Bloomington, Ill. – June 2, 2026 – Illinois Soybean Association’s (ISA’s) premiere leadership program is now accepting applications for its next class of agricultural leaders. LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Development, equips participants with a deeper understanding of the soybean industry while building lifelong leadership skills.

“We are looking at, in a 10- to 12-year window, less than 1% of the population being farmers,” said Jonathan Griffel, Illinois soybean farmer and LEAD participant. “So, every voice within agriculture needs to be stronger. It needs to be better. It needs to be more well-versed and ready for the challenge.”

ISA’s LEAD program welcomes anyone who is passionate about agriculture and wants to make a difference in the future of the soybean industry. The program offers three progressive pathways, including Next Generation, Navigators and Ambassadors, which range from college students to those who are new to the industry up through seasoned advocates and post-career professionals. Highlights of the program include interactive learning, networking, annual recognition and travel opportunities.

What would you tell someone who is on the fence about applying for LEAD? “Easy one—just do it,” said Griffel. “My approach has always been to take the opportunities you get and do the best you can with them. I think LEAD is a terrific opportunity.”

Interested individuals should apply by July 31, 2026 at ilsoy.org/lead.

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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Betsy Osman
Illinois Soybean Association
betsy.osman@ilsoy.org