SSGA awards fourth annual Alliance Honors

At Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance’s (SSGA) annual meeting on March 12, the fourth annual SSGA Alliance Honors were awarded. The Alliance Honors give the SSGA Executive Committee the opportunity to recognize those who have made significant and sustaining contributions to the U.S. Identity Preserved (IP) industry in 2023. These awards recognize stewardship, as well as advancements in transportation, IP and SSGA as an organization.

Stewardship: Illinois Soybean Association
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) was a great resource to SSGA and its fellow members in 2023, contributing its financial, physical and human resources to SSGA programs and meetings. ISA, which increased its funding for SSGA’s identity preserved, transportation and other activities, sponsored and hosted a special “Fork to Farm” event in June that connected its farmers and Illinois-area and other SSGA members to importers from Cambodia and Myanmar visiting the U.S. through the ASA/WISHH program. ISA expended many staff and office resources for that event, as well as for an SSGA board meeting and strategy workshop it hosted in Bloomington in December.

Advancing IP: Indiana Crop Improvement Association
Indiana Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) has worked to implement the U.S. Identity Preserved protocol, qualifying companies in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and others. ICIA has patiently conducted audits, offered strong advice and guidance and shown leadership in the IP industry by presenting at SSGA events, including the first Identity Preserved International Summit in Hawaii. ICIA’s diligence and care have improved the U.S. IP system for all companies certified in the assurance plan and for future applicants.

Advancing SSGA: Karl Kolb, The High Sierra Group/Ceres University
Dr. Karl Kolb, president and chief technical officer of the High Sierra Group/Ceres University, volunteered with SSGA to help a small U.S. tofu manufacturer overcome a difficult audit and inspection of its processing facility. Kolb provided factual information on food safety that refuted incorrect audit findings and helped that company improve its processing plan, end the threat and keep a 40-year-old business going strong. The business owners credit Dr. Kolb and SSGA for saving their business.

Advancing Transportation: Pamela Ryan, Stonebridge
Pamela Ryan led the Competitive Shipping Action Team during a renewed shipping crisis. She ably led the volunteer group, working closely with SSGA staff and insisting on deadlines met and outcomes achieved. During her tenure, Ryan’s meetings, letters and representations helped convince USDA to first delay and then change implementation of proposed Export Sales reporting procedures that would have been an undue burden on container shippers from the central U.S. Also, Ryan was a strong part of the effort to bring FMC allowing the use of personal chassis with ocean carriers.

SSGA also recognized its Agronomy Action Team and its monthly IP/Specialty Crop Update reporters for providing strong information to SSGA members, their customers and others throughout the year. Those reporters include:

• Scott Eversgerd, field agronomist, Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred International
• Mark Seamon, research director, Michigan Soybean Committee
• David Kee, director of research, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
• Bryan Stobaugh, director of licensing and commercialization, and Eric Oseland, director of agronomy and research, Missouri Soybeans
• Miki Miheguli, research programs coordinator, North Dakota Soybean Council
• Shawn Conley, state extension soybean and small grain specialist, University of Wisconsin

SSGA’s next annual meeting will be held March 11, 2025 in Minneapolis.