Dear Friends,

The Gaesser Family in Corning, Iowa

Once again, it’s the time of the year when we gather around the table with our families and pause to reflect on what we’re thankful for. This year, in addition to family and friends, I’m thankful for the privilege to serve our American soybean farmers as ASA’s president. I want to thank all of you for the opportunity. It was an honor to work side-by-side with each of you, to protect soybean farmer interests, push for new opportunities to grow the industry and change the conversation about agriculture.

While we made great strides forward, as always there is still work to be done—but when we come together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. As we finalize the draft of our strategic plan, we welcome your ideas and comments to enhance ASA’s ability to meet the needs of soybean farmers now and in the future.

As you sit down with your families for the holiday, don’t forget that it’s thanks to your hard work and dedication both in and out of your fields that makes Thanksgiving and every other meal possible throughout the country. You are part of a soybean industry that is meeting food, feed and energy needs in a growing world—and that’s something to be proud and thankful for.

From the beginning, Thanksgiving has been a celebration of harvest, people’s ability to care for the land and to feed, clothe and shelter their families. This year, with a record breaking harvest, we have even more reason to be grateful and hopeful for the future. Don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on your part in the Thanksgiving tradition and the land that has given us so much.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families,

Ray Gaesser

gaesserfarms@gmail.com

641-344-2327