A pair of local farmers seek to contribute their experience to improve the competitiveness of Iowa soybeans. At Large candidates Tim Bardole of Rippey and Greg Rinehart of Boone are running for the Iowa Soybean Association board of directors.
Inspired by the legacy left by his father, 25-year veteran farmer Bardole believes he has the responsibility and the experience to improve the net return of soybeans in Iowa. He credits much of his inspiration for commodity group leadership to his father, Roy, who made tremendous strides while serving 30 years for the Iowa Soybean Association, United Soybean Board and U.S. Soybean Export Council.
“My dad was very active and he exposed me to a lot of the good work being done at ISA,” Bardole said. “I want to offer my time to help that continue.”
Rinehart used his land to grow far more than soybeans, corn, and various vegetables — he grew a family of ten. As a father of many and a farmer for 40 years, Rinehart knows what it takes to turn differences into progress and utilize individual strengths— skills he plans to continue the positive impact of ISA.
“My experience as a father helped me listen and understand the different personalities, strengths and weaknesses of every family member,” Rinehart explained. “Encouraging each one to achieve their highest potential in life is an effort that requires patience, endurance, and a positive outlook.”
Both candidates bring an impressive resume to their candidacy.
Bardole brings a wealth of experience in commodity group and community leadership, serving his county Pork Producer Board and 16 years on his local school board, half of which he was president. He also coached football for 20 years while managing 1,700 acres of strip till corn and no till beans with his father and brother.
“I’ve been on a board that had to make tough decisions,” Bardole said. “I’m not afraid to do the research and think through things for the betterment of our mission long term. To me that’s what the ISA is doing — not only making things better for tomorrow but looking forward to the long term.”
Rinehart served six years on the Boone County board of health, two terms with Boone County Extension board, advisory board of the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market and the Iowa Watershed Improvement review board.
“I hope to continue to help support the great promotional inroads that have been accomplished by the board,” Rinehart said. “Investing in the promotional efforts of the Iowa Food and Family Project and Iowa Girl Eats partnership, along with the international efforts of the CEO, Kirk Leeds, and other ISA representatives, would be my chief goal.”
ISA board of director elections will be held in July. Ballots will be mailed to soybean growers at the end of June and must be postmarked by July 31.
