The farmers of the American Soybean Association (ASA) honored Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska with the association’s Soy Champion Award this morning in Washington. In a ceremony held during this week’s meeting of the ASA Board of Directors, former ASA President Steve Wellman presented Sen. Johanns with the award, which is given twice yearly to recognize exemplary representation of soybean farmers and soy-related issues by elected officials.

“Sen. Johanns has proven himself to be not only a champion of farmers, but an advocate well-versed in the realities of modern agriculture,” Wellman said. “Senator Johanns understands what we do on our farms every day, and he brings that here to Washington to help craft legislation that helps us succeed, compete and excel. We owe a large portion of our success in the recent farm bill to his experience and foresight, and we are grateful to him for the voice he has given our farmers on Capitol Hill.”

Sen. Johanns, who will not seek reelection at the end of his term, was recognized officially for his service in the Senate, however also noted were the impacts that the senator had during his tenure as Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2007, and as governor of Nebraska from 1999 to 2005.

“As senator, Agriculture Secretary, and as governor of a vital agricultural state, Sen. Johanns has brought a wealth of experience to his representation of American farmers, and we cannot thank him enough for his leadership,” added ASA President Ray Gaesser, who farms close to the Nebraska border in southeastern Iowa. “We will miss his leadership and diplomatic touch on agriculture issues, and we wish him all the best as he takes his next step.”