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URBANDALE,
Iowa - The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) kicked off a year-long celebration of its 45th anniversary during the organization’s annual policy conference, held at the Gateway Hotel in Ames on Dec. 19.
John Heisdorffer, ISA president and a soybean farmer from Keota, offered comments at the kickoff. “For 45 years, the Iowa Soybean Association has helped Iowa soybean farmers become some of the best producers in the world,” Heisdorffer said. “ISA is continually searching for opportunities to help them be even better with its many programs.”
Association CEO Kirk Leeds highlighted some of the association’s accomplishments during 45 years of expanding opportunities and delivering results.
“ISA has become a recognized leader in agricultural innovation and stewardship, an influential voice in our state’s and nation’s capitals and a catalyst for economic growth in rural America,” Leeds said. “Most of all, we are an informed, progressive and trusted counsel to Iowa’s soybean producers.”
ISA recognized several individuals who were involved in the association from its beginning. One of those individuals is Walter R. Fehr, Iowa State University (ISU) agronomy professor who came to Iowa in 1964, the year that ISA started, and has been in Iowa working with soy as long as ISA has existed.
“One of the most significant developments during those years has been the checkoff,” Fehr said. “It has been important in funding the research we’ve been able to do, including the development of improved soybean varieties. In addition, it has helped educate both undergraduate and graduate agronomy students.”
The association has planned numerous activities and events for 2009. The culmination will be a special celebration in conjunction with ISA’s move to its new home in Ankeny next summer.
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