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Meet the director: Paul Kassel

March 1, 2025

District 1 Director | Spencer

What crops and livestock do you grow and raise on the farm?

I am a soybean and corn farmer. I do not have any livestock other than a couple of really spoiled barn cats.

What makes your farm unique?

I have a corn and soybean rotation. The soybean crop is planted no-till. I also use fall-seeded cereal rye as a cover crop on some of my soybean acres.

What does success mean to you on the farm?

I keep crop production records with a system called Traction Enterprise. We have mostly rented land; the record keeping program allows me to analyze costs and benefits across my acres. A profitable growing season — which doesn’t always happen — means success to me.

How do you envision production agriculture 50 years from now?

I think it will be similar to now in many aspects. Farming operations will likely continue to grow in size and scope. I expect that grain crops will continue to be used for feed, food, fuel and fiber — with an increased focus on minimal environmental impact.

What do you see as the largest hurdle for homegrown soybeans in the future? Largest opportunity?

Currently, soybean farmers face some profitability issues — which are hopefully short term. Soybean and farm organizations will continue to pursue new demand for soybean products. Long term, I believe we will see continued interest in the use of soybean oil as a feedstock for motor fuel.

What’s something people usually don’t know about you?

I was born in Illinois. My dad worked for Dekalb Agricultural Association in Dekalb, Ill., before he returned to the family farm in Iowa.

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