John Heisdorffer, a soybean producer from Keota in southeast Iowa, is the new president of the American Soybean Association. He previously served as vice president, and has served on the ASA board of directors since 2010. He and his family also raise corn and finish 10,000 head of hogs a year.

Heisdorffer farms with son Chris. John and wife Deanna have three children: Lisa, Jody and Chris. John served on the Iowa Soybean Association board and in various committees for 20 years. He also served on the National Biodiesel Board from 1996 to 2004 and now serves as president of the NBB Foundation. Heisdorffer also served on the local co-op board and his church council.

Soybean industry faces many issues
“There are so many issues and challenges facing the soybean industry today, and I’m very aware of the responsibility this position carries with it,” Heisdorffer says. “For the first time in history, American farmers in 2017 harvested more acres of soybeans than any other crop. We are a leading voice in the ongoing dialogue on food and farming. And as a leader in agriculture, it is the duty of ASA officers, directors and staff to stay engaged and be passionate on the issues that affect soybean farmers every day. Whether that’s trade or biotechnology or regulation, there is plenty of work to be done. I’m excited to get to work on these issues and am looking forward to leading this wonderful organization this year.”

Heisdorffer replaced Illinois farmer Ron Moore as president, and Moore is now chairman of ASA. Former Chair Richard Wilkins of Delaware rotated off the nine-member ASA governing committee. The ASA board elected Kentucky soybean producer Davie Stephens as vice president, a position that places him in line to serve as ASA president in 2019.

Focus on new farm bill, finding markets
Heisdorffer says he looks forward to helping craft a new federal farm bill and serving fellow farmers and soybean growers. “We’ll continue to focus on trade given the importance of finding markets for America’s most valuable export — soybeans, soyoil and soymeal,” he says. “We’ll also remain actively engaged in production issues, including the use of dicamba. It’s important we work with industry to review, investigate and, where necessary, resolve any performance issues related to this important tool for managing weeds.”

In other soybean news, farmers recently elected to leadership positions at the Iowa Soybean Association are Lindsay Greiner of Keota, president-elect; Stephanie Essick of Dickens, treasurer; Tim Bardole of Rippey, secretary; and Dave Walton of Wilton, member of executive committee. Bill Shipley of Nodaway is the president of ISA.

“This is an important time in agriculture as we work to manage the variability and uncertainty that accompanies erratic weather, trade and regulations,” Shipley says. “Our ISA board is committed to serving the needs of farmers by providing the tools and resources to manage the continuous changes that impact our competitiveness as farmers.”

Source: ASA and ISA