URBANDALE, Iowa - Homer Ferguson from Oskaloosa, Iowa, received the American Soybean Association (ASA) Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Commodity Classic on Feb. 29.

The award honors an individual who has shown an impressive commitment to ASA membership development over many years.  Ferguson has been farming since 1946 and a member of ASA for more than 30 years. He was chosen because he leads by example, has been a strong recruiter for the soybean association and has held many leadership positions for the Iowa Soybean Association.

Having attended numerous Commodity Classics over the years, Ferguson says his favorite part of the weekend was seeing familiar faces.

“It was quite a classic, but I mostly enjoyed meeting old friends again,” says Ferguson. “I’ve been attending these a long time and I’ve made a lot of friends.”

Ferguson feels the ASA and ISA have made tremendous strides when it comes to soy uses and wants to see it spread worldwide.

“If we ship to foreign countries where there is protein deficiency, it would do so much good,” Ferguson says. “The soybean really is a miracle crop with so much protein and can be developed into many different food items that would help all around the world.”

Even though he recently received the ASA Lifetime Achievement Award, Ferguson plans to remain an active member, supporting and strengthening this industry.