Dwain Ford (left) was president of ASA from 2002-2003. He served on the Land of Lincoln Soybean Association from 1991-2000, and was chairman from 1997-1998. In December 2014, he was elected secretary of USB having served on that board for more than six years.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) this week remembers our friend, former ASA President, United Soybean Board (USB) director and tireless advocate for soybean farmers—Dwain Ford, who passed away on Aug. 10, at age 65.

“This week we said goodbye to a great leader and friend who will be missed by the entire soybean family,” said ASA President Wade Cowan, Brownfield, Texas. “Dwain has been a great friend and mentor to me as I’ve risen through the ASA leadership. I’ve always valued the insights and advice he shared with me. He was an amazing source of support and strength during my presidency and I will personally miss him. It was an honor to serve the industry alongside him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Melba, sons Shannon and Ryan, and the entire Ford family.”

Ford was president of ASA from 2002-2003. He served on the Land of Lincoln Soybean Association from 1991-2000, and was chairman from 1997-1998. In December 2014, he was elected secretary of USB having served on that board for more than six years.

"Dwain was a genuine leader who moved organizations forward," ASA CEO Steve Censky said. "He was politically savvy and knew how to build consensus. This served soybean farmers well, whether in Washington or in the association boardroom."

Ford had a lasting impression on those leaders who worked with him.

"Dwain was a true gentleman and always had soybean farmer interests first in his heart,” said Ron Moore, Roseville, who served as ISA chairman from 2009 to 2011. “His knowledge and experience gave him great insight into issues and projects important to soybean farmers. He was a fantastic advocate for soybeans."

Dwain and his wife, Melba, co-owned and operated the family farm and M&D Seed Company in southern Illinois where they produced and marketed soybeans, corn and wheat. Their family includes son, Shannon; his wife, Misty; son, Ryan; his wife, Carrie; and many grandchildren.

Dwain's family established a Dwain Ford Memorial Soybean Scholarship Fund through the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA).

If you wish to make a donation, mail to:

IAA FOUNDATION

P.O. BOX  6228

Bloomington, IL  61702-6228

Checks payable to:  IAA Foundation

Note on memo line:  Dwain Ford Memorial Fund

Donations may also be designated online at www.iaafoundation.org

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