The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) showcased seven legislators and advocates for their steadfast leadership to the soybean industry during its annual meeting in Jefferson City. Several of the individuals recognized are from the KMMO listening area. Each of these individuals serve as a voice for the farmers MSA strives to protect.
“Missouri Soybeans takes great pride in those we extend awards and recognition to as soybean service-leaders,” said Casey Wasser, senior director of policy and COO. “We were overwhelmed by the amount of support we received from our legislative leaders last session. With direction from our MSA board, our farmer-leaders elected to showcase these service-minded public servants.”
MSA presented the Legislator of the Year, Soy Supporter and first-ever Lifetime Achievement awards.
Neal Bredehoeft was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.Selected by a slate of Missouri Soybeans’ board members, it was with a wave of respect and unanimous support that this award went to a highly deserving lifelong soybean grower and supporter.
Bredehoeft resides on his century farm where he grows corn and soybeans in Lafayette and Saline counties. Bredehoeft has made contributions and devoted numerous hours of service to the United Soybean Board (USB), Clean Fuels Alliance America, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC), Missouri Soybean Association and the American Soybean Association (ASA).
In 2004 to 2005, he served as ASA President and received the ASA “Outstanding State Volunteer Award.” He also pioneered many legislative efforts and has supported many state officials through contributions and volunteer work to date. Perhaps, most importantly, he served with unwavering leadership as Missouri Soybeans’ interim executive director in 2014.
Missouri Senator Caleb Rowden was recognized as a Soy Supporter. Rowden was elected to the Missouri Senate in 2016, representing Boone and Cooper Counties. Rowden resides as the President Pro-Tem of the Senate, the highest-ranking leadership position in the chamber. Prior to this role, he was Majority Floor Leader, where he worked tirelessly to ensure the agriculture priorities contained in the omnibus bill made it across the finish line.
Missouri Senator Denny Hoskins was also recognized as a Soy Supporter. Hoskins represents District 21 in the Missouri Senate. Hoskins was the sponsor of the biodiesel tax credit program and has worked tirelessly over the years to negotiate the bill to a place that ensured passage and bipartisan support.