soybean field with grain elevator in background

(Photo Credit: Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association)

ISA Recipient of 2020 U.S. Water Prize

July 21, 2020

Ankeny, Iowa — The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has been named a winner of the U.S. Water Alliance 2020 U.S. Water Prize. ISA was awarded Outstanding Nonprofit during the virtual ceremony Tuesday.

“We are keenly aware of farmers’ important role in water management,” said Roger Wolf, ISA director of innovation and integrated solutions as he accepted the award on behalf of ISA. “Our programs at the Iowa Soybean Association are designed to strengthen soybean farmers’ ability to adapt to challenges, build stronger soils and achieve cleaner water.”

The U.S. Water Alliance selected ISA for the innovative solutions that benefit farmers, watersheds and communities. “Solutions such as watershed analyses and planning bring Iowa’s agricultural community and water stakeholders together,” said the U.S. Water Alliance in its selection for the award.

The ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation promotes management practices that allow for both productive yields and long-term environmental sustainability. The research and results are the first step in collaborating to cleaner water, but it’s the willingness from farmers to continuously innovate that spurs positive change.

“A special thank you goes out to our farmers leaders who provide oversight and guidance in these efforts,” said Wolf. “And, of course, our farmer champions and participants in these water quality initiatives. We are unable to do this work without your participation and engagement.”

As Iowa’s soybean farmers prepare to celebrate August as Soybean Month in Iowa, ISA also celebrates August as National Water Quality month. As the U.S. Water Prize award displays, soybeans and water quality certainly go hand-in-hand.

The award was one of six granted nationally in six different categories. The U.S. Water Alliance annually recognizes people and organizations leading innovative approaches to water management and a more sustainable water future.


The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 40,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.

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