The Cowan family on their farm.

"I've been watching the time go by. They say in the end it's a blink of an eye." Jackson Browne,and his biblical reference are so true. The last three years have flown by. I have had the pleasure of working with great officers and directors on a national, state and membership level.

ASA is truly a great organization and I sincerely hope I leave it a much better place for those who follow me.

Looking back, I have learned many new ideas and reaffirmed others. First, Dorothy was right there's no place like home.

Second, agricultural people are the same no matter where we are. We all desire a better life for our families. Third, there's no reason any group of people can't come to a consensus on what is best, and when they do, united, they can't be stopped. And finally, the reason we will succeed in agriculture is because there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.

ASA is a family—a family that stretches across the country. I owe several family members thanks.

My wife and children, who have allowed me to serve, and never complained when I wasn't there. (Something always seemed to break at the house when I was away). The staff at ASA, especially Steve Censky and Julie Hawkins. All the state executives who always spoke their minds and were supportive of big changes in the organization. Finally, a special thanks to Debbie, Becky and Rae, of Kentucky, who have always treated me like one of their own, and basically adopted me.

What's next? Well although I have been offered attractive new opportunities in other ag organizations. I have no intention of leaving this team. I will continue to contribute to building a stronger soy family. Working to improve interactions between various commodity groups, and making sure that no one gets left behind. I will be ever vigilant, keeping my eyes on the game. Looking to the future, finding answers, ready to come off the bench and make a contribution to winning the game.

Thanks for the memories, and happy trails to you, till we meet again.

-Wade Cowan, ASA Past President