Legacy of Leadership

Legacy of Leadership

By Kriss Nelson, knelson@iasoybeans.com

The Legacy of Leadership award is presented to an Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) member who has established a history of taking an active role in advancing the goals of ISA, represented ISA positively and professionally and continuously demonstrated a passion and commitment for growing the soybean industry in Iowa.

Brian Kemp

Sibley soybean and corn producer Brian Kemp has demonstrated a lifelong commitment and passion for the soybean industry, spanning local, state, national and international leadership positions.

“I am honored to be recognized with the Legacy of Leadership Award,” says Kemp. “I appreciate being recognized by my peers for the time, energy and leadership I have provided to the soybean industry in Iowa, nationally as an American Soybean Association (ASA) director and internationally as a U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) director.”

Kemp is a former County Agricultural Extension Agent and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University. He led the Osceola County Farm Bureau and the Iowa Farmers as the president of each organization.

But perhaps his largest footprint is in the soybean industry.

Kemp served as president of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) in 2013-2014. He also served as an ASA director until his recent retirement. He currently serves on the Trade Policy and International Affairs Advocacy Committee and represents ASA as a USSEC director.

“Representing the soybean industry and my fellow producers for more than 20 years has been a privilege,” says Kemp. “As I look back at my first Iowa Soybean Promotion Board meeting, I am amazed at the changes, growth and improvement I’ve been part of with the Iowa Soybean Association. Serving as president of ISA marks one of the soybean career highlights for me.”

Kemp’s leadership and advocacy on behalf of Iowa soybean farmers played a critical role in establishing the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University (ISU). This collaboration brought ISA, ISU and private industry partners together to enhance the competitiveness of soybeans.

“I’ve had several paths to leadership in agriculture to choose from over my career,” he says. “I sincerely feel the one I chose, serving the soybean industry, has been the most rewarding for me and has had the biggest impact.”

Kemp’s ongoing leadership and commitment to the soybean farmers have been invaluable to the success of ISA and the industry.

“I was involved in issues that were making a difference to U.S. soybean producers and the soybean industry,” he says. “Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with an impressive group of fellow directors, staff members, and industry and government officials. I have made lifelong friendships and relationships.”

Kemp currently serves as a Township Trustee, chairman of the Sibley-Ocheyedan High School Ag Education Fund governing board and on his church’s governing board.