The soy checkoff honored George Martin of Nebo, Kentucky, with the 2020 Outstanding Achievement Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the United Soybean Board. During his lifetime, Martin dedicated more than 18 years of collective service to the soybean checkoff and the farmers it serves.
Each year, the United Soybean Board recognizes an individual, organization or group that has made a positive impact on the soybean industry and the soy checkoff with the Outstanding Achievement Award. Martin passed away in January. He was 77 years old. Friend, fellow Kentucky soybean farmer and USB Past Chair Keith Tapp accepted on his behalf.
“We are proud to honor George with this award. George’s impact on soybean farmers was huge in Kentucky and nationally. He was a good friend and mentor to so many of us. We all wish he could have been the one accepting this award,” Tapp said.
Martin went above and beyond during his involvement with the United Soybean Board. He was an active part of the Kentucky Soybean Association since its infancy in 1975, when its first office was his kitchen table. He went on to serve as chairman of the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board in 2005, then as one of the first representatives for Kentucky on the United Soybean Board, serving two nine-year terms.
“It’s an honor to recognize George for this award for outstanding achievement. He was truly an invaluable source of knowledge and service to Kentucky and U.S. soybean farmers, and we will miss his support greatly,” said Jim Carroll III, USB chair from Brinkley, Arkansas.
Martin’s achievements set a course for the future. He played a crucial role in the development and growth of the Soy Aquaculture Alliance, which promotes the aquaculture industry in the United States and abroad as a key customer of U.S. soy. He also supported the Southern Soybean Research Program and several other production research efforts to build a better soybean for farmers. And for more than 50 years, Martin farmed soybeans in Kentucky.
“Martin’s dedication to the soy industry will never go unnoticed or forgotten. He will be remembered for his hardworking and encouraging spirit and the dedication he had to our organization and industry,” said Ryan Bivens, Kentucky Soybean Board chairman from Hodgenville, Kentucky. “We are thankful for all the years we were able to have with him.”
The United Soybean Board contributed this article.