BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Soy Ambassador Leadership Program, sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs, is an initiative which strives to grow participants’ leadership experience through designed programs and industry exposure. At the same time, participants receive an understanding of what the soybean checkoff is and how the ISB/ISG Board of Directors invests those dollars on behalf of the farmers we serve.
Ambassadors will develop skills and qualities that will prepare them for future leadership roles in the soybean and agricultural industry. Several past Soy Ambassadors have assumed state and national leadership positions.
“The Soy Ambassador Leadership Program was a terrific experience, allowing young growers, like myself, the ability to network and see firsthand what Illinois soy does beyond the state itself,” says Chandler Bane of Arrowsmith, Ill. “I learned just how much Illinois soy does for Illinois and globally, from biodiesel, to soy proteins, and beyond. Other than exports and what soy does, this program gave me a closer look at just how much checkoff programs do for growers and how an effective board should perform. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that this program has offered and will not forget just how much I have learned and experienced as a Soy Ambassador.”
Over the period of a year, the Soy Ambassadors will discover challenges and opportunities facing the soybean industry through attendance and engagement at key events. These events include meetings of the American Soybean Association (ASA), United Soybean Board (USB), and Commodity Classic, America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. Other opportunities include:
- Working nationally with legislators to promote issues in agriculture. Each class attends hill visits in Washington, D.C. with ISA staff and board members to help educate on the importance of soy.
- Helping within the state to attend events and speak on ISA’s behalf. Such events include Illinois Soybean Association’s premiere event, the Soybean Summit, hosting trade teams, and more.
- Getting to work closely with ISA staff and board and expanding your network.
For more information, visit https://www.ilsoy.org/about-us/leadership/soy-ambassadors/soy-ambassador-program-info and apply online by August 15, 2021. Further questions can be directed to Dustin Scott, director of operations, at 309-808-3603 or scottd@ilsoy.org.
Interviews will be conducted with Illinois Soybean Association Board members and staff in late August as schedules permit. Those chosen to participate in the 2021/2022 class will undergo orientation during the November/December 2021 Board Meeting in Bloomington, Illinois.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.
— Illinois Soybean Association
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