Two industry allies recognized for impact on Kansas soy community

One individual and one company were recognized for outstanding service to Kansas soybean farmers. The Kansas Soybean Association and Kansas Soybean Commission presented two Friend of Soy awards at the luncheon of the Kansas Soybean Expo January 12.

An icon in the soybean industry, Kenlon Johannes, received the Friend of Soy Award, which honors a person, company or organization who has demonstrated the ability to work cooperatively with Kansas soybean farmers in their effort to improve markets and profitability. Johannes became CEO and Administrator of Kansas Soybean in 2001 and served in the role for two decades before retiring in 2021.

Previously, Johannes was executive director for Missouri Soybean and the Wisconsin Corn and Soybean Program. Donned the “Godfather of Biodiesel,” He played an instrumental role in developing the biodiesel industry and served as the first executive director of what is now Clean Fuels Alliance America. Johannes continues to impact the profitability of soybeans as the executive director of the Soy Aquaculture Alliance, a position he accepted in 2020.

24/7 Travel Stores also earned recognition as a Friend of Soy. In July 2020, 24/7 Travel Stores started blending biodiesel up to B20 with diesel sold at their pumps. The company retails those biodiesel blends at eight of their locations.

According to the company website, 24/7 Travel Stores are owned and operated by Triplett, Inc. based in Salina, Kansas. In 1963, Larry Triplett opened his first location, a Standard Station, on Interstate 70 and North Ninth Street in Salina. Currently, 24/7 Travel Stores has 10 locations along the I-70 and I-135 corridors throughout Kansas. Ted Augustine and Rob Pickrell accepted the award on behalf of 24/7.

Outgoing KSA and KSC board members were recognized for their service. Brent Emch, who represented Kansas soybean processors on the KSA board and Mickey Ransom, who represented the agronomy department at Kansas State University, were unable to attend and accept plaques recognizing their service.

Because no official recognition was given in 2021 due to cancellation of Expo, verbal accolades were given to Gary Robbins, Lucas Heinen and Dwight Meyer for their varying roles and years of service on the KSA board.

Corteva Young Leaders from Kansas received plaques, including Kendall and Austin Heiniger of the 2021 class and Adam Phelon from the 2022 class. James and Liz Moreland, 2022 leaders, were unable to attend to accept their plaque.

These awards are presented annually at the Kansas Soybean Expo and recipients are determined by the KSA board of directors. Expo is a project of KSA with funding from KSC.