Iowans assume leadership roles on the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) CEO Kirk Leeds was elected vice chairman of the soybean trade organization Monday morning during its annual meeting at the 2013 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange conference in Davenport. Laura Foell of Schaller, a soybean farmer and United Soybean Board director, was elected secretary. Leeds says it’s fitting to have Iowans in USSEC leadership positions given the state’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality soybeans to the world. “As the leading producer of soybeans in the country, and understanding that nearly 60 percent of our soybeans are exported, anything we can do to help the export of soybeans for Iowa soybean farmers is important,” says Leeds, in his third year on the USSEC Board. “I’m excited about my new role and excited about soybean exports.” ISA Board member John Heisdorffer of rural Keota and United Soybean Board Chairman Jim Stillman of Estherville are also on the USSEC Board. “I’m happy to be joined on the executive committee by Laura Foell,” Leeds says. “We have four Iowans representing the soybean industry. The customers around the world recognize the Iowa brand, and this reinforces to customers that U.S. is a quality supplier.” Leeds says Iowans are great spokespeople for the soybean industry. Foell says she’s looking forward to her new role as well. “I think it will help Iowa soybean farmers because we are in the heart of soybean country,” she says. “There’s a market for our soybeans … and we want to make sure those markets are open.”
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:50:05 +0000
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