Ron Heck of Perry Recipient of Iowa Soybean Association Legacy of Leadership Award

January 25, 2021

Meet all the 2021 Recipients

Ron Heck of Perry is the recipient of the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Legacy of Leadership Award.

Sponsored by Stine Seed, it recognizes an ISA member who has a history of leadership with the association and helped advance its goals and the success of the soybean industry.

“I appreciate this award very much,” said Heck. “I’d like to thank all the directors and staff that did so much work that has allowed the soybean industry to achieve all our victories.”

Heck’s longtime, tireless leadership and ardent support of the soybean industry exemplifies these qualities.

Farming for 47 years, Heck operates the same land his great grandfather farmed in 1916. He joined the ISA in 1975 and was elected president in 1993. The Boone County farmer has represented the U.S. soybean industry in numerous leadership roles including President of the American Soybean Association in 2003.

Passionate about expanding uses and market demand, Heck served as treasurer and secretary on the National Biodiesel Board, where he was presented with the Industry Leader award in 2020.

His national momentum carried him to the White House, where Heck served on President Trump’s ag advisory panel. Heck’s grasp of complex issues and ability to communicate them effectively to a variety of audiences made him the perfect fit for this advisory role.

“The real award is getting to see how great ISA is doing as an organization,” said Heck. “And how well soybeans are doing as a crop and how well biodiesel is doing as a renewable fuel. Those are the real rewards.”

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