ASA Director Mark Jackson speaks about sustainability at a TED-curated even in fall 2014. Photot: Screenshot from TED Talk YouTube video

American Soybean Association (ASA) Director Mark Jackson will be honored at the White House Champions of Change in Agriculture event, along with other growers whose efforts in sustainability are helping address climate and environmental challenges.

Jackson, of Rose Hill, Iowa, was nominated for this recognition of extraordinary individuals who have empowered and inspired their communities by teaching and practicing sustainable and climate-smart agriculture and will join the other nominees for the ceremony on Monday, Oct. 26 at the White House.

The White House searched for nominees who met the following criteria:

• Producers who are implementing advanced agricultural practices that improve environmental conditions (air, soil, water, climate). These practices might include techniques that promote soil health, efficient nutrient application and management, livestock and manure management, energy efficiency, and other sustainable and climate-smart practices.
• Agriculture producers and educators that are teaching others about sustainable, climate-smart practices that maintain or improve yield and net profits while promoting environmental stewardship.
• Young farmers or entrepreneurs who are developing new techniques and technology that improve environmental conditions.
• Producers working in coordination with entities across the US agricultural supply chain to promote implementation of climate-smart practices.

At a TED-curated event featuring speakers from around the community last fall, Jackson spoke about sustainability and how working on his five generation farm has drastically changed—yet stayed the same as agricultural practices have evolved. Click here to watch his TED Talk.