Two powerhouse commodity organizations partner to present the Policy Leaders Fellowship.
Legislation, leadership and lots of laughs – that’s the promise of Missouri and Iowa’s Policy Leaders Fellowship (PLF) program. Through a pivotal partnership, the Iowa and Missouri soybean associations joined forces to provide a collaborative, one year experience for young soybean farmers who possess a desire to learn more about the legislative process, all while improving their core leadership and advocacy skills.
“The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) is a farmer-led organization with strong grassroots support, and we’re very proud of that foundation,” said Matt Wright, MSA president. “Investing in the next generation of agricultural and policy leaders is key to serving Missouri’s soybean farmers. Our impact grows as we work together, and this is a great step forward for ensuring soybeans are front and center in Missouri and the Midwest well into the future.”
With a unified understanding, MSA and the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) recognized there are ample agricultural leadership opportunities for growers. However, the organizations saw a significant gap in the policy space and were encouraged to create something from scratch. In a 2020 meeting of the minds, leaders from each organization pieced together an accelerated program for advocacy-minded soybean producers.
“In an industry that seems to be under constant scrutiny, having people to effectively advocate on its behalf is critical,” said Baylee Asbury, Missouri Soybeans director of education and outreach. “PLF not only allows producers to take a deep dive into the policy process but also connect with leaders in the industry and have a better understanding of why the power of partnership is so important. Our partnership with ISA is what takes this program to the next level and offers an invaluable asset.”
PLF gives participants a deep understanding of the policies, laws and regulations that affect agriculture, the soybean industry and rural America. Weaving travel and social interaction into the program curriculum, participants become aware of the role advocacy and a unified voice play in the Capitol. 
During the program, members travel anywhere from Jefferson City to Washington, D.C., and major farm shows in between. Major events include a kickoff orientation, MSA Annual Meeting, American Soybean Association (ASA) Hill visit fly-in and Commodity Classic.
With constant communication from soybean staff outside of travel, members are equipped with educational resources at their fingertips to enact real change at the grassroots and national levels.
“PLF was a great experience with some of the greatest people involved,” said past participant Ryan Wilson. “Missouri Soybeans put together an immersive experience that provides opportunities I would not have otherwise had. During the program, I gained a better understanding of what MSA does in terms of enacting pivotal policy and how I could get more involved.”
The unique program allows participants to explore and better understand challenging U.S. agricultural regulation and how it intersects with production agriculture and the value chain. Designed to empower farmer-to-farmer learning, the offering equips participants with the necessary knowledge and skillset to effectively advocate on behalf of agriculture and the soybean industry inside and outside of the Capitol.
Politics is not a spectator sport. A single ill-conceived bill or regulation can significantly impact a farmers’ freedom to operate and their bottom line. Through a learn hard, play hard approach, PLF gives participants the opportunity to network with Midwestern farmers, Fortune 500 leaders, industry professionals and state and federal policymakers.
“With the challenges farmers have day to day, advocating at the local level sometimes doesn’t always feel adequate,” said Rhonda Oesch, a current PLF member. “After almost a full year in the PLF program, I can think of no better way to advocate than with an agricultural support system like Missouri Soybeans. They help soybean farmers of course, but also Missouri agriculture as a whole. Being a part of something that is such an asset to the agriculture community is not only rewarding but eminently crucial.”
The future of American agriculture depends on sound public policy and the development of leaders who share an appreciation for the legislative and regulatory process.
“Building the next generation of agricultural leaders is one of the core purposes of the program,” said Asbury. “These soybean growers turned advocates are our future commodity board members, elected officials and industry spokespeople.”
PLF targets talented young men and women who are involved in production agriculture and have a vast interest in the lawmaking system. Participants must be in good membership standing, and one member is selected from one of each of the seven grower districts in Missouri.
This year’s participants include:
Joseph Lau – District 1, Buchanan Co.
Rhonda Oesch – District 2, Livingston Co.
Trevor Jaco – District 3, Lewis Co.
Austin Moreland – District 4, Cass Co.
Matt Moreland – District 4, Cass Co.
Terrance LePage – District 5, Cole Co.
“This opportunity was so worth it for me, providing both personal and professional growth,” said Oesch. “PLF has been such an eye-opening experience where I got to be a better spokesperson and representative for not only my farm, also for others who can’t or don’t know how. I highly encourage more people to jump at this opportunity and enhance a skill set that strengthens them individually and for the betterment of the industry.”
Interested in participating in the 2023-24 MSA Policy Leaders Fellowship program? Reach out to Baylee Asbury for more information or assistance, or check out mosoy.org for applications in June.
