December 20, 2014

Neal Bredehoeft Awarded Soybean Legacy Award

Director of Ag Honors Soybean Producer during 45th Governor's Conference on Agriculture

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Missouri soybean producer Neal Bredehoeft, from Alma, Mo., was recognized by Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce Saturday evening at the 45th Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture with the 2014 Missouri Soybean Legacy Award, recognizing him for leadership in Missouri’s soybean industry. Bredehoeft is a leader on the family farm, in the community and continues to give his time and energy to growing opportunities for Missouri soybean farmers, their soybeans and all of agriculture.

During the awards banquet, Missouri’s Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce recognized Bredehoeft with this year’s top soybean honors in front of hundreds in attendance.

“Neal Bredehoeft represents the best of Missouri agriculture,” said Director Fordyce. “Striving to improve our position in international markets, inspiring youth and setting an example of leadership and stewardship, Neal is one of the producers who make our industry proud.”

As Missouri’s Soybean Legacy Award recipient, Neal Bredehoeft, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to Missouri agriculture. Bredehoeft has contributed decades of service and leadership to the Missouri Soybean Association, American Soybean Association and other agricultural organizations. 

Bredehoeft is one of only five Missourians who have served as president of the American Soybean Association. He used his term to raise the bar for soybeans in Missouri and across the United States. An early advocate for biodiesel, Bredehoeft’s efforts directly contributed to Missouri’s ranking as a top two state for biodiesel and top five states for soybean production. Additionally, Bredehoeft has worked on behalf of Missouri soybean producers to explore and grow international markets like China, Japan and Brazil. He regularly hosts groups from all over the world on his farm so that they can experience first-hand the work done by farmers.

Missouri’s Soybean Legacy Award was recognized alongside Legacy Awards in Cattle, Corn, Pork, Poultry, Forestry, Dairy, Rice and Cotton, the Missouri Farm Innovation Award, the Missouri Agriculture Environmental Steward Award, Missouri Ag Education Leader Award and the Missouri Food Animal Veterinarian Award at the 2014 Missouri’ Governor’s Conference on Agriculture closing banquet.

The conference, which took place at the Lake of the Ozarks, concluded Saturday evening with a special performance by country music band Sawyer Brown. The three-day event included nationally-recognized speakers, in-depth discussions about current issues and an agriculture tradeshow. Special events during the conference included the Taste of AgriMissouri reception and the Friday evening benefit auction supporting programs for youth and young professionals in agriculture.

For more information on the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at http://agriculture.mo.gov.

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Note: Photos of the award presentation are available by contacting Sarah Alsager at Sarah.Alsager@mda.mo.gov or (573) 751-2613.