SAN ANTONIO, T.X. (ASA) – The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognized North Dakota farmer Monte Peterson with its Distinguished Leadership Award during the 2026 ASA Awards Celebration at the Commodity Classic trade show in San Antonio.

The ASA Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes a soybean grower or association staff leader who has shown a high level of dedication and successfully led others to meet goals and achieve successes to benefit soybean farmers.

Monte has been an advocate for soybean farmers since 2006, when he joined the North Dakota Soybean Council board. He also served on the American Soybean Association board from 2014 until 2023.

During his time with ASA, Monte chaired the Trade Policy & International Affairs Committee. He was known for breaking down complicated topics, such as the China trade dispute, and guiding efforts to eliminate trade barriers and expand markets.

Monte served on the U.S. Soybean Export Council board from 2017 to 2023, including terms as vice chair, chair, and past chair. As chair of the USSEC board, he led them through the COVID-19 pandemic, participating in hundreds of virtual meetings, continuing to strengthen key trade relationships, and reinforcing that U.S. soy is a reliable, high-quality product.

Through the ASA Corteva Young Leader Program, Monte spent time with new farmer leaders, encouraging them to take on committee work and guiding them through how national policy connects back to their farms.

Colleagues often cite his steady guidance and willingness to listen as key to their development, both as producers and as community leaders.

Through his leadership, Monte left each organization he served more resilient, connected, and better equipped to advance the interests of soybean farmers in North Dakota, across the United States, and around the world.

ASA is pleased to congratulate Monte Peterson, winner of the 2026 ASA Distinguished Leadership Award.

Story from the ASA (American Soybean Association)