Hello and Happy 2026!
As we are still just a few weeks into a fresh new year, I find myself marveling at the complexity that is time. It feels like just a year or two ago that I attended my first American Society of Agricultural Consultants conference in St. Louis, Missouri, in October 2019. And at the same time, a whole lifetime ago.
Honestly, I stumbled upon that conference as I was looking for a way to increase my succession planning knowledge and skills and found Dick Wittman’s course. Your registration for Dick’s course was discounted if you attended the ASAC conference in conjunction, so after looking at the ASAC Annual Conference Agenda, I figured it would be worth it to go a few days early and attend. I told myself I would “feel out” the organization and evaluate if it would be worthwhile to become a member.
I took advantage of the networking built into that agenda to meet new people, a handful of which are still very active in the organization and whom I recognize as mentors and friends. One of those conversations was with a Kansas cowboy (who I honestly think could double as Sam Elliott) where we chatted about my cattle in Montana, the benefits of ASAC and a few of projects as a consultant. That kind, bow tie wearing gentleman was John M. Jackson. And even though, since that initial meeting, we have only crossed paths once, its not the conversations that I have had with John that have left the strongest impression on me but his actions that are most worthy of admiration and imitation.
In 2023, in Fresno, California, John was awarded the ASAC Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions not only to the organization but also to the ag consulting industry. This fall in Indianapolis, we awarded John with an Honorary Lifetime Membership to the organization. These awards are not given out without careful consideration and for the true acknowledgement of service and commitment to the industry.
John wasn’t able to join us in Indianapolis and over the holiday season a few of his good friends and fellow ASAC members were able to break bread with him and his wife and present him with the Honorary Lifetime Membership certificate in person. Even though I have known John for only a few years, I can recognize his unwavering support for this organization through his participation and continued work in the agriculture industry.
Organizations like ASAC thrive on the commitment and sacrifice of many. When it feels like too much to keep driving forward, I remind myself of the many, many great individuals who have stepped up and through their actions, illustrated the importance of this organization. My desire to continue their work helps to keep me focused and motivated. I recognize I stand on the shoulders of giants, and I am thankful that one of those is John Jackson. So how do we mirror John’s servant leadership actions ourselves….
Abigail Byerly
president@agconsultants.org
Standing Committees:
Membership – Pete Weisenberger - peteweis846@gmail.com
Nominating – David Mielnicki - david.mielnicki@nmrk.com
By-Laws – Don Tyler - don@dontyler.com
Accreditation (CAC) Committee - Bill Zweigbaum - bill.zweigbaum@gmail.com
Ethics and Grievance – Ethan Robertson - ethan.robertson@farmcrediteast.com
Continuing Education – Scott Mickey - smickey@clemson.edu
Annual Meeting – Josh DeGraw - Josh.degraw@nmrk.com
Finance – Keith Raynor - keith@trpsumner.com
Ad Hoc Committees
Marketing and Promotion – Open
