SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, U.S. — The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognized two individuals with lifetime achievement awards during its 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, U.S., from Feb. 27-March 1.

David Womack from Shelbyville, Tennessee, U.S., received the Lifetime Achievement Award – Association Focus and Dave Drennan from Chesterfield, Missouri, U.S., received the Lifetime Achievement Award – Membership Focus. The awards honor individuals who have provided outstanding leadership and dedication to the ASA and helped further the interests of soybean farmers.

Womack has been involved in the state and national soybean organizations for more than 30 years. Womack held leadership positions in ASA, was a founding member of the United Soybean Board (USB) and the last president of the American Soybean Development Foundation.

“In my opinion, you couldn’t find a more deserving and qualified individual who has committed more than Womack to serving the Tennessee and American soybean associations and to improving the standing of soybean producers everywhere,” said Julius Johnson, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Agriculture in his letter of recommendation for Womack.

Womack also served on the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), Tennessee Soybean Association (TSA) and Tennessee Soybean Producers Board (TSPB).

Drennan started his career with ASA in 1975 as newsletter editor. He was named interim field services director at 24. Drennan was ASA’s first membership manager in 1979 to spearhead ASA’s membership efforts. In that year, ASA’s membership increased 8% and more than 1,400 members from the previous year. Drennan was also recognized as the number one ASA regional manager for membership recruitment in 1980 from ASA’s 11 regions.

“Dave showed tremendous passion for ASA, its membership program, and farmers and thereby its market development goals including the development of state checkoffs in the Western soybean belt,” said Kenlon Johannes, executive Director, Kansas Soybean Association in his letter of recommendation for Dave Drennan. “His membership work led to strengthening of the state associations which in turn led to formation or solidification of the state checkoffs in those states.”

Drennan has also worked with the Illinois Soybean Association in 1983 as its director of operations. Drennan has worked for other agricultural associations including the National Corn Growers Association, Dairy Calf and Heifer Growers Association and currently serves as executive director for the Missouri Dairy Association.