Director Elections: District 4 candidates

June 1, 2023

Jeff Frank | Lake View, Iowa (Incumbent)

Jeff Frank grows soybeans and corn with his wife Ellen and son in Sac County. He also custom farms.

Upon graduating from Lake View-Auburn, Frank immediately began farming. Since that time, he has continued to learn from the trials and errors of 45 growing seasons.

Frank has served on the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors and various committees. He is also on the Landus Cooperative board of directors. He is a previous Iowa Farm Bureau and USDA Farm Service Agency board member.

Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?

I would like to continue my role as a director to help advance the soybean industry and all the possibilities that might help Iowa farmers be more profitable and sustainable.

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

Several issues come to mind: the farm bill, renewable diesel and sustainable aircraft fuel. Our public affairs committee is continually involved in lobbying our legislators in Des Moines and in Washington, D.C., to have farmers’ voices heard. On the fuel side, we are addressing issues and answering questions and concerns the industry has on these new and exciting possibilities for soybean farmers.

James Hepp | Rockwell City, Iowa

James Hepp is a first-generation farmer in Calhoun County, growing soybeans and corn. Heavily involved in cover crops, no-till and strip till in his operation, Hepp also grows rye for cover crop seed.

Hepp earned his degree in ag business from Northwest Missouri State University. He is a licensed crop insurance agent and farms with his wife Paige and young son Karsten.

He is the president of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau, a member of the Rockwell City Fire Department, and is on the board for the Calhoun County Corn Growers. He has been involved with the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Experience Class, Communications Squad and District Advisory Committee.

Why are you interested in serving on the ISA board?

Since becoming involved in ISA, I have loved it. I want to be more active and take on leadership roles in the organization to help benefit all farmers and rural Iowans. My farming and crop insurance experience, combined with being a young, first-generation farmer, will bring a lot to the table.

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

There is an opportunity to build markets for soybean farmers and create better basis. Herbicide-resistant weeds and input costs are also areas of concern. The ISA board can address these by creating conversations and research opportunities to benefit farmers.

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