Visioning the Future of Kansas Soybeans
Strategy and Planning
Audience Engagement
Creative and Content
Strategic Clarity
Voices United for the Future
Kansas Soybean needed to develop a five-year strategic plan that balanced input from more than 20 farmers across its Commission and Association boards. To keep the process engaging, Paulsen used primary and secondary research along with its FOCUS platform, which enabled board members to anonymously share and react to feedback in real time.
This inclusive, collaborative approach ensured every voice was heard, streamlined hundreds of ideas into clear priorities, and resulted in a realistic, actionable plan to guide Kansas Soybean’s multi-million dollar program efforts.
"Building the farmer board’s five-year strategic plan – and ensuring the process is engaging."
Results
Concise, actionable strategic plan delivered with high praise from farmer participants
Paulsen delivered the following recommendations for the Kansas Soybean Association and Commission as their five-year strategic plan.
- A single sentence to direct their strategy (value proposition)
- Top five priorities
- Top three action steps
- Recommended adjustments to their overall budget to match set priorities
- Top three challenges and issues to keep on their radar
- A decision-making filter
The information was distilled onto a one-pager which was laminated for use at each board meeting.
Decision-Making Filter
The decision-making filter is a simple infographic that board members are encouraged to refer back to when making investment choices. The four questions focus on producers, market, challengers, and the Kansas Soybean brand.
Kansas Soybean printed this decision-making filter on the back of the farmer name tents so they are viewable at every meeting.
FOCUS Session Earns High Praise
One of the goals for strategic planning was engagement and fun. This is what some of the farmers said about the process:
- “[I liked] the ability to see everyone’s responses without someone feeling guilty about speaking up.”
- “Digital platform was very helpful in gathering feedback. Provided equal opportunities to input for our quieter/stronger voices.”
- “I really liked this electronic format. I have participated in other sessions like this using flip charts/sticky pads etc., which have taken hours. This pulls it all together instantly.”
When asked how effective the platform was in supporting the strategic planning process, the farmers gave Paulsen an 8.8 out of 10.
our experience
