The Board of Directors of the American Soybean Association (ASA) has confirmed Rob Joslin from Sidney, Ohio as President, and Johnny Dodson from Halls, Tennessee as Chairman. Board members also elected Alan Kemper from Lafayette, Indiana, to serve as First Vice President, an office that places Kemper in line to be ASA President next year.

Also elected were Ron Kindred from Atlanta, Illinois, as Secretary, and Joe Steiner from Mason, Ohio, as Treasurer. Four Vice Presidents also were elected: Randy Mann from Auburn, Kentucky; Ray Gaesser from Corning, Iowa; Steve Wellman from Syracuse, Nebraska; and Danny Murphy from Canton, Mississippi.

These soybean producer-leaders form the nine-member ASA Executive Committee. Elections were held on Thursday, Dec. 3, during ASA’s winter Board of Director’s meeting in Saint Louis.

"Legislative challenges have never been greater," Joslin said. "There is an urgent need to extend the biodiesel tax incentive so soybean farmers can continue to benefit from the 25 cent per bushel price advance generated by the increased demand for soybean oil.

"One of my top organizational goals is to develop new recruiting methods that lead to increased membership in the ASA. As the policy advocate for U.S. soybean farmers, a strong grassroots membership is essential to the success of the ASA and the entire U.S. soybean industry."

"I want, and will strive for, ASA to continue to be recognized as the successful policy organization that represents the best interests of all U.S. soybean farmers," Kemper said. "As chairman of ASA’s Public Affairs Committee, I will work with my committee members and ASA’s top leaders as ASA continues to participate in the climate change debate and hearings to make sure U.S. soybean farmers maintain their economic competitiveness here at home and in global markets."

The Board welcomed four new members who are James Andrew (IA), Dan Feige (SD), Richard Wilkins (DE) and Bruce Hall (VA), and recognized retiring directors John Hoffman (IA), Dennis Jaeger (SD), Joe Layton (MD) and Charles Skalsky (VA).

Committee assignments will be announced as soon as they are available.