Plan to attend ISA's 2025 Farm Forward Conference

January 2, 2025 | Kriss Nelson

Changing domestic and international markets impact the value of Iowa's soybean crop. Join the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and others to learn about shifting global trends and domestic policy changes to position you for success in 2025 and beyond at this year’s Farm Forward Conference.

This year’s conference will be held Feb. 3 at the Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines.

"There is a significant change on the horizon. Things at home and abroad are in a state of flux, and soybeans are a heavily export-dependent crop," says Matt Herman, ISA's chief officer of demand and advocacy. "Farmers also know the ag economy is not nearly as strong as it was the past three years. We will be giving farmers insight into what challenges and opportunities might be and what the soybean checkoff is doing to address trade and export issues driving soybean prices.

Farm Forward Agenda

Industry leaders will present a wide range of topics, such as biofuels and 45Z Tax Credit guidance. With the start of the legislative session, ISA's advocates will brief soybean farmers on the session's impact and their expectations.

Trade Outlook Under the New Administration

Matt Roberts, owner and founder of the Kernmantle Group, an economics research and training consultancy will provide some foresight into the Trump's administration's potential impact on trade.

Skepticism of trade and China are two of President-elect Donald Trump's most consistent threads. Yet, soybean sales to China have been the single largest driver of demand for the past 20 years. What will the Trump 47 Administration mean for crop demand and farm policy, and how can your farm benefit?

Roberts is a nationally renowned expert and speaker on the grain and energy markets. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, Associated Press and Forbes, and has been interviewed on CNBC. Roberts received a B.A. in Economics from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, and a Ph.D. in Economics from North Carolina State University.

Inflation Reduction Act Biofuel Tax Credits: Under New Management

Herman will be moderate a panel featuring Kailee Tkacz Buller, CEO at National Oilseed Processors Association; Mac Marshall, economist at Balcony View Consulting, LLC and Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, vice president of industry affairs at Landus Cooperative.

During this session, experts will be examining the impact of biofuel tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act and the potential benefits for Iowa farmers under the new administration. There will also be discussions on the latest policy developments for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and how these changes could impact soybean farmers and the soybean industry.

Iowa Legislative Outlook

Megan Decker, ISA manager of advocacy, will moderate a panel with insights into the 2025 Iowa legislative session. Participating on the panel will be Doug Struyk, attorney at Carney and Appleby, Julie Kenney, CEO at Agribusiness Association of Iowa and Jake Swanson, president at High Yield Strategies.

This session will cover key state policies to track during Iowa's 2025 legislative session. Iowa farmers can learn about the latest statehouse policy issues and their potential effects from expert analysis.

Soy Squeeze: 2025 Economics

The farm economy will be the focus of a keynote session given by Roberts. He will be joined by Jim Knuth, senior vice president at Farm Credit Services of America and Adam Gregg, CEO at the Iowa Bankers Association.

Experts will discuss the farm economy's present state and future in this panel discussion, painting a picture of what challenges and opportunities may exist for farmers ahead of the 2025 growing season and beyond.

Creating New Demand for Soy at Home and Abroad

ISA CEO Kirk Leeds and Al Johnson of AFJ and Associations will explore innovative ways to boost soybean demand, focusing on new uses and domestic/international market development; they'll discuss sustainable products, market trends, and global economic impacts.

ISA Legislative Reception

Following the Farm Forward event, attendees are invited to attend the ISA Legislative Reception. Iowa legislators are welcome to attend a reception to network with ISA farmer members and constituents regarding current soybean issues.

Attendees will also receive one complimentary ticket to the Iowa Ag Expo Feb. 4-6 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

Farm Forward will be held Feb. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut Street, Des Moines. Register for the conference and legislative session here. For more information, contact Paige Whitney, ISA producer services coordinator at pwhitney@iasoybeans.com.

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