Steve Pitstick

The American Soybean Association recognized Steve Pitstick, Illinois, with its Distinguished Leadership Award during an awards ceremony at the Commodity Classic trade show and educational event in Houston.

The ASA Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes a soybean grower or association staff leader who has shown a high level of dedication and successfully led others to meet goals and achieve successes to benefit soybean farmers.

Pitstick is recognized by his peers for his ability to foster collaboration, a sense of community, and collective action among farmers. He is committed to education and engagement to strengthen his state organization and the soybean industry.

Pitstick was an active participant in the recent development and implementation of an updated strategic plan for the Illinois Soybean Association, which helped create a clearer direction for the organization’s future.

Over the last two years, his leadership was instrumental in driving significant organizational growth at ISA. These efforts resulted in a fourfold expansion of staff, providing the farm group expanded reach and impact.

Pitstick is a former chairman of ISA and current chairman of the ISA government relations committee. He is an active policy advocate, supporting issues like biodiesel legislation, soy-based policies, sustainability actions, and various others.

Those close to Pitstick describe him as proactive in fostering increased engagement with state and federal policymakers. He works at establishing and maintaining strong connections not only with key state decision-makers, but also other commodity groups.

Pitstick is known for his consistent willingness to have conversations with staff, farmers, and industry partners to provide his insight, guidance, and support.

His ability to convey a vision and provide strong leadership has positioned the Illinois Soybean Association to deliver unparalleled services to Illinois soybean farmers, now, and well into the future.

ASA congratulates Steve Pitstick, winner of the 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award!