ISA’s highest honor recognizes Easter’s dedication, leadership and years of service to the soybean industry
BLOOMINGTON, ILL., (November 29, 2023) – Dr. Robert (Bob) Easter, President Emeritus of the University of Illinois, was recently presented the Chairman’s Award from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). This award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to serve the state’s soybean interests. It is the highest award given by the ISA and is presented in appreciation of one’s dedication, leadership and years of service to the soybean industry.
“Bob has dedicated his life to developing a positive future for the agriculture industry,” said Ron Kindred, Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association. From his research on soybeans for swine feed to his efforts in helping build a market for Illinois soybeans in China, his dedication to the soybean industry has had a profound impact on farmers across the State of Illinois. We are thrilled to honor him with the Illinois Soybean Association Chairman’s Award.”
Easter served as the 19th President of the University of Illinois from 2012-2015. Prior to that, he held a number of leadership roles at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign including Head of the Animal Sciences Department and Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. He also served as Interim Provost and Interim Chancellor for the university.
Easter was recognized at the Illinois Soybean Association’s Impact Awards Banquet on November 28 in Bloomington. To learn more about the Illinois Soybean Association, visit ilsoy.org.
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About the Illinois Soybean Association
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations.
Media Contacts:
Erica Ballmer-Riley
CLUTCH
eballmer-riley@clutchperformance.com
608.931.2721
Olivia Key
Illinois Soybean Association
olivia.key@ilsoy.org
309.307.9382
