The American Soybean Association (ASA) honored the late Rob Joslin, of Sidney, Ohio, with its Lifetime Achievement Award-Association Focus, at its annual awards banquet during the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.

Photo: Joslin was active on the ASA Board for a decade and served as president in 2010. Photo Credit: ASA file photo

The Lifetime Achievement Award-Association Focus is ASA’s highest recognition. It honors individuals who have provided many years of outstanding leadership and dedication to the work of ASA and U.S. soybean farmers.

Joslin, who passed away unexpectedly in May 2016, was remembered by fellow soybean farmers and friends during the awards banquet, and his wife Ellen Joslin and daughter Gail (Joslin) Kelley accepted his posthumous award.

Joslin was a proud graduate of The Ohio State University. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in agriculture in 1975, he began farming full time.

Joslin was a member of the Ohio Soybean Association and ASA for nearly 30 years. He served on numerous committees and in all top leadership positions at both the state and national level. He was also a dedicated supporter of ASA’s World Soy Foundation and served on the board of the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC), including one year as board secretary.

Photo: ASA President Ron Moore (left) presents Ellen Joslin (center) and Gail Joslin Kelley (right) with Rob Joslin's posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award-Association Focus at the ASA awards banquet in San Antonio. Photo Credit: Joe Murphy

During nearly a decade on the ASA Board of Directors, Joslin served five years on Executive Committee, and began his year as ASA president in December 2009.
During his three-year officer cycle with ASA, Joslin spent hundreds of “volunteer” hours working on policy, regulatory and trade issues to benefit soybean farmers.

He was instrumental in developing ASA positions on two farm bills. He was engaged in many legislative efforts, involving such issues as the biodiesel tax incentive, estate taxes and ag appropriations. He also provided strong representation for U.S. soybean farmers on numerous trade issues.

"Through all his work, Rob led with integrity, a deep knowledge of the issues and a vision for the future. He left his mark on the soybean industry and ASA is proud and grateful for his impact," said ASA President Ron Moore. "Rob was a true leader, forging collaboration and non-partisan relationships and always with a positive outlook and a determination to do his best in every way."