The farmer-leaders of the Kentucky Soybean Association (KSA) created a scholarship in memory of George H. Martin. Martin, of Nebo, was actively involved with both KSA and the Kentucky Soybean Board. The Kentucky Soybean Association was founded in 1970, and George became involved not long after. He was the first agent of the Association’s first office, collecting membership dues and representing the organization. He and his wife, Linda, kept the books and sent out correspondence from Kentucky’s first soybean office, which happened to be their dining room table.
Martin served in leadership roles in KSA including as secretary and treasurer from 1976 to 1983, vice president from 1984 to 1987, and President from 1988 to 1992. He served as Vice-Chair of the Ken-Ten Council, made up of Kentucky and Tennessee Soybean Farmers, and was Vice-Chairman in 1991.
Martin also served on the checkoff side, including as Chairman of the Board in 2005. He was one of Kentucky’s first representatives to the United Soybean Board and is one of the few farmer directors to complete two nine-year terms on USB.
In February 2003, the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board joined the Southern Soybean Research Program (SSRP) with George serving as our state’s representative. He was elected Chairman of that organization, a position he held until his passing in January of 2020.
Martin served as Kentucky’s representative to the Soy Aquaculture Alliance (SAA) since 2012 and was elected Chairman in December 2013.
In addition to serving in elected and/or appointed official capacities, George (and his wife Linda) were selfless volunteers at numerous events throughout the year. They worked multiple shifts at our Kentucky State Fair and the National Farm Machinery Show, in addition to setting up a soybean checkoff booth at various smaller events. George was a staunch advocate for soy biodiesel and worked for numerous years in our booth, shared with the National Biodiesel Board, during the Mid America Truck Show. George H. Martin was well-known and well-respected for his knowledge of the soybean industry, and the farmer-leaders of KSA wanted to do something to honor that legacy.
Guidelines and Requirements
Children and grandchildren of Kentucky Soybean Association members who are interested in pursuing a degree in agriculture or related field at an accredited college, university or a community and technical college are eligible to compete for the $1,000 scholarship. This scholarship is NOT restricted to incoming freshman students.
This year’s winner is Elizabeth (Libby) Alexander.
Libby, a 2023 graduate of Trigg County High School, wrote in her application that she is excited to attend Tarleton University in Stephenville, Texas in the fall. She is an avid rodeo competitor and plans to continue her rodeo career at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree in Agriculture Communication.
One thing that stood out in Libby’s application is the amount of time she spends in BETA Club, National Honors Society, FFA, Next Generation Youth Leadership, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes in addition to her commitments to the Kentucky High School Rodeo Association and the Tri-Star Little Britches Rodeo Youth Board.
Juggling all of these commitments, along with the time it takes to tend to her horses, practice her rodeo skills, and attend the events themselves is impressive enough, but maintaining a 3.8 grade point average – including some dual-credit college courses – is testament to her abilities as a self-directed learner.
Libby is the daughter of Charity and Barry Alexander of Cadiz, and we wish her well in her future endeavors.