ISA Award Winners Announced

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) announces the winners of new awards the association has established this year to recognize those who have demonstrated commitment and leadership in the field of agriculture.

 “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,” says ISA President Dean Coleman. “The recipients have all made contributions to the soybean industry and are all very deserving of this recognition.”

Awards were presented in five categories: Environmental Stewardship, Rising Star, New Leader, Legacy of Leadership and Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer.

The Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer Award, presented by AGP, was awarded to Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, recognizing her support of Iowa soybean farmers through her actions and efforts. Reynolds was recognized as a strong advocate for agriculture and Iowa’s rural communities. 

The Legacy of Leadership Award, presented by Stine Seed Company, was presented to the family of the late Curt Raasch, of Odeboldt, Iowa. Raasch demonstrated a passionate and relentless commitment to growing the soybean industry in Iowa. A fourth-generation farmer, he was active in the soybean industry for more than two decades, culminating with serving as chairman of the United Soybean Board in 2006.

The New Leader Award, presented by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, was awarded to Lindsay Greiner, a soybean farmer from Keota, Iowa. Greiner, who has been actively involved in his ISA district advisory council, has shown outstanding involvement and commitment to promoting the soybean industry and agriculture as a whole. 

The Rising Star Award, presented by Farm Credit Services of America, recognizes 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. This year’s award winner is Kendra Wuthrich, the daughter of Roger and DeAnn Wuthrich of Bloomfield, Iowa. Wuthrich, a senior at Davis County High School, is active in school activities, 4-H and FFA. She plans to study agricultural business.

The Environmental Stewardship Award, presented by Iowa Select Farms, was awarded to Robert Ballou of Monticello, Iowa. The award is presented to an ISA member who has demonstrated a commitment to installing and maintaining practices that improve environmental sustainability. Ballou is a member of ISA’s Environmental Programs and Services Advisory Council, and serves on the Iowa Watershed Improvement Review Board. 

Nomination forms for the 2013 awards will be available this summer on the ISA website.