The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and Beck’s Hybrids are proud to announce that Ryan Rhoades of Marion County was named 2014 Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year.

The Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program, now in its second year, was established to highlight and recognize young Ohio farmers who have taken leadership roles in their communities while developing a foundation for farming success.

“OSA is proud to recognize Ryan and his involvement with the soybean industry,” said Tommie Price, OSA president and soybean farmer from Putnam County. “Through the Beck’s Young Farm Leader program, OSA and Beck’s Hybrids aim to recognize young Ohio farmers like Ryan who are committed to advancing the industry.”

Each Beck’s Young Farm Leader was chosen quarterly by a selection committee consisting of OSA and Beck’s Hybrids representatives with one farmer selected as the Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year. The 2014 Beck’s Young Farm Leaders included: Matt Aultman of Darke County, Andy Wentling of Stark County and Andrew Hollenback of Licking County.

“Beck’s Hybrids congratulates Ryan for his selection as the Beck’s Young Farm Leader for 2014,” said Bruce Kettler, director of public relations for Beck’s Hybrids. “One of the objectives of the program was to identify and recognize young farmers that demonstrate significant leadership in their communities and the capacity to move their farm, community and industry forward in the future.”

As the 2014 Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year, Ryan will receive a trip for two to the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Arizona.

“OSA provides leadership for Ohio’s soybean farmers in promoting effective policies and legislation to ensure a growing and profitable soybean industry,” added Price. “In this ongoing effort, one of OSA’s key strategies is cultivating a strong grassroots network of farmers who are drawn to the policy making process. Programs like the Beck’s Young Farm Leader are helping to identify and recognize the future leaders of Ohio agriculture.”

Ryan discovered his passion for agriculture at a young age and went on to graduate from Wilmington College in 2002 where he studied Agriculture and Spanish. Until the winter of 2011, Ryan’s farm operated as an LLC. It was then that he joined his father’s operation to become Rhoades Farms in a general partnership. Together, they currently grow 2,300 acres of soybeans, corn and wheat rotation and manage a livestock operation. Ryan is involved with Fite Memorial Baptist Church in Marion, Ohio and currently serves as County Committee member with the Delaware County Farm Service Agency.

Applications for the 2015 Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program are now available. Please apply or nominate someone at soyohio.org/becksyoungfarmleader.