Illinois farmer elected to ASA vice president

ST. LOUIS — During its annual meeting in St. Louis, the American Soybean Association elected the leaders who will steer the organization through a new year of soybean policy advocacy, including planning for the 2023 farm bill and other soy priorities.

Among those selected, the ASA Board elected Daryl Cates of Columbia, Illinois, as ASA vice president, a position that allows him to play a leading role in driving policy initiatives forward for soybean growers.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for the soy family,” Cates said. “With the farm bill on the horizon, there is a strong sense of collaboration and healthy partnerships among organizations. I think we all understand that now is the time for coming together, advancing as a unified group, and working in tandem on behalf of American soy.”

In addition, the ASA Board elected Stan Born of Mahomet, Illinois, as an at-large member of the Executive Committee.

“Our leadership was developed through the opportunities we experienced as part of the Illinois Soybean Association Board,” Cates said. “ISA grew us as leaders and provided the training we needed to move forward and to be better prepared to contribute in meaningful ways. I am where I am today because of my ISA roots.”

Other Illinois representatives serving the ASA Board include: Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare of Nebo, Jered Hooker of Clinton, Ron Moore of Roseville, Bill Raben of Ridgway, Rob Shaffer of El Paso and Bill Wykes of Yorkville.