Sure, agriculture might be an industry steeped in nostalgia and tradition since time immemorial, but farming only moves in one direction: forward. 

That’s why the Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) – partly in tribute to the state’s “Forward” motto – is relaunching its quarterly publication (formerly known as Soy Sentinel) as Soy Forward magazine. 

“We’re excited to continue re-introducing and promoting Wisconsin Soybean Program to our readers and industry partners while sharing our messaging, goals and successes,” WSA President Sara Stelter said. “Soy Sentinel had a great run for over 20 years, and now we’re starting fresh with Soy Forward.” 

The new magazine concept is designed by Ag Management Solutions, which has assisted Wisconsin Soybean in its daily operations since April 2022. Click here to read the debut issue from fall 2024.  

“We’re very humbled and energized about this new opportunity with WSA and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB),” said Doug Monson, AMS’ senior director of integrated marketing. “Our team is passionate about telling stories in an engaging, visually appealing way. That’s what WSA has tasked us with, and we’ll aim to hit the mark.” 

During editorial meetings prior to the magazine’s launch, Monson and his team challenged each other to think outside the box and go against the norm of traditional publications, starting with a unique, eye-catching masthead gracing the cover.  

“There are no shortages of quality agriculture magazines,” said Monson, a veteran of newspaper and magazine publishing for more than 20 years. “Our industry is full of talented writers, editors, designers and publishers. Ultimately, we want to stand out and be bold and perhaps take a few risks in promoting Wisconsin’s soybean industry.”  

What can readers expect when flipping through the pages of Soy Forward?  

• Future vision: As a quarterly magazine, it’s important to inform readers of what Wisconsin Soybean has accomplished since the last issue, but it’s equally important to explain where future goals, plans and investments are heading. At Soy Forward, we’re keeping our eyes on the horizon – from events to production challenges to policy issues. 

• Timely policy updates: WSA has been the policy voice for Wisconsin’s soybean farmers for more than 50 years. As a membership-based organization, it’s imperative that WSA continues keeping supporters informed of the latest policy movements in Madison.  

• Checkoff check-ins: Wisconsin soybean growers invest in the soy checkoff program to address agronomic issues, build new markets and create value-added uses. In each issue of Soy Forward, readers will learn how checkoff funds are invested responsibly for the long term, while bringing back value to farming operations.  

• Dynamic storytelling: Wisconsin has nearly 17,000 soybean farmers, and each farmer has a unique story to tell. Soy Forward strives to profile the leaders and personalities who make Wisconsin’s soybean industry thrive. 

• Captivating designs: We know our readers likely subscribe to multiple agricultural magazines. That’s great! Soy Forward’s mission is to stand out in a stack of magazines, take chances while promoting WSA and WSMB and their sterling farmer leaders – without any fluff.  

“It’s been a very exciting time for our organization,” Stelter said. “We’re moving at a much faster, proactive pace and with Soy Forward, we’re turning the page on the past and looking toward the future.” 

What’s next: Look for an expansive guide to the Wisconsin Corn·Soy Expo in the winter 2025 issue, which lands in mailboxes in early-mid January.