And That's a Wrap

And That’s a Wrap

The Last Word: Editor’s Notes by Ann Clinton

What. A. Year. I don’t believe in wishing time away or looking too far into the future. For the most part, I’m very intentional about embracing the present moment. There’s beauty in every season and lessons to be learned when times are tough. However, I’m ready for a little positive news to report to you good, farming people.

I’ve spent some time looking back on the 2019 Iowa Soybean Review headlines, and it’s an impressive list of frustrations. Flooding, trade war, low prices, pests … you’ve weathered a lot. This year, I loved all the social media posts with pictures commemorating the last pass of harvest. So many of my farming friends celebrated conquering this crop with a sigh of relief that it was over.

However, as harvest progress reports rolled in, my thoughts were with one particular farmer who didn’t get to see the bounty of his efforts realized this year. This past summer, our soybean family mourned the passing of Dean Coleman of Humboldt. The longtime ag leader died from injuries sustained in a farm-related accident.

Dean was serving on the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) Board of Directors. He had previously been a director on the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board, serving as president, vice president, treasurer and at-large. He also chaired the ISA Supply and Demand, Public Affairs and Information & Education committees. He was 62.

You know those people in your life who are just good humans? The ones who are kind and thoughtful? Intelligent but humble? Well, that’s who Dean Coleman was to me. He was pure joy to know.

I’ve struggled writing this particular column. I knew I wanted to include a tribute to Dean, but I didn’t know how to articulate my thoughts about his passing. I have resigned to the fact that no words will ever do justice to a man who was so awesome.

I worked with Dean for almost two decades as he served as an ISA director. I personally witnessed Dean’s passion for agriculture and his commitment to service. But most importantly, I admired his dedication to his wife Carol and sons Nick and Mike. I always looked forward to the latest stories about his grandkids … Dean loved those babies. My heart hurts for the Coleman family, especially this time of year when I know Dean’s presence will be deeply missed.

In memory of Dean Coleman.

Thanks for following along with me this year. Please keep those emails coming. I love the conversations this space has created with you guys. And please give some love to those around you as we walk into 2020 together.

aclinton@iasoybeans.com