URBANDALE, Iowa - Iowa Soybean Association, The American Soybean Association (ASA), and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, would like to announce that Mark and Heidi Vosika have been chosen to represent Iowa as part of the 2008 Young Leader program.  The Young Leader Program is recognized throughout agriculture for its longstanding tradition of identifying and cultivating the producer leaders who are shaping the U.S. soybean industry.

Mark and Heidi Vosika own a corn and soybean operation with Mark’s brother in Pocahontas County. Their goals for the future include producing quality soybeans using practices that are environmentally and economically responsible. Vosika feels it is vital to further develop international relations with export customers and to also find new uses for soybean by-product. To do that, high quality soybeans need to be produced not only for export, but for alternative domestic uses as well.

“I feel we need to continue to work on genetics to improve the protein and oil content to satisfy our export customers’ needs,” says Vosika. “Also, by increasing the oil content of the soybean, we would be able to increase biodiesel production and decrease our reliance on petroleum fuels.”

2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the program, and this achievement will be celebrated at a special dinner and dance on Feb. 27, 2008, in Nashville, Tenn., for all Young Leader alumni.  The new Young Leader class will also participate in this event.

“The Young Leader Program is an exceptional leadership training program,” said John Hoffman, ASA President.  “The instructors and program content are of the highest quality. This program provides information that the participant can start using immediately, not only in business, but personally as well.”

One Young Leader couple is selected from each of ASA's state affiliates and the 2008 class of Young Leaders and their spouses will participate in a challenging and educational leadership experience Feb. 26 – March 1, in Nashville, Tenn., coinciding with the Commodity Classic Conference and Trade Show.  This leadership seminar offers the opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills as well as meet and learn from other Young leaders from around the country and Canada.  The second phase of training will take place at Pioneer’s Headquarters in Johnston, Iowa.

For more information about the Iowa Soybean Association, visit www.iasoybeans.com.

To find out more information on the ASA/DuPont Young Leader program go to www.soygrowers.com/dyl or contact Michelle Siegel, ASA Corporate Development Manager, at msiegel@soy.org or (314) 754-1328.