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Iowa Soybean CEO celebrates 25 years

kirk leedsAs the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) celebrated its 50th anniversary this week, its CEO was recognized for being there for half of it.

Kirk Leeds celebrated his 25 years of service at the ISA 50th Anniversary Symposium and Banquet on Wednesday in Des Moines.

“I am humbled by the recognition and I have appreciated the opportunity to work for the Iowa soybean farmers for the last 25 years,” Leeds said. “I’m proud of the way our farmer directors have so willingly contributed time and energy to set the direction for ISA and for our industry.”

Highlights of Leeds’ tenure include the recently- founded Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University and the creation of two of ISA’s most successful programs, the On-Farm Network and Environmental Programs and Services. These departments provide Iowa soybean farmers unbiased research and brought water quality to the forefront in agriculture.

Starting as a field representative in 1989, Leeds would quickly work his way to CEO. He says he never anticipated spending 25 years at ISA, but it is an organization he has thoroughly enjoyed.

“I have gained many friends and the amount of respect that I have for farmers based on their desire to do the right thing for the right reason has only increased over the years,” he said.

AUDIO: Interview with Kirk Leeds

Photo courtesy of ISA

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