ASA President Ray Gaesser presents plaque of recognition to Bill Raban, State President and QSSB Chairman of Illinois Soybean Association. Photo credit: Barb Baylor Anderson

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) celebrated its 50th anniversary during a reception held at the University of Illinois last week. ASA President Ray Gaesser congratulated ISA and presented a plaque of recognition from ASA during the ceremony.

“Tonight we celebrate a significant milestone. For fifty years, the Illinois Soybean Association and its grower members have served not only as leaders but as true pioneers,” Gaesser said. “The association has and continues to make invaluable contributions not only in the soybean industry but all of agriculture and ASA is truly grateful for the leadership and partnership.”

More than 200 past leaders, association members and guests attended the event to celebrate ISA’s 50 years of success in soybean production and market development including, Bob Hauser, University of Illinois College of ACES dean; John Becherer, United Soybean Board CEO; David Erickson, Illinois Farm Bureau vice president; Parry Dixon, ADM and ISA CEO Craig Ratajczyk, according to a news release from ISA. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Bob Flider read a proclamation from Governor Pat Quinn naming July 31, 2014, as Illinois Soybean Day and Don Guinnip, soybean farmer from Marshall, Ill., and chair of the ISA Anniversary Committee, emceed the program.

“The Illinois Soybean Association and its members have helped shape public policy, open new markets and protect the grower’s right to farm. Illinois has provided the industry with strong national leadership, presidents who have served as the voice of U.S. soybean producers and guided the organization through challenging times,” Gaesser said. “ASA is grateful for the service of past presidents Alan Aves, David Erickson and Dwain Ford. Illinois legacy of strong national leadership continues today through Executive Committee member Ron Moore and board members Michael Cunningham and Dean Campbell.  I am grateful to work with these men and on behalf of ASA thank them for their commitment and tireless work.”