To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the soybean checkoff, we’re bringing you a bonus episode of The Bean Scene!  In this episode, Jerry Slocum shares the story behind how the soybean checkoff began.

Jerry is a fifth-generation farmer from Coldwater, Mississippi, a grain elevator operator and founding director of the United Soybean Board. As the soybean checkoff celebrates its 35th anniversary, Jerry reflects on what it took to build it — from the drought of 1988 that galvanized the movement, to the spring 1989 American Soybean Association delegate meeting in St. Louis that set it in motion, to the national program that launched in 1991 and changed the industry forever.

This episode is about the long game — the people who invested in markets that didn't exist yet, built institutions that outlasted them and showed up even when the answer seemed to be no. 

The Bean Scene is proudly brought to you by the Iowa Soybean Association and powered by the soybean checkoff. 

Have a question or comment you want to share?

Leave us a short voice message!

About the Iowa Soybean Association:

The Iowa Soybean Association was created by Iowa's farmers in 1964 and is driven to deliver increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish.

Stay Connected:

To learn more about the Iowa Soybean Association and the soybean industry, visit: https://www.iasoybeans.com

Facebook: Iowa Soybean Association
Instagram: @iowasoybean
LinkedIn: Iowa Soybean Association
X: @IowaSoybeans
YouTube: Iowa Soybean Association