The St. Louis Agribusiness Club named American Soybean Association (ASA) CEO Stephen L. Censky as the area’s “Agribusiness Leader of the Year” this week.

Since 1981, the St. Louis AgriBusiness Club has presented the prestigious award to a person who has made a substantial contribution to the well-being of agriculture in the St. Louis area, either on a local or national scale. Censky was nominated by Melinda Whittle, Kimberly Magin, and Molly Cline (retired) from the Monsanto Company, as well as by Dick McWard, an Illinois farmer and former Bunge North America executive.

The award is presented to someone who has made a substantial contribution to the well-being of agriculture in the St. Louis area, either on a local or national scale.

“Steve has continually pursued opportunities for soybean farmers throughout the U.S. to improve their position in agriculture,” they said. “Whether in DC, Beijing, Brussels, or Hong Kong, Steve Censky has sought to maximize the opportunities of both the U.S. Soybean farmers and their very important customers.”

Censky is the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) Chief Executive Officer, a staff position he accepted in April 1996. As ASA’s top executive, Censky is in charge of managing ASA’s legislative, trade policy, international market development, membership and leadership development programs.

Prior to joining ASA, Censky worked in Washington, D.C. for over a decade. He began his career on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant for agricultural and transportation matters to Senator Jim Abdnor (R-SD). Later he served in both the Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush Administrations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), helping to craft the 1990 Farm Bill and eventually serving as Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service where he was involved in global trade negotiations and running our nation’s export programs.

Censky received his Bachelor’s of Science degree of Agriculture from South Dakota State University and his Master’s Diploma in Agriculture Studies from the University of Melbourne, Australia. He grew up on a soybean, corn and diversified livestock farm near Jackson, Minn.

Censky accepted the award during the club’s February meeting on Feb. 10, 2015.

“I’m honored to receive this award from the St. Louis Agribusiness Club,” Censky said. “Each member of this respected group has a hand in helping those who produce the food, fuel and clothing for our growing world population. I’m proud to be part of this team lending its voice to agricultural issues, leading innovation and ensuring growers have the tools and technology they need to continue feeding the world.”

In addition to his work on behalf of all U.S. soy growers, the nominators sited Censky’s contributions at home in the St. Louis area, working as a leader in agriculture to bring together the diverse interests of the grain trade, farmers, transportation, trait providers and politicians to create an environment where agriculture and farming can lead in the fields of innovation and profitability.

“We can think of no individual more deserving to receive the honor of St. Louis Agribusiness Club Agribusiness Leader of the Year,” they said. “Throughout his career, Steve has continually sought new and innovative approaches to the challenges and opportunities facing not only soybean growers and the soybean industry, but also St. Louis Agriculture overall.”

Founded in 1981, the St. Louis Agribusiness Club provides educational, networking, and professional development for nearly 400 members while promoting a positive image for the agricultural industry. The Club works to attract agricultural companies and associations to the St. Louis area and plays an important role in helping government leaders better understand the importance of agriculture to our nation. Agribusiness accounts for 12 percent of the St. Louis region’s total area economic output and 20 percent of the region’s workforce.

The American Soybean Association is a national, not-for-profit commodity organization with over 22,000 members and is headquartered in St. Louis. ASA works as the domestic and international policy advocate for soybean producer members.