Soybean group seeks nominations

The Iowa Soybean Association is accepting nominations for several awards being offered for the first time in 2012 to recognize those who have demonstrated commitment and leadership in the field of agriculture.

“We are pleased to introduce ISA's new awards program,” says ISA President Dean Coleman, a farmer from Humboldt. “These awards provide an opportunity for ISA to recognize farmer leaders in all stages of their careers, as well as partners who have supported Iowa soybean farmers.”

Awards will be presented in five categories:

• Legacy of Leadership
• Rising Star
• Environmental Stewardship
• New Leader
• Friend of the Iowa Soybean Association.

The Legacy of Leadership award, presented by Stine Seed, will be given to an Iowa soybean farmer who has demonstrated a passionate and relentless commitment to growing the soybean industry in Iowa.

The Rising Star award, presented by Farm Credit Services of America, will recognize an ISA member's son or daughter who is actively involved in promoting agriculture through involvement in local, state and national activities and organizations and who is preparing to continue ag studies in college. Eligible nominees are 14-18 years of age (high school students or students who have just graduated from high school).

The Environmental Stewardship award, presented by Iowa Select Farms, will be given to an ISA member and soybean farmer who has demonstrated a commitment to installing and maintaining practices that improve environmental sustainability.

The farmer who receives this honor will be nominated for the American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award.

The New Leader Award, presented by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, will be awarded to a district soybean leader who has been involved in his or her district soybean association for two years or less, has shown outstanding involvement and possesses the skills and talents to do great things for the soybean industry and agriculture.

The Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer award will be awarded to an elected leader, media representative or other ISA partner who has supported Iowa Soybean farmers through his/her actions and efforts.

All nominations must be in writing and received no later than Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. No nominations will be accepted via telephone, and no self nominations will be accepted.

Find the form at www.iasoybeans.com/awards/ or call 800-383-1423 for a print copy.

Nominations can be submitted by mail to Karen Simon, ISA director of communications, 1255 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, Iowa 50023, or by email to ksimon@iasoybeans.com.

Award recipients will be selected by a taskforce of the ISA board of directors, and the awards will be presented during the ISA board meeting on January 26, 2012.

To learn more about ISA, visit its website at www.iasoybeans.com.

The Iowa Soybean Association develops policies and programs that help farmers expand profit opportunities while promoting environmentally sensitive production using the soybean checkoff and other resources.

The Association is made up of more than 8,000 farmer members and is governed by an elected volunteer board of 21 farmers.