The tiny town of Alexander, population 164, transformed into a hub of activity on July 23 as an estimated 30,000 cyclists pedaled through during day four of the 2025 RAGBRAI route. Riders, facing extreme heat and headwinds on their way from Forest City to Iowa Falls, found relief and engagement thanks to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA).
Invited by local farmer and former ISA board member Roy Arends, ISA volunteers hosted a booth offering roasted edamame, ag trivia, and educational conversations about soybeans, biofuels, sustainability, and modern farming. Displays of tractors, sprayers, and combines with cost breakdowns helped riders better understand the scale and complexity of agriculture in Iowa.
Nearly 2,000 cyclists visited the booth, many staying to learn more about the state’s top crops and the role soybeans play in everything from food to firefighting foam.
Written by Aaron Putze, APR. Source: Iowa Soybean Association. Link to full story here.
