Wisconsin Soybean Association directors took to the Alamo City to make a stand on resolutions for the next advocacy year.

A contingency of Wisconsin farmers helped decide the next playbook for the American Soybean Association at Commodity Classic in San Antonio, which saw a record attendance with more than 12,000 attendees. Topics ranged from pesticide labeling, to biofuel adoption and use, to artificial intelligence, to address downfalls in farmer-focused programs.

“We really look at all areas of the soybean industry when we develop these resolutions,” said Tanner Johnson, treasurer of ASA and a WSA director from Prairie Farm, Wis. “A lot of the work is done ahead of time, but it’s good to get the nation’s farmers together to discuss these resolutions.”

Aside from official business with the ASA resolution process, the delegation spent time working with industry partners such as Beck’s Hybrids, Corteva Agriscience and Bayer Crop Sciences.

“I felt it was a really good Commodity Classic,” Johnson said. “The industry partners went out of their way to compliment how professional and prepared our team was for our visits. I think it’s really just a testament to the growth of WSA. Our presence was definitely felt.”

Commodity Classic annually brings together thousands of farmers, agribusiness leaders and policy advocates from across the country, providing an opportunity to connect the policy priorities developed during the resolution process with the broader soybean industry. For Wisconsin’s delegation, the event offered both formal policy discussions and informal conversations with partners who help drive innovation and market development for U.S. soy.

Beyond meetings and industry visits, directors attended educational sessions highlighting new technologies, market trends and research shaping the future of soybean production. The event also offered a chance for farmers to hear directly from national leaders about trade, regulatory policy and emerging market opportunities.

Johnson said gatherings like Commodity Classic help strengthen the connection between state and national advocacy efforts.

“When we bring Wisconsin’s perspective to the national table, it helps make sure the priorities of our farmers are heard,” Johnson said. “At the end of the day, the goal is making sure U.S. soybean growers remain competitive and profitable.”