It was six years ago when I received a phone call asking, “Would you be interested in serving as a director for the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA)?”  I asked how many meetings it would require and received the standard reply “it’s only four meetings a year.”  Growing up, my parents always stressed the importance of two principles: serve others and continuously improve yourself through education. This opportunity seemed like a perfect way to honor both. Since then, I have been a director for ISA, the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and on the executive board for the American Soybean Association. I have had the privilege of working with amazing fellow farmers and experiencing opportunities I never thought possible.

Joining a new group of peers can feel anxious at first. The hardest part is simply standing up and saying, “yes”. What many don’t realize is how much serving on a board helps you grow personally. I have participated in media training, agronomy lectures, government affairs briefings, new product development launches, social media classes and even etiquette lessons. I have attended board meetings, zoom meetings, hosted international guests, and visited legislators. By saying yes, I have become a better farmer while helping strengthen Illinois agriculture.

All of these experiences have built my confidence in taking the second step of an engaged board member and packing up. Our family operation is small, just my wife, my parents, Zack and me. When I am away, everyone else picks up the work. With their support I am able to travel to Washington and Springfield to meet with legislators and other agencies advocating for farmers.  Being an active member of ISA has also given me the opportunity to participate in amazing leadership training. ISA created the LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Development) Program, giving farmers of all ages a chance to learn and share with each other.  ISA also hosts agronomic field days, presents the annual Soybean Summit in Champaign, annual Farm Business meetings and statewide town halls to keep soybean farmers informed and connected. These events require time away from the tractor seat, but the work done at these meetings is critical for future success of our farms.

Soybeans are the No. 1 agriculture export product in the U.S., valued annually at $25 billion. The international markets are vital for the economic success of farmers here as more than 50% of the soy we grow are exported. With my wheels up traveling the world advocating for the U.S. soybean farmer I have experienced international foods and cultures directly impacted by the soybeans I grow on my farm. I visited a fish farm in Cambodia supported by WISHH and saw firsthand how soybean meal in feed rations is improving rate of gain, end product quality and the quality of life of the farmers as their business thrives.  At a feedmill in Turkey, I was shown samples of U.S. versus other origin soybeans. Buyers said they prefer U.S. soy for its consistent oil and meal quality. We also spoke about the Sustainably Soy label protocol organized by U.S. Soybean Export Council and its importance to European Consumers.  Most recently, I learned how to roll Tempeh in Jakarta using U.S. soybeans and the recognition by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) of tempeh’s cultural significance in Indonesia.

This column began with a simple call to action, Stand Up, Pack Up, Wheels Up.  A mentor once threw down the gauntlet for me. Now I pass it on to you.  Will you stand up to volunteer your time to serve other farmers while building yourself into a better producer?  Will you pack up to advocate for the success of your own business and our industry?  Will you get your wheels up to new places and open new markets for the next generation of US farmers?  Get involved. Your life will change in more ways than you can imagine with new knowledge, lasting friendships and deep pride in what you’ll accomplish.