ANKENY, Iowa — Seven farmers, including six incumbents, have been elected to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors.
Lee Brooke of Clarinda was elected District 7 director. New to the board, Brooke manages a diversified row crop and livestock farm in partnership with his son and son-in-law. He also serves as president of the Southwest Iowa Rural Water Association and has held leadership posts in a local cooperative, church and county cattlemen’s association.
“Soybean farmers are facing new challenges every day to feed a growing population in a cost-effective way,” Brooke says. “The ISA, with the involvement of soybean farmers and industry partners, can positively impact this need through developing new uses, expanding trade and keeping additional regulations in check. I look forward to digging in and making a difference.”
Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Brent Swart, Spencer (District 1); April Hemmes, Hampton (District 2); Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg (District 3); Robb Ewoldt, Davenport (District 6); Pat Swanson, Ottumwa (District 9); and Tim Bardole, Rippey (At Large).
“Every soybean farmer who participated in the election – whether as a voter, candidate or both – is to be recognized for engaging in this important process,” said ISA President Jeff Jorgenson of Sidney. “We are a farmer-led association so farmer participation in the election is paramount.”
Jorgenson, who will complete his service on the board in September, said directors take their volunteer service to fellow soybean farmers very seriously. He also encourages fellow soybean farmers to get involved in the association they fund via their investment in the soybean checkoff.
“I encourage every soybean grower to engage with their district and at-large leadership as we work collectively to grow and sell soybeans and advance industry priorities during a very critical time for Iowa and U.S. agriculture,” he said.
The seven directors elected join 15 full-time soybean farmers in overseeing the management and allocation of the soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.
Those continuing their service as directors are: Chuck White, Spencer (District 1); Casey Schlichting, Clear Lake (District 2); Rick Juchems, Plainfield (District 3); Jeff Frank, Auburn and Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4); and Morey Hill, Madrid and Tom Vincent, Perry (District 5).
Also: Dave Walton, Wilton (District 6); Scot Bailey, Anita (District 7); Warren Bachman, Osceola and Randy Miller, Lacona (District 8); and Tom Adam, Harper (District 9). Serving at-large are: Brent Renner, Klemme; Steph Essick, Dickens; and Lindsay Greiner, Keota.
— Iowa Soybean Association
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