National and State Soybean Organizations Announce 2026 Board Elections

ASA and ISA seek qualified candidates to fill open board seats representing Illinois soybean growers

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic studio still life featuring a glass jar of soybeans, a metal soybean seed packet, and a wooden gavel, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic lighting and shadows, conceptually representing the strategic decisions and policies shaping the soybean industry.A meticulously crafted still life captures the essence of soybean industry governance and policy decisions.Bloomington Today

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is now accepting applications for one Board Director position, while the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is seeking qualified candidates to fill board seats representing six districts that are up for election in 2026. The eligibility requirements and application deadlines for both organizations have been announced.

Why it matters

These board elections are important for soybean growers in Illinois as the ASA and ISA directors help shape national and state-level policies, programs, and initiatives that impact the soybean industry. Ensuring strong representation on these boards is crucial for advocating on behalf of Illinois soybean farmers.

The details

For the ASA Board Director position, eligible candidates must be members of the Illinois Soybean Growers, be soybean producers, and cannot be officers or directors of any other national soybean policy organization. Interested applicants must complete an online application by July 15, 2026. The ISA is seeking candidates to fill board seats in six districts, with directors currently serving in Districts 5 and 9 not running for additional terms. To be placed on the ISA ballot, candidates must submit petitions with at least 250 signatures from qualified producers in their district by May 14, 2026. Write-in candidates must submit a Declaration of Intent by June 16, 2026. The ISA district elections will be held on July 7, 2026.

  • The ASA is now accepting applications for one Board Director position.
  • The application deadline for the ASA Board Director position is 4:00 PM Central Time on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
  • The ISA is seeking candidates to fill board seats representing six districts that are up for election in 2026.
  • The deadline to submit petitions to be placed on the ISA ballot is 5:00 PM Central Time on May 14, 2026.
  • The deadline for write-in candidates to submit a Declaration of Intent for the ISA elections is Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
  • The ISA district elections will be held on July 7, 2026.

The players

American Soybean Association (ASA)

A national organization that represents soybean farmers and advocates for policies and programs that benefit the soybean industry.

Illinois Soybean Association (ISA)

A state-level organization that represents soybean growers in Illinois and works to advance the interests of the state's soybean industry.

Dustin Scott

The Director of Operations for the Illinois Soybean Association.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Please contact ISA Director of Operations, Dustin Scott, at [email protected] or 309-846-3673 should you wish to enter as a candidate into this election.”

— Dustin Scott, Director of Operations, Illinois Soybean Association

What’s next

The ASA Board Director election will take place during the organization's December 2026 meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. The ISA district elections will be held on July 7, 2026 at the University of Illinois County Extension Offices in each district.

The takeaway

These board elections are an important opportunity for Illinois soybean growers to have a voice in shaping the policies and programs that impact their industry at both the state and national levels. Ensuring strong representation on these boards is crucial for advocating on behalf of the state's soybean farmers.