Kentucky Farmer Leaders
Anyone interested in being nominated to serve as the Kentucky representative to the United Soybean Board email dellis@kysoy.org 

New Leopold Conservation Award Program Seeks Nominees in Kentucky 
DEADLINE JULY 31
Sand County Foundation and the Kentucky Agricultural Council have announced the launch of the Leopold Conservation Award Program in Kentucky , and are accepting applications for the award. The $10,000 Leopold Conservation Award will honor Kentucky farmers, ranchers and other private landowners who voluntarily demonstrate responsible stewardship and management of natural resources. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. "The Kentucky Agricultural Council is proud to be part of the Leopold Conservation Award Program," said council chairman Tony Brannon. "From the beginnings of pioneering no-till farming in the 1960's through today's many and varied farm sustainability efforts to leave this place better than they found it, Kentucky farmers have a proud tradition of feeding, clothing, sheltering and fueling our nation and our world. This award will allow us to celebrate and learn from the examples of Kentucky farmers who have taken a thoughtful approach to conservation and stewardship of our land." 

Nominations must be postmarked by July 31 and mailed to: 
Leopold Conservation Award 
c/o Kentucky Agricultural Council
P.O. Box 5478 
Louisville, Ky 40255-0478. 

For application information. please visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org OR www.kyagcouncil.net. 

American Soybean Association/DuPont Young Leader
The Kentucky Soybean Association is accepting applications for the 2014 ASA/DuPont Young Leader Program. This program is designed for soybean farmers, married or single, who are interested in developing their leadership skills. Spouses are included in all aspects of the program, and the knowledge gained is beneficial in any setting -- whether on or off the farm. 

Young Leaders become valuable, active members of agricultural organizations and volunteer groups and local and state levels, Many graduates of the program go on to become officers of state and national soybean association boards. Other graduates become membership recruiters or key committee members. Spouses learn more about farm operation, personal leadership style and how to achieve a greater level of success. 

Networking and camaraderie developed with other growers representing 26 soybean-producing states and Canada build friendships and working relationships that last a lifetime. Interested applicants must commit to attending two phases of training. Part 1 will be held in November at Pioneer Headquarters in Johnson, Iowa and Part 2 will be held in conjunction with Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas in the spring of 2014.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS OCTOBER 1.  To apply online, visit www.soygrowers.com/dyl. For more information, phone Rae Wagoner at KSA (270) 365-7214 or email rwagoner@kysoy.org. 

"Across Kentucky" podcasts

 Interview with University of Kentucky researcher John Grove 
The Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board funds research with grower checkoff dollars. Dr. Grove's research into the use of poultry litter and other additives to potentially break down the fragipan found in some Kentucky soils could increase crop acreage and provide better yields in soil that has fragipan. To hear this and other podcast from "Across Kentucky", click here

 KSPB Chair Dennis Clark at the National Farm Machinery Show
The Kentucky Soybean Association booth is always a favorite stop for attendees at the National Farm Machinery Show. Check out what Dennis Clark had to say by clicking on Feb. 7's podcast.  To hear this and other podcast from "Across Kentucky", click here

KSA President Davie Stephens on upcoming Ky Commodity Conference - Soybean Stories to be aired - January 11, 15 & 17
The Kentucky Commodity Conference is to be held January 18th at the Sloan Convention Center located in Bowling. To hear this and other podcast from "Across Kentucky", click here. 

2012 Kentucky Soybean Production Contest Summary 
The 2012 Soybean Production Contest have been awarded. To see the complete results, click here.

Calculator: Where Should I Sell My Soybeans?
Should I sell my soybeans to the local elevator or the more distant market offering a premium price? At what point is it no longer worth selling to the more distant location?  This interactive tool is provided for your use by the Soy Transportation Coalition.  Figure calculations here.