Sam and Erin Hancock Named Kentucky ASA/DuPont Young Leaders
Sam and Erin Hancock of Fulton have been named the 2008 American Soybean Association (ASA)/DuPont Young Leader candidates for Kentucky .

The DuPont Young Leader Award is a very prestigious award.  The interview process was extremely involved and detailed.  Sam Hancock was judged on personal qualities, support of soybean and agriculture industries, leadership qualities in community, production and marketing plans of soybeans, and a written application. 

The DuPont Award allows young leaders from around the nation to gather together for a challenging leadership experience.  This experience offers the opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills, as well as meet and learn from other young leaders from around the country.

“Through the upcoming training programs incorporated with the DuPont Young Leader program, I expect to expand my leadership skills.” stated Hancock.  “It is also my goal to continue my involvement with the Kentucky Soybean Association and the American Soybean Association.”

Sam is an eight generation farmer.  Hancock Farms consists of soybeans, corn, wheat and a hog operation.  The Hancock’s have been farming for over six years in Fulton County since his graduation from the University of Kentucky .  He also serves on the Fulton County Advisory Board and is involved in the First Baptist Church , Lion’s Club and Kiwanis International 

Last year the Hancock’s were the recipients of ASA’s Conservation Legacy Award for the Northeast Region.

KSA President Aaron Reding said, “The Hancock’s are continually making great strides locally and are gaining national recognition for their practices.  They are no strangers to our organization and we look forward to having them serve as our DuPont Young Leaders.”

Young leaders began  their training experience during the 2008 Commodity Classic in Nashville , Tennessee , and will conclude in early December at Pioneer’s Headquarters located in Iowa .

KSA also recognizes the DuPont Young Leader by placing them on the board as an Ex-Officio Director.  The ASA/DuPont Young Leader program is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred Intl., Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont.