Director Elections: At large candidates - running 1

June 1, 2023

LaVerne Arndt | Sac City, Iowa

LaVerne Arndt raises cow/calf pairs and grows soybeans and corn with his son in Sac County.

Arndt earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State. He is active on his church board, serves as a township trustee and is on the local fire board. For the last nine years, he was on the Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association board.

Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?

I served on the ISA board for one term, and I would like the opportunity to serve again. I enjoy talking to anyone interested in soybean production or marketing. I will be able to help direct the board on the important topics that affect the soybean industry. This is done by first listening to the farmers I represent and then taking those concerns to the board. After a decision, I think it’s important to communicate back to the producers.

What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now, and how can the board address it?

There are many important issues, including the Waters of the U.S., maintaining international soybean sales and encouraging farmers to implement conservation efforts. The Waters of the U.S. issue is very important to farmers, and we need to convince the Environmental Protection Agency it made the wrong decision. Any country that is growing soybeans also wants to sell their soybeans. The ISA board needs to make sure it keeps soybean buyers happy so they continue to purchase from the U.S.

Sharon Chism | Huxley, Iowa

Sharon Chism, Iowa State, Ag Business, grows corn and soybeans in Story County. She is also an ag consultant with an emphasis on improving profitability on fragile areas of fields through soil health and field efficiency practices.

Sharon has been involved with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) District Advisory Council and helped ISA at the state fair. She has been involved with research projects on planting date, plant population and seed depth. Chism is involved with Iowa Agriwomen, focusing on ag education and ag economics. She serves on the Iowa Women in Ag planning committee and volunteers at her local church and youth organizations.

Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board? 

ISA receives from farmers one-quarter of 1% of the net market value of soybeans sold by farmers. I want to be an advocate for farmers and help ISA staff continue to efficiently provide useful research to farmers and soybean market price promotion. I have been impressed with ISA’s education for caretakers of the land regarding soil health and water quality improvements. I have seen ISA’s direct benefit to farmers through plant population research and efforts to grow aquaculture. My listening, communication and leadership skills make me a good candidate for the ISA board of directors at-large position.

What's the biggest issue facing Iowa soybean farmers right now, and how can the board address it?

Growing market demand is key to producer’s well-being through the cycles of world grain prices. ISA can continue to help farmers navigate the uncertainty of weather and grain markets.

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