New Leader Award

New Leader Award

By Joseph Hopper, jhopper@iasoybeans.com

This award is presented to an Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) member who has actively grown their involvement in ISA programming, shown outstanding involvement in their district/state and demonstrated the skills and drive necessary to grow the Iowa soybean industry.

Josh Henik

It should come as no surprise that Josh Henik is a strong, enthusiastic voice for agriculture — he teaches it every day.

Henik and his family grow soybeans and corn and raise cattle on the family’s seventh-generation farm near Mt. Vernon. He’s also an assistant professor of agronomy at Kirkwood Community College. There, his work has led to the development of several partnerships, including with the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Research Center for Farming Innovation.

Henik has also been heavily involved with ISA. He has served as an active participant in his District Advisory Council, as a member of the Policy Leadership Fellowship and was a candidate in the 2022 ISA director elections.

The farmer and educator was humbled and surprised to hear he was the recipient of the 2023 New Leader Award.

“My involvement in ag organizations has never been about seeking an award but rather trying to be involved and making a difference where I can,” says Henik. “Hopefully, I am giving back to the industry that’s given so much to my family and me.”

Henik earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in agronomy at Iowa State University. Outside of the farm and the classroom, he has served in various leadership roles with Linn County Farm Bureau, his parish council and on the board for the Southwest Iowa Agricultural Research Association. He’s also participated in Iowa Farm Bureau’s Ag Leaders Institute.

Henik is also recognized as a friend and resource to ISA’s producer services team, being a constant advocate and resource for new participation and recruitment to multiple ISA programs, such as the Soy Squad.

“One thing I’ve tried to do in my role working with young people is get them involved with ag organizations like ISA,” he says. “It’s very rewarding to see the next generation of farmers and advocates become involved in organizations like the Iowa Soybean Association.”