Larry and Jan Marek live on a family farm in Iowa, established in 1896 and today known as Marek Land and Livestock. The couple operates the farms along with sons Tim and Brad, on land ranging from prairie to transitional, with an acre base of four sections. The enterprise has had steady, sustainable growth, and uses various conservation practices that protect the land for the next generations, including terraces, contours, no-till, grassland for the beef cows and more. Four hundred acres of rye were flown in this past fall for use as a cover crop.

“I thank the ASA for their very capable legislative work and thank the World Soy Foundation for their work in providing soy as a source of protein in those areas of difficult food production.” (Photo Credit: Farm News)

Larry said his concerns for the future of agriculture include nutrient management, water management, over regulation without scientific research and the misunderstanding regarding GMO crops and their necessity in feeding a growing population. Transition to following generations due to tax laws and the difficulty for younger farmers in establishing a unit capable of providing a living for a farm family is also a concern.

“I believe one of the most challenging problems for the future will be getting food to the growing populations in the poorer countries,” Larry said. “I thank the ASA for their very capable legislative work and thank the World Soy Foundation for their work in providing soy as a source of protein in those areas of difficult food production.”

In addition to managing his farms, Larry finds time to get involved in various leadership roles within the industry. He is serving his fourth year as a United Soybean Board (USB) director and was recently elected to the Strategic Management committee. Larry is confident USB will continue to invest check-off dollars wisely in serving markets and developing new uses and markets that will provide the highest returns for U.S. soybean producers. He also served as a State Representative in Iowa following his service on the Iowa Promotion Board and the Iowa Soybean Association for a number of years.

“I’m excited about the development of High Oleic soybeans knowing that this is one of the factors that will make us more competitive in the oils market,” Larry said. “There are a number of projects coming forward that will add value to our soybeans, as well as what’s yet to be accomplished in genetics.”

The WSF thanks Larry for his leadership in our industry and especially for his support of our mission of reducing malnutrition through the power of soy. To join Larry and hundreds of others in supporting the WSF, click here to give the gift of protein today! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date on the most recent news.