Iowa Soybean Association
Iowa Soybean Association is a farmer-led, non-profit commodity organization founded in 1990 under the federal soybean checkoff program, serving Iowa's 37,000-38,000 soybean farmers through agronomic research, market development, advocacy, and consumer ag-awareness programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersAnkeny, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Iowa Soybean Association does
Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is a farmer-led, non-profit commodity organization established in 1990 under the federal Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act, which created the national soybean checkoff program. Headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa, ISA serves the state's approximately 37,000-38,000 soybean farmers, who collectively produce nearly 14% of U.S. soybeans (ranking Iowa second nationally) across 9.93 million projected 2026 harvested acres. The organization is governed by 22 volunteer farmer-directors and operates through five affiliated entities: the Soy Transportation Coalition, Iowa Biodiesel Board, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, AgOutcomes Inc., and Amplify Association Management.
ISA's core offerings span demand development, farmer-focused research, advocacy, and consumer ag-awareness. Its Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) runs on-farm field trials, crop scouting, and conservation services and partnered with 1,626 farmers in 2024; the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative's N-FACT tool uses real-time weather, soil, and management data to evaluate in-season nitrogen needs. Membership tiers include Farmer Membership (for those marketing 250+ bushels annually), Advocate Membership, and the Partners+ Program for agribusinesses. Content and engagement channels include the Iowa Soybean Review magazine, Fresh Pickings consumer magazine, the Pods of Potential and Bean Scene podcasts, the State of Soy video series, and active social media across X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Revenue is generated primarily through the federally-mandated 0.5% soybean checkoff on net sales, supplemented by non-checkoff Advocate Memberships and a multi-tier corporate partnership program (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Friend) with 30+ named industry partners including AGP, Bayer, Corteva, Cargill, Syngenta, PepsiCo, ADM, Deere & Company, and Stine. By law, checkoff funds cannot support legislative activity, so ISA's policy and advocacy work is funded separately through Advocate Memberships and partnership revenue. The go-to-market is community-led, relying on farmer programming (Soy Squad, Communications Squad, Grassroots Fellowship, Young Leader, Soy Leaders Network, Experience Class), field days, trade missions, and a multi-channel digital and print content engine.
Iowa Soybean Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Iowa Soybean Association
- Legal name
- Iowa Soybean Association
- Website
- https://iasoybeans.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Iowa Soybean Association is a farmer-led, non-profit commodity organization founded in 1990 under the federal soybean checkoff program, serving Iowa's 37,000-38,000 soybean farmers through agronomic research, market development, advocacy, and consumer ag-awareness programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Iowa Soybean Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Commodity Association Services
- NAICS
- Soybean Farming (111110), Soybean Farming (11111)
- SIC
- Agricultural Services (700), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Supply Chain, Marketing & Contracting Advisory (Grain/Livestock Marketing) (AFACAJAH), Carbon, Sustainability & Farm Certification Support (Agro-Environmental Advisory) (AFACABAL), Farm Technology Enablement & Data Integration Advisory (FMIS/ERP, IoT, Decision Support) (AFACAJAG)
Keywords
Where Iowa Soybean Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ankeny
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Iowa Soybean Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Soybean Checkoff: The Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act established the national soybean checkoff program in 1990. The checkoff rate is 0.5% (one-half of one percent), 50 cents for every $100 of sales, collected on the net sales price. In Iowa, the Iowa Soybean Board (ISB) serves as the Qualified State Soybean Board (QSSB) charged with collecting and administering the checkoff.
- ISA Advocate Membership: Paid membership that supports U.S. soy policy and regulatory matters. By law, checkoff dollars cannot be used to fund legislative activities, so those activities are funded by other means including Advocate Membership.
- Partner Investment and Sponsorship: ISA offers investment and sponsorship opportunities for businesses that work for Iowa's soybean farmers. Non-checkoff investment from Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Friend partners supports ISA activities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Soybean Checkoff rate of 0.5% of net sales |
| Subscription | Annual | Farmer Membership - for farmers marketing 250+ bushels annually |
| Subscription | Annual | Advocate Membership - paid membership supporting policy and regulatory matters |
| Subscription | Annual | Partner Investment and Sponsorship Tiers |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels12 records
Iowa Soybean Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Iowa Soybean Association is a farmer-directed commodity organization that invests soybean checkoff dollars and member contributions into research, market development, education, advocacy, and conservation programs for Iowa soybean growers. It delivers these programs through multi-tier membership (Farmer Membership, Advocate Membership, Partners+ Program), leadership development tracks (Soy Squad, Young Leader Program, See for Yourself), and affiliated entities addressing transportation, biodiesel, water quality, and on-farm outcomes.
Product overview
Iowa Soybean Association is a farmer membership organization offering a unified portfolio of member programs, research services, and consumer engagement. Core offerings include Farmer and Advocate Memberships, the Partners+ Program for business engagement, and programs including Soy Squad, Communications Squad, Grassroots Fellowship, Young Leader Program, Soy Leaders Network, and Experience Class. The Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) provides farmer-focused agronomic and conservation research. Publications include Iowa Soybean Review magazine and Fresh Pickings consumer magazine. Audio/video content includes the Pods of Potential podcast, The Bean Scene podcast, and State of Soy video series. Research tools include the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative and N-FACT tool. Conservation programs include Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, CommonGround Iowa, Iowa Food & Family Project, Oxbow Restoration, and Cover Crop Programs with cost-share incentives.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Iowa Soybean Review: ISA's quarterly magazine covering soybean industry news, farmer profiles, research updates, and agricultural topics
- Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI)
- Fresh Pickings Magazine
- CommonGround Iowa
- Iowa Food & Family Project
Products and services
- Farmer Membership Membership tier for Iowa soybean farmers that connects them to ISA programs, research, advocacy, and governance.
- Advocate Membership Advocate-level membership tier for non-farmer supporters who back Iowa soybean farmers and the association's mission.
- Partners+ Program Partnership program for agribusiness and industry partners to collaborate with Iowa soybean farmers and ISA initiatives.
- Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) ISA-managed research program delivering on-farm trials, agronomic innovation, and data-driven insights to Iowa soybean farmers.
- Soy Squad Farmer engagement and advocacy program that mobilizes Iowa soybean growers to support ISA's policy and promotion efforts.
- Young Leader Program Leadership development program that trains young soybean farmers and agricultural professionals for industry leadership roles.
- See for Yourself Program that exposes Iowa soybean farmers to research, markets, and end-use applications of soybeans through firsthand experiences.
- Conservation Programs Conservation programming supporting soil health, water quality, and edge-of-field practice adoption on Iowa soybean farms.
Quantifiable outcome
- $17.95 return value to growers for every checkoff dollar spent on international marketing
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Iowa Soybean Association
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Iowa Soybean Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability2 records
Feature1 record
Iowa Soybean Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and major.
- Soy Transportation Coalition (STC)coreHeadquartered at ISA in Ankeny, STC is comprised of thirteen state soybean boards, the American Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board. The thirteen participating states encompass 85% of total U.S. soybean production. STC's goal is positioning soybean industry stakeholders to benefit from a transportation system that delivers cost effective, reliable, and competitive service.
- Iowa Biodiesel BoardcoreRepresents the biodiesel industry in Iowa, from the farmers who grow the feedstock, to production, through distribution to end users. Iowa is the nation's leading state in biodiesel production.
- APG (AGP)flagshipPlatinum Partner. AGP is a cooperative providing soybean processing and export services. They joined AGP trade missions to Colombia and are a key partner in international market development.
- Bayer Crop SciencemajorGold Partner tier of ISA partnership program
- CortevamajorGold Partner tier of ISA partnership program; co-sponsors Corteva Young Leader Program with ISA
- FCS AmericamajorGold Partner tier of ISA partnership program
- CargillmajorSilver Partner tier of ISA partnership program
- SyngentamajorSilver Partner tier of ISA partnership program. ISA is trialing Syngenta's new Victrato seed treatment for red crown rot management.
- ADMmajorBronze Partner tier of ISA partnership program
- Deere & CompanymajorBronze Partner tier of ISA partnership program. Presents Innovator in Production Research Award.
- StinemajorBronze Partner tier of ISA partnership program. Presents Legacy of Leadership Award.
- PepsiComajorSilver Partner tier of ISA partnership program
- American Soybean Association (ASA)coreISA works with ASA on advocacy, policy, and international market development. Joint comments with ASA and USSEC on EU biofuel policy.
- U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)coreISA works with USSEC on international market development and trade policy advocacy. Joint comments on EU ILUC standards.
- United Soybean Board (USB)coreUSB administers the national soybean checkoff program. ISA directors serve on USB board including Suzanne Shirbroun, Robb Ewoldt, Tim Bardole, and Brent Renner. Courtney Knupp named incoming USB CEO.
- Iowa Agriculture Water AlliancecoreISA-affiliated organization focused on water quality and conservation in Iowa agriculture
- AgOutcomes, Inc.coreISA-affiliated organization working on conservation programs including Soil and Water Outcomes Fund partnership
- Amplify Association ManagementcoreISA-affiliated organization providing association management services
- Clean Fuels Alliance AmericamajorPartnership on renewable fuels and biofuels market development; Excel Engineering conducts testing for Clean Fuels Alliance America
- Excel EngineeringmajorCompany tests engines, powertrains and fuel technologies including fuels made from soybean-derived products; helps evaluate renewable fuel performance for manufacturers
- The DeLong CompanymajorSTC and Wisconsin Marketing Board committed $200,000 to expand DeLong's Agricultural Maritime Export Facility in Milwaukee for soy export capabilities
- Wisconsin Marketing BoardmajorCommitted $200,000 with STC to expand Great Lakes export capacity through The DeLong Company's facility
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Iowa Soybean Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- United Soybean Board: National checkoff-funded body that invests U.S. soybean checkoff dollars in research, market development, and promotion. Comparable to ISA as a checkoff-funded soybean organization; ISA directors serve on USB and the two organizations jointly administer checkoff strategy.
- American Soybean Association: National policy and advocacy organization for U.S. soybean farmers. Directly comparable to ISA as a peer farmer-led commodity association; ISA coordinates with ASA on federal policy and international market development, representing the same farmer base at the national level.
- Illinois Soybean Association: State-level soybean checkoff and membership organization serving Illinois farmers. Closest geographic and structural peer to ISA - both are Qualified State Soybean Boards offering checkoff-funded research, market development, and advocacy for soybean growers.
- Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council: Minnesota's soybean checkoff body. Comparable to ISA as a neighboring Midwest state QSSB with overlapping farmer base and similar agronomic research priorities.
- Indiana Soybean Alliance: Indiana's soybean checkoff and membership organization. Directly comparable to ISA in structure (unified checkoff/non-checkoff), mission, and program offerings across research, market development, and advocacy.
- Nebraska Soybean Board: Qualified State Soybean Board administering checkoff investments in Nebraska. Comparable to ISA as a peer state QSSB investing farmer checkoff dollars in research, promotion, and education.
- Wisconsin Soybean Association: Wisconsin's state soybean checkoff and membership organization. Co-investor with ISA (via STC) in The DeLong Company export facility expansion; directly comparable peer QSSB.
Broad incumbents
- American Farm Bureau Federation: Largest U.S. general-farm advocacy organization. Comparable to ISA as a broader-scope farmer advocacy and policy organization; ISA coordinates on overlapping policy priorities but AFB operates across all commodities nationally.
- U.S. Soybean Export Council: National export-promotion body funded by USB checkoff that manages international market development for U.S. soy. Comparable to ISA's international marketing function at a national scale; ISA coordinates market-development activity with USSEC.
Emerging players
- National Corn Growers Association: National commodity association for corn growers with a structurally similar farmer-led, checkoff-adjacent model. Comparable to ISA as an adjacent commodity organization competing for farmer attention, agribusiness sponsorship dollars, and policy influence in Iowa.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Iowa Soybean Association social profiles
Digital presenceIowa Soybean Association compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Iowa Soybean Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Iowa Soybean Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Iowa Soybean Association subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Iowa Soybean Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Iowa Soybean Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Iowa Soybean Association
What does Iowa Soybean Association do?
The Iowa Soybean Association is a farmer-directed commodity organization that invests soybean checkoff dollars and member contributions into research, market development, education, advocacy, and conservation programs for Iowa soybean growers. It delivers these programs through multi-tier membership (Farmer Membership, Advocate Membership, Partners+ Program), leadership development tracks (Soy Squad, Young Leader Program, See for Yourself), and affiliated entities addressing transportation, biodiesel, water quality, and on-farm outcomes.
Is Iowa Soybean Association a public or private company?
Iowa Soybean Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Iowa Soybean Association founded?
Iowa Soybean Association was founded in 1990. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Iowa Soybean Association based?
Iowa Soybean Association is headquartered in Ankeny, United States, in the North America region.
How does Iowa Soybean Association make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Soybean Checkoff is the primary driver. The others are ISA Advocate Membership and partner Investment and Sponsorship.
Who are Iowa Soybean Association's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are United Soybean Board, American Soybean Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Nebraska Soybean Board and Wisconsin Soybean Association. Broad incumbents are American Farm Bureau Federation and U.S. Soybean Export Council. National Corn Growers Association is listed as an emerging player.
Does Iowa Soybean Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for Iowa Soybean Association.
What industry is Iowa Soybean Association in?
Iowa Soybean Association's product category is Agricultural Commodity Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAI, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, with a secondary code of AFACAJAH, Supply Chain, Marketing & Contracting Advisory (Grain/Livestock Marketing). Its NAICS code is 111110 and its SIC code is 700.