Daryl Cates is a fourth-generation farmer on his family farm, raising soybeans, corn, wheat, and double crop beans. Daryl returned to the family farm in 1980 after graduating from the University of Illinois, degree in agronomy, to farm with his father, who at 90 still helps work ground down and combines. While at the U of I, he met his wife-to-be, Sandy, and they have three children, Drew, Brett and Megan.

From 1986-1992, Daryl was on the Illinois Soybean Operating Board, which eventually became the Illinois Soybean Association. During those years, he held the office of assistant secretary/treasurer, secretary, treasurer, vice chairman. In 1988, he was elected to serve on the American Soybean Development Foundation Board, which he did until 1992 when he was appointed to serve on the first board of the United Soybean Board.

After serving a year on the USB board, Daryl concentrated on the farm and raising his family until 2013 when he became a director on the Illinois Soybean Association. Daryl continued to serve on the ISA board until 2019, including holding the offices of assistant secretary/treasurer, secretary, and chairman. In 2015, Daryl was nominated to serve for Illinois on the ASA WISHH committee, where he has been secretary, chairman, and continues to serve. In 2018, he was elected to also be a director for ASA.

In 2016, Congressman Mike Bost asked Daryl to be a member of Agricultural Board, and he continues to serve in that capacity.