Illinois Soybean Association
Representing Illinois soybean farmers and supporting sound governance, advocacy and industry priorities.
REGION 1 · 2026 DIRECTOR ELECTION
Rooted in agriculture.
Committed to its future.
I'm Scott Gaffner, a multigenerational Illinois farmer, small business owner and agricultural advocate running for the Farm Credit Illinois Board of Directors.
ABOUT SCOTT
A farmer's perspective. A lifetime of service.
My wife Jamie and I have built our lives around farming, family and small business ownership. As a multigenerational farmer from Greenville, Illinois, I understand the decisions, risks and opportunities that shape agriculture every day.
Our experience operating several businesses has reinforced the importance of financial discipline, long-term planning and responsible leadership. Those principles guide my approach to board service.
I've also had the privilege of serving in agricultural leadership roles that connect Illinois producers to markets, industry partners and decision-makers across the world.
AGRICULTURAL ADVOCACY
Representing agriculture at home and abroad.
My service has included leadership and board involvement with agricultural organizations focused on producer representation, market development and global trade.
U.S. Soybean Export Council
Supporting international market development and building relationships that expand opportunities for U.S. agriculture.
World Initiative for Soy in Human Health
Helping advance agricultural trade and market development in emerging economies.
American Soybean Association
Participating in producer-led leadership and policy conversations affecting American agriculture.
Organizational names describe Scott's professional and volunteer experience; they do not imply endorsement of this candidacy.
FROM THE FARM TO THE WORLD
Farming, service and agricultural advocacy
Moments from our family farm, agricultural leadership, trade missions and industry conversations.
Photographs document participation and experiences; appearances with organizations or other individuals do not imply endorsements of this candidacy.
MEDIA & INTERVIEWS
Sharing agriculture's story
Interviews and conversations about farming, international markets, agricultural finance and the challenges facing producers.
Watch interviews and appearances
Select a linked interview to watch on its original publisher’s website. Additional interviews are listed with their confirmed descriptions while the original video links are being located.
▶CBS Mornings
CBS Mornings: Illinois Farmer on U.S.–China Trade
Scott Gaffner discusses the U.S.–China trade relationship and its effects on American agriculture.
Watch CBS Mornings interview ↗
YouTube
Illinois Farm Stories: The Gaffner Family
More than 100 years of multigenerational family farming, featuring Scott Gaffner and his family working in Illinois agriculture.
Watch interview ↗
PBS / YouTube
Scott Gaffner Interview with Rob “The Shark Farmer” Sharkey
Scott discusses farming, agricultural advocacy and entrepreneurship with Rob “The Shark Farmer” Sharkey.
Watch on PBS ↗Watch on YouTube ↗
SiriusXM Rural Radio · Channel 143
Scott Gaffner on SharkFarmerXM Radio with Rob Sharkey
Rob “The Shark Farmer” Sharkey interviews Scott Gaffner of Greenville, Illinois, about farming, agricultural advocacy and international trade.
Listen on Amazon Music ↗
Fox News
Fox News: Rising Input Costs — Aishah Hasnie
Scott Gaffner and Iowa farmer Cordt Holub discuss higher farm input costs with Fox News correspondent Aishah Hasnie.
Watch Fox News interview ↗Fox News
Fox News: Rising Farm Input Costs — Olivia Calmes
Scott Gaffner discusses rising input costs affecting Illinois farm families in an interview with Olivia Calmes.
Watch interview ↗International news
Agricultural Leadership in China / International News Interview with the BBC
U.S. farmer Scott Gaffner discusses the importance of the U.S.–China agricultural trade agreement.
Watch interview ↗
CNN
CNN: Boris Sanchez Interviews Scott Gaffner on U.S.–China Trade
Television interview with Illinois farmer Scott Gaffner on the U.S.–China trade stalemate. The clip opens in SnapStream; press Play to watch.
Watch interview ↗
CNBC · CIIE Shanghai
CNBC: U.S. Farmers at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai
Coverage featuring Scott Gaffner with two other U.S. farmers attending the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
Watch CNBC interview ↗
WCIA News Channel 3
Illinois Soybean New Uses: Soybean Grease
WCIA News Channel 3 broadcaster Stu Ellis interviews Scott Gaffner about new uses for Illinois soybeans, including soybean-based grease.
Watch WCIA interview ↗
USSEC · Illinois Planting UpdateUSSEC
USSEC: Illinois Soybean Planting and Crop Outlook
Scott Gaffner provides a planting-season update on Illinois soybean crops and growing conditions for the U.S. Soybean Export Council.
Watch interview ↗YouTube thumbnails are supplied by YouTube. Other preview images are representative photographs, not frames from the linked videos. Media appearances do not imply endorsement.
WHY I'M RUNNING
Strong cooperative leadership for the next generation.
Farm Credit Illinois plays an important role in supporting farmers and rural communities. I believe its member-owned cooperative model deserves thoughtful oversight and a long-term perspective.
Financial strength and responsible governanceMaintain a disciplined focus on safety, soundness, risk and accountability.
Access to dependable agricultural creditUnderstand the financing challenges facing producers through changing economic conditions.
Farm transitions and beginning farmersKeep the needs of the next generation in view as agriculture evolves.
Member-focused decision-makingBring firsthand farming and business experience to the boardroom.
“I believe strongly in the Farm Credit cooperative model. I want to help ensure it remains financially strong, well governed and focused on the farmers and rural communities it serves.”
— Scott Gaffner2026 ELECTION INFORMATION
Make your voice count.
Farm Credit Illinois voting stockholders will elect one director for Region 1. Voting is conducted by mail.
ANNUAL MEETINGNovember 10, 2026
BALLOTS MAILEDNovember 20, 2026
BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVEDDecember 15, 2026 · 4:30 p.m.
Dates are from Farm Credit Illinois's 2026 Region 1 candidate information. Follow the official ballot instructions. This website does not collect or submit ballots.
IN THE NEWS
Articles & Features
Stories about agricultural leadership, international market development, and the people working to strengthen opportunities for American farmers.
Scott and CW Gaffner Reflect on 25 Years of WISHH’s Impact
A WISHH feature highlighting Scott and CW Gaffner and reflecting on the organization’s 25-year history of agricultural outreach and market development.
Read the article on WISHH ↗Illinois Soybean Farmers Struggle with Trade Uncertainty and Rising Costs
Illinois soybean farmer Scott Gaffner highlights the financial challenges facing producers as Trump administration tariffs, rising production costs, and growing competition from South America threaten profitability and access to key export markets.
Scott Gaffner on WGEL Public Affairs
Scott Gaffner discusses his work with the Illinois Soybean Association, American Soybean Association, and U.S. Soybean Export Council, along with his international mission trips representing U.S. agriculture.
Soybean farmer who backed Trump feels strain of China’s boycott amid trade war
Scott Gaffner describes the financial uncertainty facing soybean farmers during the U.S.–China trade war and China’s halt of U.S. soybean purchases. He emphasizes the need to restore export markets and the long-term consequences of losing China as a customer.
On the Ground in Indonesia
Scott Gaffner and other Illinois Soybean Association leaders highlight Indonesia’s growing demand for U.S. soybeans during a 2025 trade mission. Relationships with buyers, government officials, and halal certification leaders help create opportunities for Illinois soy in food, feed, and biofuels.
Unlocking US Soy’s Growth in Pakistan: A Conversation with Scott Gaffner and Jim Sutter
Scott Gaffner emphasizes the importance of diversified export markets like Pakistan, highlighting how customer relationships, sustainability, quality, and technical support can help drive long-term demand for U.S. soybeans.
From the Boardroom – Relationships Matter: How ISA Leadership Creates Opportunities for Illinois Soy
Scott Gaffner, Illinois Soybean Association secretary and at-large director, explains how investing in farmer leadership and global relationships creates market opportunities by connecting Illinois farmers with international customers, industry leaders, and organizations that drive demand for U.S. soy.
Bean There: Building Bridges in Beijing and Beyond
Illinois Soybean Association board member Scott Gaffner joins a delegation of U.S. agricultural leaders traveling to China to strengthen trade relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Illinois Soy Leaders Strengthen Global Partnerships in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Scott Gaffner and other Illinois Soybean Association leaders travel to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to strengthen relationships with buyers and industry stakeholders, exploring export opportunities in growing poultry, livestock, and feed markets and building long-term demand for Illinois soybeans.
GET IN TOUCH
Let's talk about the future of Illinois agriculture.
Questions about my candidacy or ideas for the future of Farm Credit? I'd welcome the conversation.
Campaign contact: contact@scottgaffner.com
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Program support: contact@scottgaffner.com