Suzanne Shirbroun is one of three Iowa soybean farmer representatives serving on the ISRC’s Industry Advisory Council. The council serves to identify research needs in the areas of soybean production and protection for the center. Farmer representatives serve three-year terms on the council and provide feedback on what research topics are of importance to soybean farmers.

Shirbroun farms soybeans and corn with her husband Joe and one of their three sons near Farmersburg, Iowa. They also have a Pioneer seed dealership. She serves as President-elect of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Board of Directors and is a sixth generation farmer passionate about research and conservation. She is a long-time participant in ISA’s research programs and understands the importance of conservation practices in continuing the family farm after watching her grandfather and father implement terracing into the farming operation. She has kept the terraces and currently practices no-till and contour farming and uses waterways, cover crops and pollinator plantings.

Of her time on the ISRC’s Industry Advisory Council, Shirbroun noted the importance of the collaborative decision making that happens between farmers, industry representatives and ISU researchers in keeping future projects relevant. “The agronomy sector is very vibrant and multifaceted. It's easy to get a narrow focus on certain topics or ideas. The advisory council brings together the representatives and researchers to explore each other's ideas and concepts. Let's face it, researchers use a different vocabulary and thinking process than farmers or industry companies. This is an opportunity to cut through the differences and collaborate on research decisions,” said Shirbroun.

She went on to stress the importance of continuous soybean research to farmers. “The technology available to us in the seed and beyond is amazing, but Mother Nature likes to keep us humble. New pests such as soybean gall midge and resistance such as SCN and weeds are ever emerging. We need to keep funding the research pipeline. Iowa soybean farmers have demonstrated our support for research being initial funders of the ISRC. Hopefully, more industry companies will recognize this large farmer investment and follow our example,” said Shirbroun.

Shirbroun has been on trade missions throughout Asia and the European Union. She is an advocate for investing checkoff dollars to promote U.S. soy and for educating consumers about the importance of soy. In addition to the Iowa Soybean Association, she is involved in the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) and the Iowa Corn Growers Association. She is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in agronomy and pest management.