The American Soybean Association (ASA), Monsanto and The Corn and Soybean Digest magazine are seeking nominations for the 2005 Conservation Legacy Awards. The Conservation Legacy Program is a national awards program designed to recognize the outstanding environmental and conservation achievements of U.S. soybean farmers.

Any ASA member who actively farms, including an individual or farm family, is eligible to receive the Conservation Legacy Award. One ASA member actively engaged in soybean production will be selected from each of the following four regions: Western, Southern, Midwestern and Northeastern. One national winner will be selected from the regional winners, based on the nomination form and visits to each regional winner’s farm.

Producers interested in receiving the award must complete an application form. Application forms have been mailed to ASA members. Forms are also available by calling 800/688-7692 or on ASA’s website, www.SoyGrowers.com. A national selection committee composed of soybean farmers, environmentalists, soybean industry representatives and government officials will judge applications. Award winners will be selected based upon a combination of environmental criteria.

“The Conservation Legacy Awards are an excellent way to communicate what the U.S. farmer is doing to conserve land and promote natural resources stewardship,” said Neal Bredehoeft, President of ASA. “The program allows us to show the non-farming public just how environmentally conscious we are and how progressive modern farming has become. We are proud to be a part of the Conservation Legacy Awards.”

All four regional winners and a spouse/guest will receive a trip to Commodity Classic, the annual joint convention of the American Soybean Association and National Corn Growers Association, February 24-26, 2005, in Austin, Texas. The regional winners will be featured in a special article in The Corn and Soybean Digest. The national winner will be named at the ASA Awards Banquet during Commodity Classic. The national winner will also have the honor of participating, along with ASA, in the promotion of environmental stewardship and conservation policy.

Completed applications are due to ASA by October 1, 2004. Along with ASA, the program is co-sponsored by Monsanto and The Corn and Soybean Digest magazine.