The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) provides opportunities that extend far beyond Illinois. Through farmer leadership, market development, and global engagement, ISA helps build relationships that create demand for Illinois and U.S. soybeans around the world. My experience serving through ISA has reinforced one important lesson: relationships matter.

ISA’s investment in farmer leaders creates opportunities to engage directly with customers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and decision makers across the globe. Those interactions help build trust in Illinois and U.S. soy while strengthening partnerships that support demand growth for soybean farmers.

Serving through ISA opened doors to represent Illinois farmers on national and international stages. Today, I serve on the Executive Committee of the Illinois Soybean Association, the American Soybean Association Board of Directors, and the boards of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH). Earlier in my service, I became the first U.S. farmer to serve on the Executive Committees of USSEC, USAPEEC, and WISHH. Those experiences showed me firsthand how organizations working together can strengthen demand for U.S. soy.

Some of the most valuable experiences came from meeting directly with international customers and industry leaders. In China, our largest export market, I participated in discussions with government officials and industry representatives who help shape recommendations regarding agricultural purchasing decisions. In Pakistan, one of the fastest growing markets for U.S. soy, I met with industry leaders who have helped expand soybean purchases and create new opportunities for U.S. farmers. Although every country is different, one thing remains the same. Trust built through personal relationships often becomes the foundation for future business.

These experiences also demonstrate the value of collaboration among the organizations that represent U.S. soybean farmers. USSEC works to develop and maintain international markets for U.S. soy. USAPEEC helps expand demand for poultry and egg exports, which increases the need for soybean meal used in feed. WISHH promotes soy products and solutions that improve nutrition, food security, and economic development in emerging markets. While each organization has a different mission, all are focused on increasing demand for U.S. soy.

ISA plays an important role in connecting Illinois farmers to these efforts. By investing in farmer leadership and engagement, ISA helps ensure that producers have a voice in discussions about trade, market access, and demand development. It also provides opportunities for farmers to build relationships with customers and stakeholders who influence purchasing decisions around the world.

The time commitment required to serve in these leadership roles is significant, but the benefits can be substantial. Every trade mission, customer meeting, and board discussion is an opportunity to strengthen demand for the soybeans grown by Illinois farmers. While the work often takes place thousands of miles from home, the goal remains the same: creating opportunities that improve profitability and market access for Illinois soybean farmers.

As global demand for protein continues to increase, the partnership between ISA, ASA, USSEC, USAPEEC, and WISHH demonstrates what can be accomplished when organizations work together toward a common goal. The relationships built today help create opportunities for tomorrow, ensuring that Illinois and U.S. soy remain trusted and valued in markets around the world.