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The ISA Soy Ambassadors Leadership Program -- funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff -- is a two-year Illinois farmer program made up of a select group of soybean growers who are chosen to develop leadership qualities in anticipation that those skills will be channeled toward future leadership roles in the soybean industry.
Our 2012-2013 Soy Ambassadors:
- Cassandra DeJaynes, LaHarpe, is involved with a no-till/strip-till corn and soybean rotation and a 250-head cow-calf herd. She has a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
- Matthew DeSutter, Woodhull, is a partner in a family corn and soybean farming operation with his dad, two uncles and a cousin. He attended the University of Illinois and graduated with a degree in ag business. He participated in the New Century Farmer Program and the Tomorrow's Top Producer Seminar. DeSutter also is part of the Farm Bureau Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) program.
- Frank Legner, Odell, farms corn and soybeans with his father. He also is a precision farming consultant. Legner has a degree from Bradley University in mechanical engineering and worked for CNH in the planter division for three years. He also is involved with the Feed the World Food Drive.
- Kate Longley, Aledo, farms corn and soybeans with her father, including seed soybeans. She graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree and a triple major in ag studies, agronomy and environmental studies. She also has an associate' degree from Black Hawk College East. She was active on both campuses.
- Jeff Lynn, Oakford, is part of a family farm dating back to 1833 in Illinois that includes corn and soybeans and seed soybeans. The farm is in the top eight percent of seed production for the seed company, and currently is growing regulated dicamba soybeans. He previously sold insurance and led tours for a major equipment manufacturer.
- Jenny Mennenga, LeRoy, farms corn and soybeans with her family, and has a small cow-calf herd. She previously was an agronomist for a large ag company. Mennenga has a degree in agronomy from Iowa State University and is a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA). She is involved with her church and the Cultivating Master Farmer program.
- Austin Rincker, Moweaqua, manages Hunter Grain, Inc., a corn and soybean farm with a small herd of Angus cows. Rincker has a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois, and has an Illinois auctioneer license. He is active in his church, Shelby County Farm Bureau and volunteers with local 4-H and FFA chapters.
Now Accepting Applications for 2014-2015
If you are interested in gaining the expertise, exposure and perspective that is critical to becoming an effective soybean industry leader, we encourage you to apply for one of 10 positions available for the 2014-2015 program year. Applications may be completed online and must be submitted by the July 1, 2013 deadline for consideration. Additional information, including eligibility requirements, is available here.
Trips Abroad
Soy Ambassadors Travel to Asia in 2012
In February 2012, the Soy Ambassadors visited soybean buyers in both Japan and Taiwan. While in Japan the group did the following:
- Visited with US Grains Council and ASA Japan staff to understand the soybean market in Japan
- Visited a soybean processing facility outside Tokyo
While in Taiwan, the group continued efforts as they :
- Attended meetings with soybean container buyers in Taiwan
- Toured a new port in Taiwan
- Attended meetings at the American interests office while in Taiwan.
- Attended meetings at the ASA office in Taiwan where the US Grains Council was present
- Met up with Mike Levin, Ron Moore, Ron Kinard and Scott Signman
Soy Ambassadors Travel to Central America in 2011
We traveled to Central America on February 21, 2011, joining representatives from the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL). During this trip, we visited Guatemala and Nicaragua and did the following:
- Attended the Cargill/World Soy Foundation Corporate Responsibility Conference.
- Met with officials involved with nutrition programs in Central America.
- Visited WISHH and NSRL project sites in Guatemala City.
- Ate a soy foods lunch and experienced how well soy fits into the local cuisine.
- Tasted soy cookies and were treated to songs by the girls at Fundaninas, a local orphanage.
- Toured ag experimental plots and a coffee co-op in Nicaragua.
- Had dinner at the home of Kevin Marinacci, executive director for the Fabretto Children's Foundation.
View the full 2011 Central America Photo Gallery here.
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