised their hands for an chance to lead and serve fellow farmers. You have the opportunity to decide who best fits your vision for the future of ISA.
Trust: Voters cast ballots for people they trust. You’ll cast your ballot in the ISA director election for candidates who will shape investments in research funding, market development, consumer awareness efforts and more.
Engagement: Engaging in the voting process is another way you can say, ‘Our work matters. Our future matters.’
As I condensed the biographies for the candidates to fit the voting guide in this magazine, I noted how each could contribute to conversations and decisions related to production research, demand, consumer engagement and several other topics discussed during board meetings. They’re ready to serve you.
When you receive that ballot in your mailbox, I hope you think about VOTE — and respond by casting your ballot. I can’t wait to see who you’ve elected to shape the future of ISA.
2025 Iowa Soybean Association
WHY VOTE?
Soon, you’ll be receiving a ballot in your mailbox. This serves as an invitation to participate in electing the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors. Your participation in this election determines the future of checkoff investments and priorities. The board of directors determines how your checkoff gets invested. Whether it’s increasing market
Ballot(s):
Complete your ballot and enclose it in the official ballot envelope. Do not enclose anything else in this envelope.
Soybean Producers Affidavit:
Complete the affidavit on the outside of the official ballot envelope. This is required and qualifies you as a voter.
Farmer Member Form:
Complete to activate or confirm your membership. This allows us to better serve you throughout the year.
Place the official ballot envelope in the enclosed return envelope.
To qualify, ballots must be postmarked no later than JULY 31, 2025.
demand, agronomic and conservation research, or consumer outreach, your vote impacts the future of soybean farmer priorities.
If you market at least 250 bushels of soybeans annually, and you don’t receive a ballot by mail by July 15, call the Iowa Soybean Association at 515-251-8640 to request a ballot.
HOW TO VOTE:
If you live in District 3, 4, 5 or 6:
You’re electing ONE ISA director in your crop district and ONE At-Large director.
If you live in District 8:
You’re electing TWO ISA directors in your crop district (one in each race) and ONE At-Large director.
JOSEPH SCHMITZ grows soybeans and corn and has raised cattle and pigs in Black Hawk County.
He earned a master’s degree in business management from University of Houston and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University.
Joseph serves on the Dunkerton Co-op Board of Directors and as the president for a local historical school. He’s also coached boys’ soccer in his community.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I want to increase soybean sales and develop new markets wherever possible to increase demand. The U.S. soybean industry is currently facing large hurdles for foreign sales. I support developing foreign relationships that result in long-term stable markets. I want to assist in this effort and other issues facing the industry.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
China accounts for about 25% of U.S. soybean exports, but Brazil-China ties are growing. Brazil’s soybean expansion and infrastructure improvements could reduce U.S. sales. Although a trade deficit reduction with China is uncertain, the board should support efforts to preserve this key export market through a formal resolution.
JOSH SCHOULTE and his family grow soybeans, corn, hay and cattle in Clayton County. Josh and his wife, Megan, started a dairy farm in 2003. They have since transitioned to a cow-calf operation. His wife and four children are actively engaged in agriculture and farming.
Josh currently serves on the Three Rivers FS Board of Directors. He has previously served on the County office Committee with his local FSA office.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
This is a good opportunity to serve Iowa’s soybean farmers and continue to network throughout the state.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Finding new markets for our products and building relationships to ensure future market access.
JOSH SCHOULTE Farmersburg
JOSEPH SCHMITZ
DIRECTOR
MARTY DANZER grows soybeans and corn and raises cattle on his farm near Carroll. He earned an associates of art degree from Iowa Western Community College.
Marty serves as a director on the Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors. He’s been involved with the Carroll County Cattleman’s Association and as a member of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I am interested in continuing to serve on the board to learn about issues facing the soybean industry and to continue to communicate with soybean producers about the issues.
What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
The top issue is soybean exports and tariffs. We must continue to find new markets for our soybeans. We can continue to communicate with state and federal legislators.
JAMES HEPP grows soybeans, corn, rye and oats on his farm in Calhoun County. He is also a crop insurance agent and operates an ag retail business with regenerative products. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State.
In addition to serving as a voting delegate, James has been active in the Iowa Soybean Association with ISA’s Experience Class, Communications Squad, District Advisory Committee and Grassroots Fellowship. James has been active with Iowa Corn Growers Association and has served on the Calhoun County Farm Bureau Board of Directors as its president. He also serves his community as a volunteer firefighter.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I want to be more active with the Iowa Soybean Association and take on leadership roles in the organization to help benefit all farmers and rural Iowans. My farming and crop insurance experience, combined with being a young, first-generation farmer, will bring a lot to the table.
What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
The biggest challenge is profitability. We need to find different markets and more uses for our soybeans.
MARTY DANZER
Carroll
DIRECTOR ELECTION DISTRICT 5
DAVE STRUTHERS
Collins
DAVE STRUTHERS and his wife Elaine farm with Dave’s brother Dan and nephew Jacob. They grow soybeans, corn and alfalfa and raise cattle and pigs.
He serves as an Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) director. Dave served as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Mid-Iowa Modified Pullers Association and Story County Farm Bureau. He is a deacon for Collins Christian Church and president of the Collins Days committee. He’s led various extension councils, youth and 4-H groups and was a planning and zoning commission board member.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
As a director, I enjoy interacting with farmers and representing their views in regard to ISA business. I listen to various viewpoints and evaluate what’s best for the Iowa soybean farmer. I strive to learn.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Government policies lack clarity on soy oil's role in renewable and aviation fuels. Using non-checkoff funds, we’re hiring experts and creating protocols to promote policies that position soybean oil as a viable, preferred feedstock for sustainable fuel production.
MATT WYATT Reinbeck
MATT WYATT is the fourth generation on his family’s farm in Black Hawk County. He grows soybeans and corn and raises pigs. He also sells seed for Latham Hi-Tech Seeds and LG Seeds.
Matt earned his bachelor’s degree in ag business from Iowa State. He’s been active with the Iowa Soybean Association, church committees, Masonic Lodge, and coached youth soccer and wrestling. He’s served Gladbrook-Reinbeck school board for 18 years, and worked in crop insurance before farming.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
ISA has connected me with great people and taught me about trade, policy and advocacy. I admire the board’s dedication and hope to learn from them. I enjoy collaboration and would value the opportunity to help ISA tackle future challenges and opportunities.
What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
The biggest issue is the demand for the commodities that we grow, which directly impacts the farmer's bottom line. Continued collaboration, trade missions, and engagement are key to highlighting the superior quality of U.S. soybeans and boosting international and domestic demand.
DIRECTOR ELECTION
AMY NELSON grows soybeans, corn and seed corn in Scott County.
She earned bachelor’s degrees in business management and Spanish.
Amy is on the Scott County Planning and Zoning Commission and is active on the FSA County Committee. She’s also been involved with the Iowa Soybean Association, Scott County and Iowa Farm Bureau and CommonGround Iowa.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
Iowa Soybean Association is a leader in the ag industry as advocates for farming and farmers. Soy is a growing worldwide protein source, in addition to the amazing growth options in oil and alternative fuel arenas. My diverse background and entry into production agriculture will help me represent Iowa farmers by searching for ways to keep production agriculture strong and viable for future generations.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Our biggest issue right now is the quickly changing world we are living in. We have high production costs compared to our southern competition, and our infrastructure is aging. We also need to explore new markets for our soy and soy products.
JOE SPERFSLAGE raises soybeans, corn, and small grains on his family farm in Linn County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State University.
An active member of the agricultural community, Joe currently serves as vice president of the Linn County Farm Bureau and participates in numerous other events and committees. He is also a founding member and president of his local FFA alumni chapter, where he supports the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
Soybeans are essential to American agriculture, but their benefits beyond the market often go unmeasured. From improved soil health and reduced disease pressure to decreased pesticide resistance and nitrogen needs, soybeans contribute significantly to a sustainable rotation. I want to help growers better quantify and capture that full value.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Global supply competition — particularly from Brazil — is increasing. While new trade partners are helpful, growing domestic demand through biofuels and investing in research for value-added soy products are key strategies the board can champion.
AMY NELSON Donahue
JOE SPERFSLAGE Coggon
DIRECTOR ELECTION
SUMMER ORY Earlham
SUMMER ORY works with four families to grow soybeans and corn and raise cattle in Madison County. She graduated with a degree in business management from Iowa State University.
Summer is involved with the sales and operations of a local Pioneer seed dealership and serves as president of the Earlham School Foundation. She’s also participated in ISA’s Iowa-Missouri Grassroots Fellowship.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
My experience on and off the farm will guide my service on the ISA board. I work well with colleagues and can provide feedback from the next generation regarding farm succession and business management.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Anything that negatively impacts the value chain between soy farmers and the end user is an issue to proactively address. International relations, supply and demand, policy and innovation are all issues that farmers need collaborative assistance with to continue their farm operations. The board can help collectively address these issues and be the voice the farmer needs to help business relations and regulations improve.
TRAVIS RINNER grows soybeans, corn and raises cow-calf pairs in Clarke County where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
It is important for all voices to be heard, and that starts at the local level. I would be a strong advocate for the local voice, ensuring we continue to find ways to increase production, demand and make sure the correct policies and regulations are in place.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Inflation. Every piece of the cost of production continues to rise. While ISA may not be able to slow down the rise in the cost of inputs, it can work to offset those costs by championing policies and increasing demand and production. A lot of times, growers do not know or understand what they can do to affect demand or policy. Helping the grower understand they have a voice and how to use it could help grow a stronger U.S. soy market.
VOTE BY JULY 31
DIRECTOR ELECTION
BRIAN FULLER grows soybeans and corn on a multi-generation farm in Clarke County. The family also raises cow-calf pairs.
He earned his associate’s degree from Des Moines Area Community College.
Brian is involved in the Iowa Soybean Association as a voting delegate and as an Advocate Member. He’s also involved with Iowa Farm Bureau and Clarke County Cattlemen and is the district 8 president for Iowa Corn Growers Association. He previously served on the United Farmers’ Cooperative board.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I can utilize my connections at the Iowa Capitol to discuss and develop policy and legislation that benefits Iowa’s soybean farmers. I hope to be part of continuing education to farmers on the importance of sustainable practices and help find new uses for soybeans to ensure long-term market demand.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
A major challenge is developing more uses for soybeans that are economically viable within a supportive market. By funding ongoing research into new applications, the board helps secure a strong, lasting market for Iowa soybean farmers' future success.
DOUG KENT farms with his wife, Lisa, in south central Iowa and northern Missouri. They grow soybeans, corn and hay. They also raise cattle. Doug utilizes minimum till, no-till and cover crop conservation practices on the farm.
Doug serves on the Corydon Mutual Farmers Association Co-op Board.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I want to better educate myself on the needs not just for Iowa farmers, but for every soybean producer to help us be more competitive in this global market.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Markets and profitability. We need to continue to keep markets with other countries and find additional avenues for our products. While we (the Iowa soybean farmer) try to keep our production costs down, we also work to increase our yields to increase profitability. With today’s technology, we are able to compete and produce for the global market.
DOUG KENT
Corydon
BRIAN FULLER Osceola
DIRECTOR ELECTION
NEIL KRUMMEN Linn Grove
NEIL KRUMMEN grows soybeans, corn, alfalfa and small grains in Iowa County. He also raises sheep and goats and manages a pig finishing site.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in ag business from Iowa State University. He was involved in the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Iowa-Missouri Grassroots Fellowship and served as a voting delegate. Neil also participated in American Soybean Association’s Young Leader Program. He’s been involved in Iowa Corn Growers Association’s Leadership Enhancement and Development (I-LEAD), and serves on his church board, the Clay County Fair sheep committee and the Little Sioux golf board.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
I want to do whatever I can to promote Iowa soybeans and increase profitability for soybean farmers.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Soybean farmers need better prices for their soybeans. To achieve this, there needs to be increased demand. Boosting usage, exports, and the development of new products would help with this.
BRIAN STRASSER and his wife Vicki are the fifth generation to farm the family farm in Iowa County. They grow soybeans and corn in a no-till system and own a custom hog finishing facility.
Strasser earned a degree in computer science from Indian Hills Community College.
He has been involved in Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Ag Leaders Network, the Iowa-Missouri Grassroots Fellowship, and ISA Experience Class. He is vice president of the Iowa County Farm Bureau and is involved in his local church. He works for Advanced Agrilytics.
Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?
Soybean farmers need the strongest leadership we can provide. My basis in agronomy and my experience with equipment and technology puts me in a unique position to understand Iowa farmers. Working with farmers all over the state allows me to hear their needs.
What’s the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now and how can the board address it?
Education. Farmers need information faster than ever from a source they can trust. We need to continue ISA programming and add efforts around farm succession planning and mentoring.
America’s soybean farmers are at the heart of our nation’s future. By supporting clean fuels, you’re not just fueling vehicles. In 2025, clean fuels will utilize 13.6 billion pounds of soybean oil. Visit cleanfuels.org and learn how clean fuels can secure a stronger future for U.S. agriculture.
STEENHOEK RECOGNIZED WITH Tom Oswald Legacy Award
STORY BY BROCK JOHNSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN BUSHMAN
Soybean farmers rely on a cost-effective and competitive transportation system to move product from field to final destination. Among the most critical are the day-to-day stakeholders, ensuring this reality comes to fruition.
The United Soybean Board (USB) presented the Tom Oswald Legacy Award to Mike Steenhoek at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colo. Steenhoek was recognized for his work in collaboratively advancing the resiliency and reliability of the nation’s soybean supply chain.
His efforts to seek cost-effective and necessary infrastructure solutions, bring awareness to transportation issues impacting farmer profitability and competitiveness, and build relationships across industry, government, and commodity groups, have helped better position farmers for success.
The recognition holds special significance for Steenhoek. The award
was established in honor of the late Tom Oswald, a Cleghorn, Iowa, farmer who served as an ISA past president and USB director for many years.
“One of the blessings of working in this position is working on behalf of some of the most magnificent people that this planet has to offer, and that is America’s soybean farmers,” said Steenhoek. “It is my honor to receive an award that includes the term ‘legacy’
in it, but it is particularly an honor to receive an award that includes the name, my friend, Tom Oswald.”
Serving as executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) since its inception in 2007, Steenhoek has led the organization’s work and served as a prominent voice for U.S. farmers. The STC, comprised of 14 state soybean boards and other industry stakeholders, has positively contributed to the growth of the soybean industry while maximizing checkoff investments under Steenhoek’s leadership.
Through innovation and collaboration, STC has been a key facilitator and player in notable achievements including enhancements to rural bridges, directing inland waterway projects through various grant and investment opportunities, deepening of the lower Mississippi River to accommodate larger ocean-going vessels and more.
Contact Brock Johnston at bjohnston@iasoybeans.com
CEDAR RAPIDS FARMER
Recognized for Outstanding Environmental Leadership
STORY BY BROCK JOHNSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN BUSHMAN
The American Soybean Association (ASA) has recognized Jim O’Connell of Cedar Rapids, with the 2025 Regional Conservation Legacy Award for the Midwest Region. The award, which recognizes the outstanding environmental achievements of soybean farmers, was presented at the 2025 Commodity Classic held in Denver, Colo.
With over three decades of farming experience, O’Connell cultivates food-grade waxy corn, soybeans, and hay, while also managing a small cattle operation. He has been instrumental in implementing conservation practices such as cover crops, no-till, bioreactors and wetland restoration on his property. These initiatives aim to enhance soil health and water quality, benefiting both his farm and the broader Cedar River Watershed in which he resides.
O’Connell’s mission is to positively impact other people’s lives through land stewardship. His father was one of the first in their area to adopt no-till, and though
his father passed away two decades ago, O’Connell strives to carry on his innovative legacy.
“We look at the farm the same way,” O’Connell says. “Our farm is a valuable gift that we hope to pass on for generations. We need to work on protecting that.”
Through many challenges, including a derecho storm in August 2020, O’Connell has continued to ensure his operation makes a positive impact in his community and remains committed to conservation. His close collaboration with the nearby city of Cedar Rapids has helped ensure the water coming off their farm is clean and high quality for those who might be using it downstream.
“It feels good to be taking care of things and leaving the land better than we found it,” says O’Connell. “It’s an honor to represent the soybean association and help spread the word that we can help leave a great environment for the next generation while improving the bottom line in the process.”
Contact Brock Johnston at bjohnston@iasoybeans.com
Sidney Farmer Recognized for Outstanding Advocacy on Behalf of the Soybean Industry
STORY BY BROCK JOHNSTON
The American Soybean Association (ASA) honored Jeff Jorgenson of Sidney with its Outstanding State Volunteer Award during an awards celebration at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colo. The award recognizes exemplary contributions of volunteers with at least three years of volunteer service in any area of their state association’s operation.
Jorgenson has been a longtime farmer-leader, volunteering his time and effort within the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) serving in multiple leadership roles, including board president from 2020-21. Jorgenson has also served three years on ASA’s Board of Directors.
“It’s an honor to be thought of as someone who’s trying to make a difference,” says Jorgenson. “Policy has to be cumulative and requires all of us. My advice is to find your ‘spot’ in the ag policy conversation because there isn’t that many of us at the end of the day.”
Understanding that policy isn’t a spectator sport, Jorgenson has been active in policy development and education at the local and national levels. His advocacy portfolio spans several issues of high importance to soybean farmers, including biofuels, trade, research funding and more.
Jorgenson also represented Iowa soybean farmers on the state’s Flood Recovery Advisory Board and was instrumental in forming the Midwest Soybean Collaborative, a policy and regulatory thinktank analyzing the future needs of soybean producers and creating solutions. Colleagues also note Jorgenson’s openness to seeking change when solving problems and challenges, in addition to his ability to develop achievable, forward-thinking policy solutions that benefit soybean growers.
“Through this journey, you really start to learn about policy and gather information to understand how policy shapes the future,” says Jorgenson. “The thing about policy is don’t make it black and white. Policies that work on your farm and area — at the end of the day — are the policies you need to be looking for.”
Jorgenson was previously awarded ISA’s Policy Champion Award in 2024.
Contact Brock Johnston at bjohnston@iasoybeans.com
Iowa
Conservation Leader Recognized for Service to Soybean Farmers by the American Soybean Association
STORY BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROCK JOHNSON JOCLYN BUSHMAN
The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognized Roger Wolf with its Distinguished Leadership Award during an awards ceremony at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colo.
The ASA Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes a soybean grower or association staff leader who has shown a high level of dedication and successfully led others to meet goals and achieve successes to benefit soybean farmers.
Wolf, who recently retired as director of conservation for the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), has been an advocate for soybean farmers for 25 years. He was one of the ISA’s first conservation hires for the association’s Research Center for Farming Innovation.
In his former ISA role, Wolf assembled an extensive network of professionals dedicated to serving Iowa farmers and delivering on big ideas. Through his work creating, developing and overseeing farmer-focused programs and services, Wolf has helped advance the sustainability of soybean farmers — providing them with tools and systems that generate data-driven, environmental solutions.
“I always think about what’s my favorite thing to do, and that’s to build out programs with a vision and get a lot of different people and partners involved, securing funding and start hiring people.”
Roger Wolf
“I always think about what’s my favorite thing to do, and that’s to build out programs with a vision and get a lot of different people and partners involved, securing funding and start hiring people,” says Wolf.
Wolf’s visionary leadership and innovative ideas have increased productivity, profitability and sustainability for soybean farmers in Iowa and other soybean-growing states. He played a critical role in developing the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF), an outcomes-based financial incentive program for farmers implementing conservation practices. He helped spearhead programs like the Front 40, a platform for Iowa's conservation-minded farmers, and Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA), a non-profit association of ag retailers and support companies across the Iowa that helps farmers improve their agronomic performance while supporting environmental improvement efforts. As executive director for ACWA, he led the expansion from one watershed to a large-scale water quality initiative.
“To be a leader you need supporters, and I want to express my deepest appreciation to my family, my friends, whose unwavering support and encouragement have been the driving force behind my career journey,” added Wolf.
To learn more about the award, visit soygrowers.org. Learn more about the Iowa Soybean Association by visiting iasoybeans.com.
Contact Brock Johnston at bjohnston@iasoybeans.com
Seeds, Savings and Strategy
Alexander Litvin, Ph.D. ISA Research Agronomy Lead alitvin@iasoybeans.com
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. ISA trials show planting 80,000–110,000 seeds/acre yields nearly the same as higher rates but at a lower cost
2. Fungicide ROI depends on disease pressure
3. Accurate cost-benefit analysis of inputs is crucial for profitability
Soybean production profitability hinges on accurate management practices for controlling input costs while maximizing farm revenue. Among these, planning the appropriate population rate per acre, and necessary weed and fungicide programs can do a lot for improving return on investment (ROI) efficiency.
Soybean seeding rate
Optimizing soybean seeding rates can significantly influence profitability. The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has conducted trials for years to better understand the value of per-acre production across regions and seasonal weather.
Data from ISA on-farm research trials in 2023 and 2024 shows planting populations at 80,000 or 110,000 seeds per acre yielded similar or slightly less than higher seeding rates. However, it was significantly more profitable.
This is because the slight increases in potential harvest revenue from higher rates were less than the known cost of extra seed per acre.
For example, at $64/unit seed cost (including seed-applied treatments), changing population rates from 170,000 per acre to 80,000 per acre resulted in a $18.14 per acre increase in profitability while cutting preseason seed costs by over half when soybean
prices are at $10 per bushel. Savings are further boosted by higher seed costs (see Figure 1).
To get the most out of any rate, early planting consistently boosts yields. Fields planted in April out-yield May planted soybeans by 3-5 bushels. Trials also determined that early-planted soybeans do not need higher planting rates to maintain yields and profitability.
The recent ISA studies underscore the “less is more” approach, where lower seeding rates yielded comparable or superior due to lower seed costs. Given current market dynamics and input expenses, careful calibration of seeding equipment can substantially enhance profitability.
Fungicide use
In deciding to apply fungicides in soybeans, farmers must include disease likelihood, product cost and expected returns.
Fungicide trials conducted by ISA in 2023 and 2024 evaluated Delaro Complete, Lucento, and Miravis Neo, highlighting their varied effectiveness against common soybean diseases such as frogeye leaf spot. Yield responses and ROI varied considerably based on disease presence and fungicide efficacy.
Figure 2: Under fungal pressure, applications can generate an additional $21.33 per acre profit, but a $31.67 loss when minimal or no pressure is present that year.
1 Cost includes an estimated $10 per acre application cost as surveyed by Iowa State University.
2 Represents an average of costs and performance of the specific fungicides evaluated by ISA.
For best economic return on the cost of fungicide applications, ISA calculates that crop damage should rank 3 on a damage scale of 1-9. Field assessments by ISA indicated fungicide application typically showed positive ROI in fields where disease presence was confirmed at this threshold or higher.
While this scouting is often too late to inform spraying in and of itself, farmers are encouraged to do so to understand their field’s pressure for the future. Based on field history, such as prevalence and population rates and environmental conditions such as rain and humidity, farmers should have a decision threshold to guide their decision to apply.
Recent years have been dry during the development stage when frogeye leaf spot becomes prevalent, reducing the pathogen’s pressure as well as the ROI potential of using fungicides those given years. Thus, blanket application of fungicides
consistently year over year may not be as cost effective as understanding environmental pressures and one’s field (see Figure 2).
Pay close attention to the weather forecast and know your damage threshold before committing to a blanket application.
Reducing reliance on fungicide under low pressure seasonal weather conditions saves money and aids future production by minimizing pathogen resistance to the fungicides.
Cost analysis
ISA remains committed to helping farmers improve their farm’s productivity and focuses on maximizing ROI of those operations. If you are interested in participating in future research trials or have a request for ISA to potentially investigate as a topic, scan the QR code below or email me.
We can consider it as a topic in a future issue. Better yet, we’ll connect you with your local expert so you can implement a trial on your farm.
Figure 1: Relative change in profit at varying seed input costs based on soybean market price of $10/bushel.
The Golden State offers markets for Iowa soybean farmers
Dreaming
“We need to understand the challenges and difficulties of the California marketplace, engage with the regulators and policy makers who have the power and counter the misinformation about soy-based fuels.”
Grant Kimberley, ISA sr. director of market development
While the Mamas and Papas crooned their hit song “California Dreamin’ ” into the country’s lexicon in 1965, the Golden State’s market potential for Iowa and U.S. soybean farmers was largely untapped.
Far from a dream, today’s reality is the state and its 40 million residents are a demand driver for a host of soy-based products, including biofuels. If a sovereign state, California’s $4.1 trillion economy would rank as the world’s fifth largest (on par with the likes of Germany and Japan). On a per capita basis, California is the second largest economy in the world.
Soybean industry leaders are working diligently to make the most of market opportunities in a state that prides itself on doing things its way, especially regarding environmental concerns.
“It’s the country’s largest domestic consumer for biodiesel, and that’s been a driver of soybean oil demand for Midwest farmers,” says Grant Kimberley, Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) sr. director of market development. “But the market isn’t without its challenges, making our continued presence there a priority.”
ISA District 9 Director Jeff Ellis agrees. That’s why he joined other Midwest soybean farmers for Clean Fuels Alliance America’s annual Golden State Tour. Held just prior to the start of planting season, participants explored the transformative impact of agriculture and clean fuels throughout Sacramento and the Central Valley.
Best option: biodiesel
Just 15 years ago, less than 1% of California’s diesel inventory included biodiesel and renewable diesel. Today, renewable fuels produced from domestic feedstocks, including soybean oil, continue to be an important option
for the movement of goods on the West Coast. Biomass-based diesel accounts for more than 70% of California’s diesel fuel supply and nearly half of the greenhouse gas reductions under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).
“The reality is that air quality can be a problem in California, especially particulates which can cause health complications,” says Ellis, who farms near Donnellson. “There’s a tremendous desire to do better, and if that’s the goal, there’s no better option than biodiesel.”
Yet California doesn’t see renewable fuels as the entire answer. Momentum has been gathering behind achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To get there, the state is pursuing policies and practices phasing out the use of liquid fuels in favor of electrification. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), a 16-member agency overseeing the state’s air pollution control efforts, is guiding the transition.
Limiting growth
Last November, CARB revised the state’s LCFS by implementing a 20% limit on credit generation for biomass-based diesel made from virgin crop oils such as soybean, canola and sunflower-seed oils. The move unsettled the biofuels market, as CARB also proposed lowering the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuel pool by 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2045.
“The long-term impact of these changes is a significant reduction in demand for soy-based fuel from our most important domestic market,” says Ellis.
The first-year ISA director says this is especially concerning given California’s ability to influence national and global energy and environmental policy.
Continued on Pg. 26
Jeff Ellis, ISA district 9 director
Grant Kimberley, ISA sr. director of market development
A rice farm located in California’s Central Valley awaits flooding, then planting. California produces $60 billion in agricultural products, including dozens of specialty crops.
Sturgeon move about in production tanks located at the Tsar Nicoulai sturgeon farm. The farm is a leading producer of caviar.
Mutually beneficial
While in Sacramento, Ellis and the farmer-led delegation visited rice, dairy, and aquaculture producers, toured a fuel terminal and met with CARB directors and administrators.
Established in 1967 by then-governor Ronald Reagan, CARB is tasked with reducing air pollution. Electrification of the state’s vehicle fleet is the preferred pathway. Advocates in the state’s environmental justice community claims biobased fuels harm people and the environment by incentivizing destructive land use changes and elevating food costs by diverting edible oil from food to energy.
Greg Mayeur, CARB’s program planning and management branch chief, told the farmer delegation during meetings in Sacramento that capping the use of biofuels balances the needs of biofuels proponents with that of the environmental justice community.
“They’re requiring us to move more quickly to electrification to meet our goals,” he says. “There is a general concern that we are taking food crops and using it for fuel rather than for animals or food and human consumption.”
Soybean farmers have long sought to alleviate those concerns while acknowledging the mutually beneficial partnerships between U.S. soybean farmers and California. These efforts have had an immediate and positive impact on air quality in America’s most populous state.
“Concerns voiced by environmental justice groups aren’t based on reality,” says Ellis. “They also penalize U.S. farmers by lumping us in with other soybeanproducing countries.”
The farmer from Donnellson says it’s unfair and inaccurate to compare the environmental footprint of soybeans grown in Iowa and the U.S. with oilseeds produced in Brazil and South America.
“We’re not clearing land to grow soybeans,” he says. “We’re producing more soybeans on fewer acres while implementing numerous practices that improve soil and water quality.”
Domestic biofuels production has created a market for soybean oil, a product once considered “waste” because it existed in such large quantities.
Aspirations to fully electrify California’s vehicle fleet in less than 10 years are highly attractive to policy makers and the environmental justice community.
But they ignore the realities of a strained electrical grid and electricity prices already 2-3 times the national average.
Cleaner air faster
Eric Guerra, a 3-year CARB board member, admits agriculture’s role in the state’s energy sector has been positive.
“Clearly, biofuels are healthier for the environment than petroleum-based fuels and have played an important role in getting to cleaner air faster,” he says.
Improving air quality is an acute priority for California’s sixth largest city (pop. 529,000). Sacramento is situated within a geographical bowl making it susceptible to high concentrations of particulate matter originating from vehicle emissions and forest fires.
“The big issue we still have today is helping children with asthma, especially during the summer,”
ISA Director Jeff Ellis makes a point in conversations with CARB administrators during meetings held earlier this spring in Sacramento.
Greg Mayeur, Branch Chief, Program Planning and Management for the California Air Resources Board (left) visits with Paula and Jeff Ellis.
Guerra says. “Going to biofuels has been helpful while progressing to carbon neutral goals.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed the state to redouble efforts to scale up electric and noncombustible energy use during his remaining two years in office. Regulatory officials have responded by incentivizing electric vehicle sales, codifying the availability of electric charging stations in the construction of fueling stations and condominiums and exploring increased production and use of hydrogen.
“It’s a matter of when, not if, people will purchase an electric vehicle,” Guerra says. “There’s idealism and optimism. The idealism is very pervasive in the legislative arena.”
But renewable fuels advocates say the transition will prove difficult as aspirations to go 100% electric collide with the realities of rising electric costs, increased blackouts and shifting policy and regulatory priorities.
“We need to be engaged in this market as it faces many headwinds,” says Kimberley, who farms near Maxwell in addition to leading the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “We need to understand the challenges and difficulties of the California marketplace, engage with the regulators and policy makers who have the power and counter the misinformation about soy-based fuels.”
Ellis returned from California with renewed optimism.
“There’s hope as it relates to CARB and the LCFS and continued demand for soy,” he says. “It’s not going to be an easy road, but then again anything worth having takes effort.
“Our voices matter,” he adds. “We have the best product for making California’s air cleaner today and for decades and generations to come.”
Contact Aaron Putze at aputze@iasoybeans.com
“We’re producing more soybeans on fewer acres while implementing numerous practices that improve soil and water quality.”
Jeff Ellis, ISA district 9 director
Eric Guerra, board member of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and mayor pro tem of Sacramento, makes his point during discussions with Midwest soybean farmers.
BCW Feedstock Terminal located near Stockton, Calif., is a key linchpin between demand for liquid fuel feedstock demand in the Golden State and Midwest soybean farmers. The terminal is served by several rail companies including BNSF and Union Pacific.
The soybean processors industry has been expanding over the past two years. The practical domestic capacity of the industry has increased from about 2.23 billion bushels per year at the beginning of 2023 to about 2.55 billion bushels per year at the beginning of 2025 for an increase of 14%. Outstanding announcements for expansion would increase the total to over 2.78 billion bushels per year by 2030 if they are actualized. Since 2023, nine new or expanded plants have increased domestic crush capacity while another seven are still slated to expand or come online. Soybeans are almost never used whole but are instead “crushed” to produce soybean meal and soybean oil. Approximately 80% of the crushed bean results in soybean meal, which is used for protein content in livestock feed, and hulls. The other 20% is soybean oil, which is primarily used for human consumption and biofuels. The latter has primarily driven the growth in the crush sector, as rising renewable diesel production has elevated the domestic demand for soybean oil. Domestic renewable capacity (including renewable jet fuel and biointermediates) went from 791 million gallons per year in 2021 to 4.58 billion gallons currently.
Biofuel Demand Powers Soybean Crush Growth
Will Policy Keep Up?
BY SCOTT GERLT, CHIEF ECONOMIST FOR THE AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCLYN BUSHMAN
U.S. crush growth
There are currently 68 solvent crushing plants in the United States (Figure 1). While soybean production has expanded in the Northern Plains over the past several decades, the ability to process those beans had not followed at the same time. Instead, growth
in soybean acres in the Dakotas was almost exclusively for the export market through the Pacific Northwest. The expectations of increased demand for soybean oil have expanded the geographic boundaries of soy processing abilities in the United States.
Figure 2 shows the expansion by state compared to soy production in the state. North Dakota was only able to process 6% of its soy production in the state before 2023. That percentage has increased to 47%. Kansas capacity has increased from about 38% of
production to 70% the past couple of years. The large increase in Louisiana is from one expanding plant along the Mississippi River. It is a swing plant that can process more oilseeds than just soybeans.
Continued on Pg. 30
Figure 1
Figure 2
Soybeans are almost never used whole but are instead “crushed” to produce soybean meal and soybean oil.
Timeline uncertainty
The timeline for completion of the new plants spans the next six years, with 75 million bushels per year of capacity slated to come online in 2025 and another 114 million in 2026 (Figure 3). The total announced increases in capacity still to come online total 234 million bushels per year. Note that these numbers are based off announcements.
Plants that are planned to come online soon are already under construction, making them fairly certain. Plants that have longer timelines may or may not come online, depending on economic and policy conditions. Figure 3 does not include any plants that have been confirmed to be on hold or that have not released details. For these many reasons, the actual domestic
capacity over the next five years can easily vary from what is shown here.
Figure 3 shows capacity as practical annual capacity. Plants will have a “nameplate” capacity that they could achieve if they operated without any issues or maintenance. Practical capacity accounts for likely down time to represent what the industry could likely be expected to crush.
Crush margins react
Soybean processors capture the difference between the value of the meal and oil and the cost of the soybeans (crush margin). A price increase to either of these coproducts increases crush margins, incentivizing the processors to crush more. Expanding crush capacity opens more places for farmers to sell their beans while providing additional soybean meal and oil for the domestic market. This in turn increases local soybean prices while bringing down the prices of soybean oil and meal.
A recent study sponsored by the United Soybean Board and ASA looked at how crush plants affect local soybean markets. The researchers looked at basis (the difference between the futures price and local cash price) for areas around crush plants. They found that distant crush plants (80 to 100 miles away) raised basis by about nine cents. Basis continued to strengthen the closer the crush plant. For locations within 20 miles of a plant, basis increased by about 23 cents per bushel. The increasing number of plants allows farmers within their radius of influence to experience prices that are noticeably higher.
After running at high levels over the past several years, crush margins have fallen
significantly (Figure 4). Note that the plant would have to cover all other operational costs and overhead out of the crush margin. Imported biofuel feedstocks have displaced soybean oil in biofuels. Low mandated blending
obligations set by EPA and uncertainty around biofuel tax credits have also contributed to soybean oil price drops. Plentiful meal supplies from the increased crush have also pushed down meal prices.
The case for higher blending volumes
These factors (coupled with higher construction costs from higher steel and aluminum prices, increased interest rates, and other increases) have caused more uncertainty about the feasibility of plants further in the future without better biofuel blending levels starting in 2026. It also raises concerns about stranded assets if blending levels under the Renewable Fuel Standard are not increased. While concern about the crushing industry has increased since late 2024, the expansion of capacity has greatly benefited farmers. More parts of the country now have the ability to utilize soy domestically. This increases the
basis for farmers in those areas by about 23 cents per bushel. The growth in the industry is not yet done. Approximately 189 million bushels per year in new capacity is slated to come online in the next couple of years, and almost another 45 million bushels of capacity await beyond that window.
If all the crush capacity is built by 2030, it would represent a 22% increase in domestic crush capacity since the beginning of 2023. The health of the crush industry and buildout of plants with longer timelines will depend on biofuel blending levels to be announced for 2026 and beyond. Favorable numbers would allow soybean farmers to receive increased value for their crop.
Rising renewable diesel production has elevated the domestic demand for soybean oil.
