(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Bushman)
Executive Insights: Optimism on the horizon
March 1, 2025 | Kirk Leeds
As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, I’ve learned to embrace the spirit of optimism. Every spring I look forward to the crack of the bat and the hope that this year will be the one that brings a championship back to Chicago.
Being a soybean farmer is like being a Cubs fan. No matter the challenges (e.g. unpredictable weather, market volatility, political uncertainty), farmers embrace another planting season with renewed hope and the belief that it will bring better opportunities.
Despite geopolitical tensions, tariff threats and economic hurdles 2025 offers reasons to be optimistic.
One of the key reasons is the ongoing work of the soybean checkoff. Soybean farmers have always been innovators, and investments made through the checkoff are proving to be an invaluable resource for future growth. By researching new uses, we are finding new ways to utilize soybeans and thus build greater demand and market share that in turn support market prices.
For example, soybeans are now being used in a variety of industries, from biofuels to bioplastics. Innovations like these reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create a new market for soybean farmers. The more we can expand the uses of our crops, the more resilient we become in the face of market disruptions.
The checkoff also supports research to improve crop yields and enhance pest resistance while enhancing sustainable farming practices. These efforts ensure that even when prices are low, we’re becoming more efficient and resilient to Mother Nature’s volatility.
Additionally, soybean farmers are deepening relationships with customers around the world. While trade agreements and geopolitical tensions will ebb and flow, global demand for protein-rich foods continues to grow, particularly in emerging economies. As a result, soybeans remain an essential crop for feeding the world, and those long-term trends are promising.
Finally, it’s important to remember that agriculture, like baseball, is a game of seasons. Some years may be challenging, but there’s always potential for a successful harvest. With the right investments, strong industry leadership, and commitment to innovation, we’re planting seeds today for a more prosperous tomorrow.
As you prepare to head into the 2025 planting season, hold onto that optimism. The future is full of promise, and like the Cubs, we’re always ready for the new season to begin. Keep planting, keep innovating, and keep believing as there are better days ahead.
Go Cubs!
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