Petersen earns statewide recognition from ISA

     Andy Petersen, originally from Wyoming, was honored as the Iowa Soybean Association’s recipient of the Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer Award in January.

     The presentation was made at the ISA Awards Banquet in Des Moines. It was one of several ISA Leadership Awards, which are presented annually to individuals and organizations in recognition of outstanding work on behalf of Iowa soybean farmers and the farming profession.

     Specifically, the Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer Award recognizes an ISA partner who has shown a deep understanding of agricultural issues and supported Iowa soybean farmer through his or her actions.

     Petersen was honored for his work on iHeartMedia’s radio program, “The Big Show.”

     According to an ISA video announcing the award, “Andy has played a vital role in the ag reporting arena. He’s an award-winning host, journalist, and farm and sports broadcaster. Andy’s passion for the show and engaging coverage of the issues have moved the needle on increasing public access to agriculture.

     “Andy continues to show support for the soybean industry through his promotion of ISA messages, events and programs to a larger audience.”

     Petersen, 39, was interviewed for the video, and expressed his appreciation for being the award’s recipient.

     “There are more and more people without direct knowledge of how it works on the farm,” Petersen said. “I just appreciate the hard work that our producers do, and I know that because I live it every day. I help Dad (Guy Petersen) on our fourth-generation family farm in Jones County, and I know the kind of long hours that go into feeding and fueling the world.

     “So to be able to bring that passion for agriculture to the microphone each and every day, and to be able to present it in a way that people enjoy that’s meaningful to them, and then being recognized for it, is something that is just very humbling. So I thank everybody who had a hand in making this decision.”

     Petersen lives in Cedar Rapids, but said he goes back to the family farm “nearly every day.”